Rosalind Van der Westhuizen’s journey is one stitched with devotion, resilience, and compassion. Having immigrated from South Africa to the U.S. nearly 30 years ago, she carried with her parents’ legacy of giving. Her father, Reverend George McGregor, was a traveling preacher, and her mother, Mary, a devoted wife and mother, devoted their lives not only to evangelizing but also to their unwavering belief in feeding the hungry.

Now settled in White House, Tennessee, Rosalind and her husband, whom she met at one of her father’s revivals back in 1975, live in honor of that legacy.

For 24 years, Rosalind and her husband owned and operated Dan’s Repair Shop, a trusted local auto repair business. After selling the shop and stepping into retirement, the couple now devote their time and resources to giving back—both in their community and across the ocean in South Africa.

There, Linda’s Soup Kitchen, located in Paarl near Cape Town, has become a beacon of hope. Sponsored by Rosalind’s family, its namesake, Linda Williams, was just 13 years old when she was saved at one of Rosalind’s father’s revivals and, tragically, became homeless after being cast out by her mother.

Demonstrating the compassion her parents preached, the family welcomed Linda into their home. Today, decades later, Linda leads the soup kitchen, trusted implicitly to use the funds Rosalind sends to feed the hungry.

Every other day, people in need of a nourishing meal watch for a waving flag letting them know that the soup kitchen is open.

In addition to Linda’s Soup Kitchen, Rosalind also funds a larger soup kitchen in Johannesburg, supporting a broader community with a high number of people experiencing food insecurity.

Rosalind and her seven brothers were raised as a family deeply rooted in ministry, instilling in them a culture of service.

“When we came home from school, my parents would be on their knees praying. That example shaped us, and now I see it passing to our children and grandchildren,” said Rosalind.

Two brothers now lead churches in Tennessee, while one remains in South Africa, caring for his congregation despite the challenges of being away from his family.

Rosalind, who is retired, continues to champion generosity, extending her support beyond the soup kitchen to individuals she meets, moved by their stories and needs.

According to Rosalind, “Sometimes you just meet someone and feel something in your heart. I believe God puts those people in my path, and if I can help, I will.”

Her compassion sometimes leads her to act spontaneously. Onboard a cruise one day, she encountered a South African woman earning the equivalent of $1,200 a month and immediately arranged to support her from afar.

Another connection with a woman she met online led to sustained support in the form of monthly help, enough that she no longer has to worry about buying groceries.

Beyond monetary giving, Rosalind nurtures peace, trust, and faith in every act. For her, giving is never transactional; it’s a way to share the blessings she and her husband enjoy.

Her children and grandchildren continue in this spirit: among them are educators, high school counselors, and government workers. Service runs in the family in ways both large and small.

“A lot of times people think if you give money you must get it back. That’s not it. For me, giving is about peace in my life, a good husband, and seeing my children and grandchildren love the Lord. That’s enough,” said Rosalind.

While Rosalind’s story is one of hope and generosity, it exists against a backdrop of enduring need.

South Africa remains one of the most unequal societies globally. According to the World Bank, over 55% of South Africans—roughly 30 million people—live below the national upper-bound poverty line, and about 25% face food insecurity.

In this context, Linda’s Soup Kitchen and others like it are not just providing meals; they are restoring dignity and hope. They fill critical gaps where government and formal systems fall short, and they carry forward the deeply personal, faith-rooted traditions of families like Rosalind’s who refuse to forget those left behind.

Her generosity also extends beyond formal programs. Whether meeting someone on a cruise ship or connecting with a struggling South African online, Rosalind listens first and then acts, giving not out of obligation but out of love.

This everyday compassion reflects her belief that true giving is measured not in returns but in peace of the heart.

The ripple effects of her giving are also evident in her family. Her children and grandchildren serve as educators, counselors, agents, and leaders, all carrying forward the spirit of service instilled by her parents. Together, their lives echo the same devotion to community and faith that once guided her father’s ministry across South Africa.

Rosalind Vander West Huizen’s story is one rooted in faith, powered by generosity, and sustained through human connection.

Whether supporting Linda’s Soup Kitchen in Paarl, uplifting individuals across continents, or nurturing a family devoted to service, her life is a testament to the enduring power of compassion.