Precious little baby Christopher gave up his fight for life and passed away on Friday, March 16.

Reverend Zshisiu and Ms Heilie Hendzel from the Methodist Church in Louis Trichardt said that their son is now with the Lord.

"Even through the emotional turmoil we want to praise God because He is still in control," the Hendzels said on Tuesday, just prior to the memorial service held in Pretoria.

In Louis Trichardt, the memorial service is to be held on Thursday at 10:00 in the Methodist Church in Munnik Street. The Hendzel couple and their son, Anthony, are scheduled to return to Louis Trichardt on Wednesday.

Baby Christopher was born three months prematurely on February 11, weighing one kilogram and measuring below 36cm. His weight dropped to 850 grams but he "fought like a lion" and lived for one month and five days. He was up and down, doing well one moment and battling the next. He became extremely ill on Thursday when his little lungs and organs could not cope anymore and passed away at around 11:00 on Friday.

"Our Christopher is at peace; he is in God’s loving hands.

"We are so grateful to God for His mercy. Thank you for your prayers," was the SMS that came through to the literally thousands of people who were praying for Christopher.

People phoned the Zoutpansberger from as far as Cape Town after the news on Christopher’s fight had been published.

Congregation member Ms Heidi Reidy-Crofts received an email from Ms Mart-Mari Nel, of the administration department of Die Wilgers hospital who read the story and said that she nearly cried. Brave Christopher was near to their hearts.

"We as congregation could absolutely see how God’s love carried Rev Zshisiu and Heilie through and how their faith kept them going. Furthermore, people have already opened their hearts and made deposits into the fund set up for baby Christpoher and we want to thank them, as well as the sponsor of the carpet donated to raise funds. Deposits are still more than welcome since there are many outstanding medical bills and other costs," Ms Reidy-Crofts said.

Financial contributions can be made towards the Methodist Church Louis Trichardt, Standard Bank, Louis Trichardt Branch, Branch Code 052549, Account Number 030 444 675 with the reference Baby Chris.