Celebrating Women: In Times Like These

Dear Friend,

We find ourselves in deeply uncertain times.

Across the world, suffering and injustice continue to unfold in devastating ways. The weight of displacement, loss, hunger and the erasure of human dignity touches every corner of the globe. These are not just headlines, they are the cries of real people, many of whom are our brothers and sisters in faith.

Here at home, the challenges of poverty, inequality, violence, and the remnants of our divided past press heavily on our communities. And yet, even in this brokenness, we find glimpses of hope in the people who refuse to give up; especially the women who stand on the frontlines of resistance and healing.

As South Africa marks Women’s Month, we honour the legacy of the courageous women who marched against the injustices of apartheid in the 1950’s; their voices echoing through time with the cry: “Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo!” (“You strike a woman, you strike a rock”). Their defiance laid the foundation for a movement that continues today in the lives of women who serve their communities with quiet strength and unshakable faith.

We honour Oomama Bomthandazo (the mothers of prayer), who carry the spiritual burdens of communities in lament and intercession. We celebrate the women who leave their homes daily to find work, not only to feed their families but to preserve the dignity of their communities. We see the strength of women running small businesses on the streets and leading companies in corporate boardrooms. We applaud women who challenge systems which marginalise women, such as women in academia pushing back patriarchal boundaries. We remember women in church leadership who nurture communities with both wisdom and vision.

At The Warehouse, one of our deepest joys and privileges is walking alongside these women, who are  leaders in their churches, inspiring and equipping them to lead transformative and justice-centred initiatives. For we believe the local church is uniquely positioned to be a place where healing takes root, where inequality is challenged, and where the Gospel is lived out through radical inclusion and dignity. Whether through trauma-informed ministry training, theological reflection, or practical tools for community engagement, we have seen women lead with courage, creativity, and deep spiritual insight, shaping congregations that embody the peace and justice of God’s Kingdom.

May you be inspired to do the same; to become churches that carry the hope of Christ into broken places, as we  serve with dignity, never losing sight of the bigger story God is writing among us. The resilient spirit of these women must continue to remind us that the work of justice is not abstract; it is found in the choices we make daily to listen, to serve, to speak out, and to work together for a more just future. AMEN.

Yours in Solidarity,

Oomama Bomthandazo are fellowships of mothers who gather every Thursday to pray in many of South Africa’s mainline churches. They are sometimes affectionately called Oomama BangoLwesine – Mothers of the Thursday.

A Story of Hope: Siyakhula & The Bay City Church When disaster strikes in communities like Capricorn, Vrygrond, and Overcome Heights, the impact can be devastating, sometimes up to 19 people sharing a single home are affected at once. In these moments, Tracey and Errol Valentine step in through their organisation Siyakhula (“we are growing”) with more than just emergency relief. They journey with people toward dignity, purpose, and flourishing.

Through journeying with The Warehouse, they’ve gained tools, training, and the strength of a holistic community engagement. As Tracey and Errol put it: “Whatever it is you have, give it to God, and see God multiply it.” Their story shows what’s possible when churches are inspired, equipped, and connected to serving together.
Watch/Read their story below.

For a written narrative of this video Click Here

This is a pay-what-you-can event. The suggested price is R100.
Get your tickets here: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/329653-holding-the-line-on-justice-and-faith-beyond-the-backlash/#/

Our New Website is Live!!! Go check it out https://www.warehouse.org.za/

This winter, we embarked on Uhambo; a 6-month journey of theological formation, social engagement, and leadership development with ten courageous church leaders from Cape Town’s under-resourced communities.

So far, the group has journeyed through our first learning phase: Reading and Interpreting the Context. Leaders immersed themselves in their own churches and communities, mapped out their local realities, and walked the streets of Cape Town on a moving pilgrimage from the Slave Lodge to District Six and Langa, exploring the intersection of faith, land, and justice.

Now in August, we enter Theology Month, where we’ll engage film, contextual Bible reading, and kingdom theology, asking what it means to lead with a faith that heals, liberates, and restores.

This is not just training. It’s a journey of the heart and the early steps are already stirring deep reflection, imagination, and solidarity among the leaders.

Some Key Highlights of What Our Team Has Been Doing. To follow our events visit: https://www.warehouse.org.za/events/list/

We’re thrilled to welcome Dr Selena Headly to The Warehouse family! An experienced Urban Trainer with Resonate Global Mission, Selena brings a wealth of wisdom, passion, and deep commitment to community transformation. She is serving as a long-term volunteer with The Warehouse, walking alongside our team and partners to strengthen and equip those working for justice and peace in our cities. We are excited for her presence with us and the impact she is already bringing!

We would like to ask you to consider partnering financially with us as we seek to see the church living out the peace and justice of God in new and transformative ways.

In this month of women, we are excited to announce that Speaking Power to Truth, written by Colleen Saunders, is now available on an online platform. Unfortunately at the moment this is only valid for people in the UK, USA and EU, for which we sincerely apologise. The link for ordering on this platform is http://books.by/fynbos-publishing. South Africa and Africa details will be updated as soon as it becomes available. Hard copies can still be ordered by contacting Colleen at lindacolleen.15@gmail.com. Colleen has recently completed an online teaching series based on the book, for members of Micah Global, a world-wide community of Christians working in relief, development, creation-care and advocacy. 

Meet Our Team: Zenzile Molo, Phaphama Zosiwe, Luthando Tofu, Nicole Hall, Lester Sedras and Selena Headly.