THEA Jarvis of TLC (Love of Christ Ministries) in Eikenhof, was celebrated for her passion, commitment, love and care of abandoned babies, at a high tea at the Copper Bar in Bryanston on July 20, with close friends and family.
Thea Began TLC 26 years ago from her home in Mulbarton, before moving out to Bronkhorstfontein, Eikenhof, to bigger premises which would accommodate more babies and toddlers.
Her lifetime love of babies began very early on when she was only a little girl herself. “I remember my mom saying to me, ‘One day Thea, you are going to look after orphans.’ Little did I know then that many years down the line I would be doing just this,” said Thea.
The first two babies Thea “adopted” from Chris Baragwanath Hospital.
“The sister at the hospital was astounded that a white woman wanted to take care of two black babies and she really didn’t believe me at first.
“We lived in a country where there was apartheid and it wasn’t the done thing for a white woman to want to care for black babies and children. I rang her four times a week until I think she just gave in and said, ‘Come and choose two babies.’
“I chose the two youngest at three weeks old and named them Joshua and Reuel. I can still remember their beautiful soulful eyes looking at me as I held them.
“God gave me a love for babies, who are so helpless and need so much and even today, years later, I go all gooey over babies.”
She thanked each and every one for coming to her party, all her children and her brother and said to her children, “I can’t imagine my life without you all. I love your stories and even though I am retiring from the hard work, I’ll still always be here for you to come to me.”
Brett Skolmen, chairperson of TLC’s board, a dear family friend and supporter of TLC, spoke a few words and told a story of a baby girl of five months old who was found in a township.
“This baby girl had no one and nothing and through TLC this little baby became our baby.”
Tommy Jarvis, one of Thea’s children, said, “I was 13 months old when I came to TLC, an upset and sick baby. I was born in Lesotho and came with my mother to Johannesburg when I was 10 months old.
“My mother couldn’t care for me as she had no money and TLC took me in. Now mom, it’s time for you to take a step back. This is a unique opportunity for you to rest and I wish you all the happiness in the world.”
Murphy Jarvis, another of Thea’s children, told of her mom’s love for her and how she has lived a beautiful life at TLC with her siblings.
Thea’s daughter Pippa said her mom has sought no reward over all the years of caring for babies and toddlers at TLC.
“She has never put herself first and now it’s time for her to rest and take care of herself. We have opened an account for mom to let her have a modest income which will look after her simple needs.
“If you would like to donate to this, the account is: Reference – Thea, TLC Ministries, Nedbank The Glen, account number: 1385039078, branch code: 138537. We appreciate any donations however big or small, with our love and thanks.”
As Thea cut her cake, which was made by Freda Donaldson from The Lemon Drop, the celebrations continued and a beautiful afternoon honouring a beautiful woman was shared.
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