Freedom Life Church was planted in 1970 by a Greek missionary named Trevor Yoko. The church was called ‘Faith Outreach’ and mainly consisted of a drug rehab centre where meetings were conducted on the hill outside of town. The church worked with the Lions Club and the public to rehabilitate former drug addicts and lead them to the Lord. In 1980 Trevor and his wife, Val, were called to Newcastle.

In 1981 Piet and Lorna Grove were appointed pastors of the church. The land was bought in town and in 1985 the present facility was built. The name of the church changed to ‘Vryheid Christian Centre’. Piet and Lorna were called to Pretoria in 1989.

Wally and Shirley Gerstmeier became elders who lead the congregation. During that time the building and land were paid off and the church became debt-free. In 1996 ‘Vryheid Christian Center’ began to relate to NCMI (New Covenant Ministries International). Wally & Shirley were called to Cape Town to plant a church.

The leadership of Vryheid Christian Centre was handed over to Danie and Darleen van Tonder in 1999 and the name of the church became ‘Freedom Church International’. Although the intention was never to change the name of the church, the leadership felt that change was needed in order to move forward with what God had for the congregation. In 2001 ‘Inkululeko Babies Home’ was founded by Danie and Darleen. The home is registered as a Non-profit Organisation with the Department of Welfare and Population Development. The purpose of the home is a place of safety for abandoned, abused, and neglected babies affected by HIV. In 2010 Danie & Darleen were called to Midrand, Johannesburg.

In 2010 Martin & Karen Bouwer was appointed as the lead eldership couple and the church was named ‘Freedom Life Church’. At this point some of the children in ‘Inkululeko Babies Home’ had been there for quite a number of years, so the name changed to ‘Inkululeko Children’s Home’.

In February 2020, Martin & Karen handed the church over to Mark & Shammel as the lead couple. We are so expectant and excited for what Jesus still has in store for us, both here in Vryheid and also where ever we may go. To Him be the glory always……