South Africa
For many of the people from the communities in Northern Cape, South Africa, it is an unreachable dream that their circumstances will ever improve.
A better life is for someone else - not them. There's nothing they can do to change their circumstances.
And the God they've heard about so many times before doesn't act or care.
The socio-economic gap is vast in Onseepkans.
A commercial grape farm in Onseepkans highlights the gap, making a "better life" seem unattainable.
Trusting God Brings Freedom to Work Hard
ITMI's Onseepkans Mission is planted in this agricultural community, with the goal of demonstrating the Gospel's implications and hope for everyday life.
Many in this area have exposure to church and religious language, so they aren't super responsive when they hear about Jesus. They've heard about God before.
So the le Roux's mission often begins with demonstration. They demonstrate God's love. They reflect God's care for people through their own.
And they work hard, trusting in God for the results.
Their demonstration of the Gospel implications on all they do and every square inch of life does get attention. That's not something many have seen before.
How Hard Work Points to Jesus
Gerhard shares,
"Through our projects we hope to...show those around us that by trusting God and to doing what you can with what is available to you, you can, with God’s help, better your circumstances.
As we continue to develop our different projects, we experience that not only does it help our mission, but it also serves as a witness to the communities around us what can be done if we are willing to dedicate ourselves to the task and trust God for the results.
We experience on a continuing basis people visiting us and being encouraged by our projects."
3 Onseepkans Mission Projects
1.Gardening. Onseepkans Mission operates an expansive garden. They rely on its bounty to feed the family of 10 and others who help on the property.
Gerhard has used his gardening experience to serve on local committees improving the water available to farmers.
He's given seminars on gardening in isolated villages in Zambia, resulting in improved nutrition, as well as the enjoyment of new tastes and flavors, for the neglected villagers.
Now, he's working on a training manual to equip the local communities to establish community or self-sustainable gardens. The family hopes to offer trainings along with the manual in the surrounding Northern Cape communities!
The manual is comprised of five modules: the basics of gardening, the needs of plants, composting, irrigation and seed and seedlings.
Gerhard working hard in the Onseepkans Mission garden.
Through their garden, the le Rouxs are demonstrating that God cares about the physical needs of His people.
They are showing the community that when you receive a blessing, such as bountiful harvest, it's so you can then also bless others. The lush green garden also shows off God's creativity and beauty!
2.Pottery.
Gerhard and Elmane recently got a pottery studio set up in a building on their property. One of their first projects was presenting a pottery exhibition as part of a recent local Heritage Day Celebration.
The hope is that they could start supplying pottery to farmers' stalls on the road to Upington, where traverse once a month for necessities.
The mission has already had some inquiries about pottery classes from people in the area and surrounding communities, which would provide another opportunity to declare and demonstrate the Good News.
3.Chickens.
The le Roux's eldest daughter, Martie, is passionate about raising a hardy breed of chickens developed specifically for the harsh conditions of South Africa, called "Bosvelders." The mission has 40 chickens, and a few of the hens are busy breeding!
The chickens supply eggs bountifully for the mission. The next step is sharing the bounty by supplying nearby farms with chickens, too.
Martie's chickens.
Martie le Roux at Onseepkans Mission.
The le Rouxs are busy demonstrating the Gospel all over their land and in their city. They wouldn't be there without your support.
It's your sacrifice that keeps them making ends meet and projects like these three growing. It's your support that helps our partners know - they aren't alone.
God's people are behind them, lifting them up in prayer and meeting their physical needs.
Your contribution is so important. We couldn't do any of this without you!
About the Authors
Summer Kelley is a writer and follower of Jesus living in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and three kids. She’s had the honor and privilege of telling ITMI’s stories since 2006. Summer loves reading, the outdoors and Coca-Cola Classic.