A weekend with Wave of Hope
From October 16th to 19th, our Groundswell Aid manager Sylven had the privilege of joining Senzo, the leader of Genesis Wave of Hope, for a powerful leadership camp weekend on the South Coast of South Africa.
The friendship between Senzo and Sylven goes back to 2022, shortly after the devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal Sylven teamed up with Rehgert and Vanessa from Aleph Surf for a waterfilter campaign in the region and that was how they met. Over the last few years Groundswell Aid was able to help by providing much-needed surf and skate equipment, over time, their connection has grown far beyond partnership. Today, they share a deep brotherhood, together with Senzo’s co-leaders Kwanele and Samkelo, who help run Wave of Hope.
Surfing, Discipleship, and Hope
Wave of Hope is more than just a surf program. It’s a ministry that uses surfing as a tool to reach and disciple young people from the surrounding communities of Port Shepstone. Through weekly Bible studies, discipleship sessions, and weekend surfs, Senzo and his team teach not only how to surf, but also how to live with purpose, integrity, and faith.
The Leadership Camp Experience
“It was such a blessing to be with Senzo, his team, and the kids over the camp weekend,” Sylven shares.
“It had been more than a year since we last spent time together in person at Wave of Hope.”
After being picked up at King Shaka Airport, the two shared a heartfelt drive, talking about life, ministry, and preparing for the weekend’s theme of forgiveness, based on Bruce Wilkinson’s 70×7 course.
The weekend started with an early morning surf at St. Mike’s. “The swell was solid,” Sylven laughs. “We got absolutely hammered by the waves, so we decided to join our brother Beast (Kwanele) on foam boards on the inside and just enjoy the moment!”
Later that morning, the team ran their Safe Play program, a beautiful outreach for children aged 2–4, creating a safe space to play, worship, and learn about God. Sylven also visited the Genesis Baby Care center, which cares for abandoned or vulnerable children under 4.
“It was heartbreaking to hear some of their stories,” he says, “but incredible to see how Genesis is raising up local leaders to love and care for these little ones 24/7.”
A Weekend of Forgiveness and Freedom
On Friday afternoon, the team packed up the vans and picked up the kids for the leadership camp. With homemade cakes and banana bread from a few moms, loud music, and big smiles, they made their way to a beautiful beach house, right by the ocean.
Each day was filled with laughter, games, small group discussions, and teaching sessions on forgiveness.
Over the weekend, they completed five sessions of the 70×7 course, and powerful conversations followed.
“One moment I’ll never forget,” Sylven says, “was when an 18-year-old boy shared that his mother had left him when he was five. He had tried to find her several times, but never could. During the camp, he learned to forgive her and set her free from his heart’s prison. It was deeply emotional but also a moment of healing and breakthrough.”
The weekend combined fun and transformation: team-building games, beach rugby, swimming, and deep spiritual growth.“It was such a wonderful time full of laughter, serious conversation, and God’s presence,” Sylven reflects.
“If you ever find yourself on the South Coast of South Africa, reach out to us or Senzo. We’d love to connect you Wave of Hope and Senzo would love to host you.”
