More than 25 years ago, God spoke to Leonie in the middle of the night, calling her to a place called Yeovil. It seemed inconceivable that a single woman from South Africa could plant a church half way across the world, but Leonie believed and waited on God to fulfil His promise.

Having been greatly influenced by the ministry of Brent Rue, Leonie went on to spend a formative time at the Vineyard School of Ministry (VSOM) with the Desert Vineyard in California. At the time Desert Vineyard was still meeting at the Antelope Valley Fairground in Lancaster.

Upon returning to South Africa, Leonie met Hendrik and they got married in 1995. It was also at this time that God started speaking to Hendrik about the call on his life and it wasn't long when Hendrik & Leonie were contacted by and returned to VSOM, this time to be on staff.

They got exposed to the teachings of a wide range of pastors and teachers, both in the Vineyard and without. They also had the opportunity to visit and get involved in the compassion ministry at Anaheim Vineyard, which had a big impact on them.

The School of Ministry was located on a ranch near Lake Hughes and students from all over the world came for 3 months in the Spring and Fall. Part of the school was an outreach, either to Mexico or Russia.

The outreach ministry at Anaheim was huge. Trucks were loaded with food, clothing and equipment, and then set out to do a block party in a neighborhood. They provided free medical care in addition to prayer, entertainment and fun for the kids, as well as providing groceries and clothing.

It was important for them to be recognized and released by the Vineyard church in the UK, so in 2001 they arrived in London and joined Riverside Vineyard Church. They began leading small groups and started an inner healing ministry. Leonie also went on staff at the church office, which was a great experience and a time of equipping for her. During this time, Hendrik & Leonie underwent the church planting programme with Rick Williams, and in 2007, felt that God was releasing them to go to Yeovil.

What followed was a difficult and testing time with changing jobs, selling and buying houses, and getting to a place where they had a suitable space in which to welcome people. They finally began meeting as a small group in June 2009. The small group grew and they began to prepare the group to be the nucleus of the church plant.