LifeMatters Foundation

serving the future...

The LifeMatters Foundation (LMF) was established by the Meadowridge Baptist Church to serve the youth of the greater Constantiaberg area. However, it now also functions beyond these boundaries and in partnership with other churches. LifeMatters Foundation is active in schools ranging from the economically privileged to the economically challenged. We believe that all kinds of children in all kinds of schools have real needs which are not being met. LifeMatters Foundation's core purpose is to positively impact the lives of school children through sensitive intervention at many levels, believing that with God as their foundation they will find true value, purpose and healing.  

For more information about what LMF is doing in the community, take a look at some of our newsletter back-issues:

Issue 1: November 2008

Issue 2: March 2009

Issue 2: June 2009

Issue 4: September 2009

Pathfinders Camp 2009: On the path to success

Recently LMF and a team of volunteers took the Grade 8 class from Lourier Primary School on a leadership camp. It is remarkable that by spending three days with these children we were able to dramatically impact their lives. At the same time we found that the children had a great deal to teach us.

As Dani, an LMF intern, explains:

'For me, this camp was a life changing experience not only did it challenge me emotionally but it challenged my own way of thinking. As a leader on the camp I really got to know some of the kids’ one on one and understand what these kids are truly dealing with. It was a great way of giving back and I understood how giving of your time and love is more valuable than anything. It was great to see how God was at work at this camp and how His love ultimately changed these kids forever. The experience of sharing my life experience with the kids and unifying the different cultures within the grade was miraculous. This experience will be forever with me.'

Taking fifty-three, 12-15 year olds on camp is no small task, there is the inevitable excitement and craziness of unpacking, settling into dorm rooms and ensuring everyone has ALL their luggage. The hype of the treasure hunt, clue game, mini olympics and water balloon wars. The daunting tasks of facilitating meal times or better yet clean up times.

The thrill of seeing them beginning to trust you, open up to you and receive revelation. The heart breaking times of hearing about their tragedies while at the same time being amazed by their resilience and ability to laugh. The challenge of getting everyone to bed and into their own beds at a decent hour.

The blurry-eyed mornings where coffee is the most welcome sight. Facilitating group time. Laughing at their antics. Mediating arguments. Cleaning up spilt paint, or milk or juice. Getting the children to keep quiet. Making sure everyone is where they’re supposed to be and then suddenly packing up, taking photos and saying goodbye to children you have come to love. All this in the space of three days!

Julie, the LMF Coordinator, reflects that:

“The Camp was an amazing opportunity to build relationships with the children which provided a foundation for sharing and learning from each other.  I feel that lives were definitely changed as the children were given a chance to think about themselves and their future choices.  This experience was truly rewarding for me as a leader and I feel that this project will have a positive impact firstly, on the school and in turn, on the local community”

Since the camp, LMF has begun working with the Grade Eights during weekly sessions. The principal has allowed us to spend one hour with them every week where we are expanding on the messages of the camp. This includes looking at emotions, self-esteem, family matters, choices and consequences, substance abuse, gangsterism, physical/sexual abuse among other topics.

We believe that these times are of great significance and have been privileged to witness children evaluate their current choices and make decisions to follow a different path.

Once again thank-you to all of you for sharing in this experience directly and indirectly. I hope that it inspires you to know that you were a big part of bringing hope and love to the Grade eights of Lourier Primary.

Thanks from the Grade Eights:

“When they (the leaders) mentioned that someone had sponsored me I felt special because I was cared for by total strangers, thank-you”

“This experience has changed my life for the future to come…it has not only changed my life but the other children’s lives, it has changed their attitude and the way they feel about themselves”

“Thank-you for your support and care and kindness. I did not know that I could choose God and now I know that God is great and lovely and He is everywhere…”

“At first I did feel afraid to do things on the camp but now I am feeling free-something has touched me inside, maybe it could have been God that touched me”

“It has been a fantastic time on camp. We learnt so much things that will help us in life, to live free from drug abuse and alcohol.”