South Africa
Gerhard and Elmane le Roux have 10 children in their care. You read that right. 10.
They have as many adopted and fostered children as biological children.
Most recently, they added an orphaned set of twins - a boy and a girl - to their brood of 8. Being joyfully willing to accept responsibility for a life is always an extension of God’s love and provision, and an exercise of faith.
The 10 le Roux children.
The le Roux's town, Onseepkans, South Africa.
Because of where they live, this is especially true for the le Rouxs.
The family of 12 lives in a farming settlement without a grocery store, which means things aren't "cheaper by the dozen." Most of what these ITMI partners feed their children and guests that frequent the mission is grown on their property.
A group of middle school kids drops by the mission for a snack.
Gardening is not a hobby for this family! It’s their lifeline.
Having produce to share has also opened many doors to ministry. Teaching others to grow vegetables, educating others on nutrition, sharing bounty with the hungry and more recently, providing several jobs for people of the community.
The garden at Onseepkans Mission before it was covered with protective netting.
Talitha le Roux teaches children from the community gardening skills.
The twins have been fostered at Onseepkans Mission for just over a year. They are growing and flourishing as members of the household.
The twins' extended family has been watching closely. When they hit their own bumps in the road, they knew where to turn. The twins’ uncle, the brother of their mother, recently approached Gerhard and Elmane, asking for help.
The le Rouxs used to live and minister with a group of other families at Moreson Mission in Malmsbury, just outside of Cape Town. Onseepkans Mission remains closely associated with the ministry there.
Moreson Mission has a highly effective ministry to those struggling with addictions.
A high percentage of the Northern Cape area around Onseepkans suffers under the curse of alcohol and drug abuse. These vices and the accompanying immorality is a vicious cycle, causing destruction in suffering all around.
Watching the cycle continue is heartbreaking for the le Roux family. Their heartache is one of the reasons they’ve endured many hardships to remain in Onseepkans and be ambassadors of blessing and flourishing for this community.
The twin’s uncle confessed how difficult it is for him to resist the temptations in the local settlements. He wanted to get away to a quiet place where he could seek the Lord.
Onseepkans Mission gladly assisted him in getting to Moreson Mission. At the same time he was at Moreson, his wife began working in the le Roux’s home, and as a result, started having counseling sessions with Gerhard and Elmane.
Gerhard summarizes, “We do not know the Lord’s plans, but we do know that they are seeking the Lord and we encourage them to seek His will for their lives. Please make a special effort to put this family on your prayer list.”
If not for the le Roux’s presence in Onseepkans, this family would not have had anywhere to turn.
Because Gerhard, Elmane and their children have sacrificed deeply, worked tirelessly and loved unconditionally, this family had a place to turn when they needed it most.
Knowing that we stand with them emotionally and spiritually means the world to our partners.
Receiving financial support from ITMI donors allows faithful workers like the le Rouxs to be in the field, available to be conduits of blessing and Good News.
If not for your support, Onseepkans Mission wouldn’t have had resources to respond to this request. The le Roux's supporters continually play a crucial role in blessing this often-overlooked community.
