Written by: Life Child
Article source: JOY! Magazine
A young boy was found on the beach, throwing starfish that had been swept to shore back into the sea. They were lined up all along the shoreline, as far as the eye could see. Watching him for some time, a man approached the young boy and asked why he was doing that, knowing he wouldn’t be able to save all the starfish. Calmly, with one of the starfish in his hand, the boy replied, “I can’t save all of them, but for this one, I’m making a difference.”
Kids eating lunch at Life Child Malawi
A beautiful journey
Anthony and Desiree Liebenberg were led to make a difference after fostering a young boy named Robert, who was in dire straits after losing family members, and with his mother critically ill with cancer.
Robert’s mother was miraculously healed and later reunited with her son; leaving the Liebenbergs wanting to do for many others as they had done for Robert. Together with Esvaldo and Annmaree Jorge, they co-founded Life Child over 20 years ago.
Cell group and prayer time at the Okalawo Children’s Village in Mozambique
The purpose of Life Child
Life Child exists to reach orphaned and vulnerable children and restore communities for generational change; one life at a time. Presently, their work spans four countries: South Africa, Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe; focusing on education, health and nutritional support, and spiritual and social development.
Championing the cause
In May this year, Anthony and Jacques van der Merwe set out to summit the 6500 m-high Mera Peak in Nepal, to champion the cause of Life Child. A Life Child Champion is someone who uses what they enjoy to raise awareness and funds towards the work of Life Child. Anthony and Jacques are seasoned hikers, having already climbed – on separate occasions – Mount Kilimanjaro and Everest Base Camp between them. Attempting to conquer Mera Peak together, and going through rigorous training regimes, they set out for Nepal, optimistic of a successful hike while creating awareness.
Anthony Liebenberg on route to the summit of Mera Peak
Forced to retreat
The weather didn’t entirely play ball, however, with numerous avalanches and such-like challenges that eventually brought their expedition to a halt; having no other recourse but to retreat. Very few, if any, could summit Mera Peak this time round, in what was considered ideal trek times.
Avalanches all around
On one of the nights, after falling and breaking his hiking pole in an effort to stop himself from sliding further down the mountain, Anthony recounts, “Literally every 20 minutes, we heard avalanches around us.”
Anthony Liebenberg (left) and Jacques van der Merwe (right) after the trek
A tough call to make
In one of his daily briefs Jacques shared, “I have a terrible flu, which does not bode well. Another two days of rest and recovery, and I will be good to go again; but time constraints now force me to abandon the summit attempt. It was a tough call to make, but there’s more to life than a summit trophy.”
A cancelled journey
These extreme conditions were relentless, curtailing their journey, but not their goal. Their efforts didn’t go unnoticed, garnering lots of traction and awareness; raising over R85 000 that would go directly towards making a difference for children in need.
Class photo outside Life Child preschool in Cape Town
You can make a difference
There are plenty of children around the world in need of our help, but with what we have and right where we are, we can make a difference, even if it’s just for one. Like Anthony, Jacques, and many others worldwide, you too can champion a cause by simply participating in an activity you enjoy and bringing others along to raise funds and awareness towards Life Child.
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Date published: 12/08/2023
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