Moreson Children’s Haven
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Timeline: On-going
Status: Currently operating
Topics: Orphaned and abused children
The Need
As a result of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, poverty, and a host of other factors, many children in South Africa are born unwanted by their parents. Many times, parents who don’t want the “burden” of raising children simply dispose of their offspring in any way that is convenient. A better solution is allowing someone who loves the Lord and children to raise these unwanted ones as their own. Gerhard and Elmane le Roux are Christian parents who provide such a solution.
Description
Gerhard and Elmane le Roux are currently raising eight children, all under the age of 9. The Le Roux family has expressed a willingness to adopt more as God allows. The le Roux family lives on the Moreson Farm, under the umbrella of KwaSizabantu (KSB), a long-standing ministry friend of ITMI and Frontline Fellowship (FF). The le Roux family is joined on the farm by several other KwaSizabantu ministries, including a Sunday worship service, a safe haven for battered women and recovering substance abuse victims, and a pro-life counseling ministry to those considering abortion.
The le Roux’s commitment to their children and to their ministry can be seen by taking a look at the living conditions they had before ITMI came in contact with them. The le Roux family of 10 resided in two bedrooms, and shared one small bathroom with up to as many as 19 people - including several abused women who took refuge at the farm.
The quality of Gerhard and Elmane’s character and the character they are instilling in their children was impressive to Bill Bathman, Founder of ITMI, Peter Hammond, Founder of Frontline Fellowship, and Steve Evers, Director of ITMI. They were all impressed by the overwhelming sense of humility that was shown to them by the le Roux family. The children are exceptionally well-behaved. Everyone who visits Moreson Farm are impressed with the respectful behavior of the children, who, because of sharing spaces, must be quiet much of the time so they aren’t an interruption to the other ministries in the house. The children are home schooled by Elmane, who loves teaching.
The History
Years ago, before they moved to Moreson Farm, the le Rouxs opened their home to abused children which the local officials would leave in their care. When they reached their maximum capacity, they arranged to move to Moreson Farm where they would have space for more children.The le Rouxs envision a farm full of children who will receive Biblical healing from their past scars. The surrounding beauty Moreson Farm’s rolling hills and the selfless humility displayed by the le Roux parents offer resources which create the perfect environment for abused children to find healing and restoration.
Goals
- Raise their children according to Biblical principles, in the fear and love of the Lord.
- Provide a safe haven and family for orphaned and abused children.
- Partner with the other ministries on the Moreson Farm to expand opportunities.
Needs
- Short-term missionaries and teams to complete projects on the farm.
- Funds to provide for the needs of the children.
- Funds to help expand and repair their home, allowing them to expand their ministry opportunities.
Who’s Involved
- ITMI to provide oversight and US awareness.
- KwaSizabantu providing local financial and spiritual accountability.
- Bill Bathman to provide guidance, support and advice.
