In 2002 Norman and Gabi Schaeffer, ministering at Florida Baptist Church saw the mushrooming housing developments appearing along Hendrik Potgieter Rd. heading westwards. They recalled as follows: There was a nudging in our spirits that such an influx of people needed a Church, and we started praying about the possibility of
planting a church in this area. We trusted God to provide the right place in His time. He did! We came across this piece of ground overlooking the valley in front of Snuggles Nursery School, which was for sale at the asking price of R500 000.

The property purchase was very much on our hearts because this was a faith venture. One day, by divine appointment a team from the USA landed on Florida Baptist’s doorstep to do evangelism. The leader, Dr. Dick Thomassian of TIME Ministries and one of his board members asked Norman what his vision was and where he needed help. Norman shared the vision of Ridgecrest and took them to the site. As we walked around the boundary of that property we prayed and at the end of the prayer time presented us with a ‘tithe’ of the price of the property. God had provided the first R50 000. A couple of weeks later friends of ours, Carl Martin from North Carolina in the US, phoned out of the blue. Carl’s aunt had died and he had wound up the estate. Now he needed a Christian place or ministry to send the tithe of the estate to. Joyfully we told him of Ridgecrest and what we would use the money for. A few weeks later R278 000 arrived toward the purchase of the property. The property was purchased on 15 September 2003. ​

 God works in amazing ways His wonders to perform. He provides His Church with hand chosen people to do His planned works of service. One such person is Bryan Berndt who came to Ridgecrest with vast experience in building operations, and who
became our building operations supervisor / manager. Without his huge enthusiasm, hard working drive and constant encouragement, this building would not have been ready for dedication today.

Bryan records the following miraculous events for which only God can be praised: At the beginning of March 2007, the Church received an account of R86 195 for rates and taxes from Jhb. City Council. We had R76 000 in the building fund. The Church was asked to pay or pray. Prayer prevailed and R86 154 was written off. The Lord’s intervention in writing off the amount in answer to prayer was the seal of His
will for us to go ahead with the Church building, and was the beginning of miracles.

The actual project started on 31 January 2009 with the Turning of the Sod Ceremony. The Civil Engineer required soil tests as the texture of the soil necessitated this. These tests would have involved more costs. After investigation it emerged that tests had been done years previously and the results were in the possession of Dave Jones. (Snuggles Crèche). Soil samples were also done on our plot – one hole was sunk where we intended to build. The Engineer accepted these soil reports and it was thus possible to throw the raft foundation on 28.05.2009. The finding of the soil test results and the fact that unbeknown to us tests had been done on our land was a real money and time saver. Up to this stage miracle upon miracle was evident. Bear in mind that the Raft Foundation cost R307 540 which was paid and R24 000 then remained in the Building Fund. In an amazing way we had reached an important milestone! God had provided and we believed He would complete the work. (I am aware that some doubted!)

The building work progressed steadily with finances meeting progress payments regularly with the involvement of the Cyril Black Trust and membership loan of R50 000 and certain adjustments to our loan from BNA.
Untiring work by the Congregation members to raise funds through jumble sales, scarves and pancakes ( & brown money) added to the coffers.
Donations from unknown and known sources, members and non members – some
small other large did not cease to amaze and cause great rejoicing.
A “Red letter Day” – 16 March 2012 when our application for electricity was approved and shortly thereafter connected. A most amazing miracle took place.