ABOUT THE PROJECT
The River Group acquired their current headquarters in East London 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 and offer to purchase the building for R16 million from another interested party. The instructions from God was 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, has through the years taken a real beating from the weather and is on the verge of total collapse. Since the main studio is used to broadcast the main services and major events hosting international speakers and artists, the renovation cannot be delayed any longer. The current situation is so bad that when there is rain or wind during a broadcast recording, cameras and crew have to seek shelter under plastic wraps to protect the equipment!
In April 2015 we embarked on the renovation, now simply referred to as the “Faith Dome”. This is an exciting R30 million (Phase 1) faith project to step into the next expansion God has in store for His Kingdom. The Gospel will be spread, as it has for the past decade, via many television channels, from the Studio in East London to the farthest corners of the globe.
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Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3
• Erection of steel girders for dome room
• Erection of steel tie-backs into floor that also functions as bases for audience seating
• Roof covering
Phase 4
• Raker seating installation
• Building of band stage
• Building centre stage
• Install new steel fire escapes
• Add roof canopy to entrance
Phase 5
• Completion od centre stage and carpeting
• Carpeting of band stage
• Building of sound desk
• Installation of Fire Sprinkler System
• Installation of Smoke detection System
• Installation of Effect Lighting & Sound System
• Installation of house lights
• Installation of electrical points
• Laying floor carpets