Our Story
Part 1: Living a life of purpose: Benjamin’s journey from rugby to rural Zambia
Benjamin du Preez pursued a career as a professional rugby player in France until he had a God-given dream in 1990 that changed his life forever. In his dream God spoke to him, and he realised that God had a bigger calling for his life than he could’ve ever imagined. Later, Benjamin and Celeste got married in 1992 and at their marriage they made a commitment to God to use them for His service and glory. Benjamin and Celeste are the parents to their three children, Benjamin, Louwnique and Zoë.
After years of dedicating themselves to missions across Africa, God called the Du Preez family to Zambia and so on this journey of faith the Du Preez family moved to rural Western Zambia. When people heard where they were going, much like in the earthly ministry of Jesus – they questioned them, “Can anything good come from this land?”
Although the struggles that the community faced were real, God sent renewed hope and light into Barotsi land through His goodness and the foundation.
Seeds of hope have been sown back into the community through agricultural projects, education and health care. Although they faced tremendous challenges – God’s grace has given them strength to preserve and today the once barren land has blossomed into the garden of Eden. The wonderful Name of Jesus is their reason for hope and the strength of the Lozi people.
Seeds of hope have been sown back into the community through agricultural projects, education and health care. Although they faced tremendous challenges – God’s grace has given them strength to preserve and today the once barren land has blossomed into the garden of Eden. The wonderful Name of Jesus is their reason for hope and the strength of the Lozi people.
Part 2: What we started with
– and how it’s changed
When the Du Preez family arrived in Zambia in 2010, they only had the basics. They had no farming equipment or infrastructure and stayed in tents for three years. All they had was a Word from the Lord to go into Zambia. God was the One who made impossible situations possible. He was the One who provided and protected for them.
Local people in the community had some questions of what the Du Preez’s were planning to do in the area, as there had been little agricultural activity. However, God made the impossible, possible in Western Zambia, because today, Liseli Farms is a thriving farm, flourishing with crops and orchards – local farmers have learned many modern farming methods and once where people thought nothing could grow, God has brought forth plentiful vegetation.
Education has also sprung forth as today Ahavah school stands – a school which started with one little girl in a reed house, to today where the school building stands – providing quality education to many children through the miraculous provision of God.
A modern clinic has been built which is the first of its kind in the area and it will provide immediate health care to locals who once had to travel far for basic medical care. God’s Hand has been on Liseli.
Part 3: how the NGO was established
“Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy”
Psalm 126:5
Our NGO was guided by the Scripture “Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy” (Psalm 126:5), the light of Jesus has shone into the community and hope has been brought back into the community.
The NGO was established out of Liseli Farms in order to make a bigger difference in the community. The inspiration of our foundation’s name stems from the local language. Liseli is a beautiful word out of the Lozi language meaning light and knowledge.
At Liseli Foundation we value sustainability and God has made it possible for our foundation to be structured upon a self-sustainable framework.
The Liseli Foundation is responsible for operating Ahavah school and administering feeding programs as well as supporting orphans and widows.
The foundation also assists local church growth which implements community development programs, organises outreaches and develops infrastructure and facilitates farmer training.
Part 4: more about the NGO
What is the NGO’s mission?
Liseli Foundation works with communities in Zambia to end the cycle of hunger and poverty, provide the highest standard of education for generational change, and establish primary health care facilities for effective medical care. Our NGO focus is Agriculture, Education, and Medical Care.
What is the heart of our NGO?
The heart of the Liseli Foundation is to make a difference where God has placed us. To extend His love and care to the people in our beautiful community. The ultimate goal of the Liseli Foundation is to give God all of the glory for what He has done in this community. It is all about Him.
Who do we minister?
We live among the Lozi people of West Zambia, which is where our NGO is registered. The Lozi people are highly intelligent, soft-spoken, and gentle people avoiding confrontation. They face many challenges daily (extreme poverty, low education, lack of health care) that we believe are being addressed through the NGO in creative and sustainable ways.
We know that God is busy in our, and their lives and that we are not just here for them, but they are also here for us.
Where are we based?
Our NGO is based in Southwest Zambia on the banks of the Zambezi River.