Interview by: Gillian Fraser
Article source: JOY! Magazine

In a nation facing many challenges, the Tim Tebow Foundation (TTF) is making a real difference by bringing faith, hope, and love to vulnerable communities across South Africa. Through its partnership with Impact Africa, TTF is helping to address the heartbreaking crisis of baby abandonment while offering meaningful care and long-term support to struggling families.

Saving lives through TTF Impact Baby Rescue
Every day in Johannesburg, an estimated three to four babies are abandoned. Some are left in dustbins, toilets, or on the side of the road. For every child found alive, at least two are discovered too late. “TTF Impact Baby Rescue exists to provide life-saving alternatives to baby abandonment,” says Demi-Leigh Tebow. “The ministry includes five TTF Promise Homes to address a critical need in the community: providing a safe place for babies that have been abandoned.” Each Promise Home offers more than a roof over a baby’s head. These homes provide love, essential nutrition, healthcare, and around-the-clock care until the baby can either be reunited with family or adopted into a forever home.

Support for at-risk mothers
“In addition, TTF Impact Baby Rescue provides counselling centres supporting at-risk pregnant mothers and families,” Demi-Leigh explains, “the incredible TTF Impact Baby Rescue team offers secure ways for mothers to surrender their infants safely when they feel as if they have no other options. In these cases, the team immediately works with the local government to ensure all safety and legal procedures are followed, and the babies receive the best care possible. On top of this, our TTF Impact Baby Rescue team is in front of over 2000 expecting mothers weekly in the heart of the highest abandonment locations in this region with the goal of offering life-saving information and support.”

A beacon of hope in the community
Prevention is just as important as rescue, which is why TTF has also invested in long-term support through the TTF Impact Campus. This facility offers education, counselling, and resources for vulnerable families. Demi-Leigh shares, “What sets the TTF Impact Campus apart as a beacon of hope in its community is offering both education and resources to vulnerable families in need.”

Education at the heart of the vision
At the centre of the campus is a school that will eventually host ten classrooms. Currently, it serves children in grades 1, 2, and 3, and the school recently added a classroom for children with special needs called “The Royals”. These young learners now have access to quality education and a faith-centered foundation.

Empowering families with faith
This campus is more than just a facility. It represents a shift from survival to empowerment. “It represents breaking cycles of neglect, abandonment, and poverty – empowering families to make the choice of building their futures centred around faith, hope, and love,” says Demi-Leigh.

Rooted in prayer and wise counsel
For both Demi-Leigh and her husband, Tim, faith is at the centre of every decision they make. Their approach to ministry is one of obedience and intentionality. “We always say, if we can just pursue one more life, it would have been worth it,” says Demi-Leigh. “When it comes to making decisions, something that is so important to Tim and I is seeking wise counsel – before every big decision, we try to seek advice from pastors, friends, and family that know us well. And of course, with a lot of prayer!”

A call to live out the Word
As Christians, we are reminded of James 1:27, which calls us to look after orphans and widows in their distress. The work of TTF is a beautiful example of this verse in action. Through its efforts to rescue, restore, and resource communities, the Tim Tebow Foundation is not only saving lives but also transforming hearts. In the words of Isaiah 1:17, “Learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow.”

Get involved
To find out more or to support the ongoing work of the Tim Tebow Foundation in South Africa, visit timtebowfoundation.org

This article is featured in the June issue of JOY! Magazine. Read a digital version of this magazine here: joygifts.co.za

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Date published: 08/06/2025

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