If You Could Visit Onseepkans, South Africa

Steve always says that although he is the one that physically gets to go to all the remote places where ITMI partners are serving faithfully, all ITMI supporters are "with" him, because of the profound impact you are making in all of those places. 

Last fall (2015), ITMI's Director, Steve Evers, visited the le Roux family in Onseepkans, South Africa. ITMI Board member, Jon Dekkers and ITMI Monthly contributor, Steve Lee were with him. 

So, what would you have seen if you were able to visit Onseepkans Mission with our ITMI team?

The first thing you'd most likely be struck by would be the remoteness of this location. 

You'd gain a deeper understanding for the community's dependance on the Orange River... 

...and farming. 

You'd experience how their land and home, which they call Onseepkans Mission, not only allows the survival of the family, but also is leveraged to benefit the community in every way possible.

You'd be welcomed into the le Roux's home enthusiastically.

Maybe you'd help set up the tables to the dining set up to accommodate the family and their guests.

You'd enjoy simple fare, labored over with love. (Many everyday tasks are labor intense in this rustic environment.)

You'd enjoy fresh produce from the le Roux's land and garden.

You'd understand how important the garden is for the family's livelihood. 

And get a feel for how hard Gerhard and his family work in it. 

You'd rejoice over God blessing them with a flourishing garden. 

You'd see the family's goat-raising operation, and understand how the le Roux family uses their knowledge in that area to benefit the community. 

You'd experience the gathering of God's people - the le Roux's church - to worship in a home.

Maybe you'd even stand up and serve by leading a song!

 

You'd get to see for yourself how the weekly Kids' Club meetings go. 

Maybe you'd remember the unusual story that led to the beginnings of this ministry and see even more clearly God's hand at work to reach this community through the le Roux family as you heard the Bible lesson taught.

You would meet the kids who eagerly come to Onseepkans Mission each week.

You'd praise God for the creativity and unique beauty He placed within each one of them, and for the demonstration of this through their artistic expression.

Like Steve Lee and Jon, you'd enjoy the company of the le Roux family, and be inspired by the joy they exhibit in the Lord's work.

You might be lucky enough to sit and chat with Elmane le Roux, and you'd hoard the wisdom that drips from her words.

You'd be touched as you might overhear a conversation between Elmane and a local woman, in which Elmane graciously honors her neighbor by listening and caring well. 

You'd leave Onseepkans with sorrow and joy. Sorrow for leaving behind the relationships built and bonded over shared gospel work, even in a short visit, and the joy of knowing God has placed this faithful family of ambassadors here, in this place, at this time, for this specific work.