The Faith Group acquired their current headquarters in East London, South Africa in September 1999 as a direct action based on a vision from God given to Ps André Roebert. On 5 May 1999, acting on an urging of the Holy Spirit, Ps André stopped next to one of the old Farmers Cooperative Union wool warehouses on the banks of the Buffalo River, next to East London harbour, and walked inside.
While on the main auction floor God showed him a vision of what this old building would be turned into in the future, housing many ministries under one roof. Spurred on by the Spirit of God he immediately contacted the owners and started negotiating the purchase of the 55 000 square metre building. At the time the owners had received, and turned down an offer to purchase the building for R16 million from another interested party. The instructions from God were clear and Ps André offered R4.5 million, which through the intervention of God was accepted by the FCU.
Since September 1999 the old warehouse has undergone consistent renovation to house the different departments and divisions of the ministry. Today it has three television studios, a broadcast playout centre for three satellite channels, administration offices, humanitarian aid warehouses, storage facilities, a Bible school, classrooms, canteens and workshops.
The main broadcast studio (housed on the original auction floor) has been earmarked for a major renovation, borne out of necessity. The original saw-tooth warehouse roof, constructed of asbestos and steel, had through the years taken a real beating from the weather and was on the verge of total collapse. In April 2015 we embarked on the renovation, now simply referred to as the "Faith Dome" — an exciting R30 million (Phase 1) faith project to step into the next expansion God has in store for His Kingdom.
Watch the shortened version of the documentary: Faith Dome — The Journey
Dr André Roebert had an encounter with the Lord and received the vision of what would become the Great Faith Dome. The old FCU wool warehouse was purchased for R4.5 million.
All equipment moved from Studio A to Studio B, including construction of a new stage. Project cost: R1 000 000.
Lifting of the asbestos and steel roof. Oregon Pine floors lifted to be sold.
- Casting of concrete floors and reinforcing
- Erection of steel girders for the dome room
- Steel tie-backs for seating
- Roof covering
- Band stage construction
- Internal walls and raker seating
- Band stage construction
- Roof canopy and fire escapes
- Final seating and carpeting
- Sound desk and house lights
- Sprinkler and smoke detection systems
- Electrical and floor finishes
Faith Dome officially opened after delays due to the global pandemic. A dream fulfilled — the full vision not yet complete.