South Africa
This article was originally published in the November 2017 edition of ITMI Monthly.
Friends, there’s no easy way to share this. But we feel like you need to know.
Our partners at Onseepkans Mission in South Africa are under attack.
The le Rouxs followed God’s call to leave their home and flourishing ministry outside Cape Town and move to the forsaken Northern Cape, where they established Onseepkans Mission.
The Mission’s purpose is to declare and demonstrate the Good News in the remote town that in some ways seems forgotten by the rest of the world.
To bless the town, they have made important contributions in the farming industry, blessed local goat-herders, helped feed the hungry, visited the elderly and sick, planted a tiny church.
Unheard of in this area, once a week, a group of kids gathers at the mission for “Kids’ Club” where they get to color with actual crayons, sing songs, and soak up individualized attention from caring adults.
The family has been so effective at displaying hospitality and blessing those around them that they are often joined for meals by townspeople.
In recent months, the le Roux family of 10 welcomed two local orphans into their family - in the middle of facing compounding medical needs and expenses beyond their means.
The 10 le Roux children in front of their home.
The le Roux children are very involved with the family's mission, showing love in Jesus' name through their help with the Kids' Club.
The le Roux's daughter serves the elderly in Onseepkans.
Their daughter, Loretta, recently needed eye surgery and their son still needs medical attention for a smashed finger. Both injuries were sustained as part of their joyful and willing contribution to their family’s mission: helping around the farm. Elmane, too, has some health needs that remain unaddressed.
Medical bills really add up in a family that large, especially when the nearest doctor is a fuel-draining 2 hour drive away.
“I hate to mention this,” ITMI’s Gerhard le Roux shared, “But my wife has 2 wearable blouses and one skirt left.” She and the children lack other basic necessities like shoes and socks.
Onseepkans is remote. So remote that the only grocers in town are one-room trading posts. Fuel is expensive, rationing the trek to shop in the nearest city to once per month.
Onseepkans is small and remote. The only groceries available are small trading posts.
The le Roux family works their land to feed themselves, but also must purchase some things from the nearest town.
The bottom line is that these faithful servants have some legitimate needs, needs that we can come together to meet.
God provides for His servants. We are resting in that. But He allows us the privilege of being alongside Him in His work.
Is He prompting you to let Him bless you with the opportunity to be a vehicle of His provision for the le Roux family?
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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.
Steve Evers has advocated for and served the ITMI partners as ITMI Director since 2001. Approximately once a year, Steve visits with ITMI partners in their countries and brings stories back to encourage supporters. Steve enjoys photography and mechanics, (both hobbies that have greatly benefited ITMI partners!) Prior to becoming ITMI's Director, Steve served on the Board of Directors for 4 years. Steve lives in Arizona with his wife, Darlene.