Testimonies

I will begin at the very beginning. I was privileged to be born into a Christian home with a Mum and Dad (Scott and Colleen Phillips) who loved each other, their children and, most importantly, the Lord. We attended Waterfall Assembly and it really was like an extension of our family. We had many Brothers, Sisters and Aunties and Uncles in Christ. From a young age I learned, by example, to love others and the Body of Christ. That in order… Read more “Rae Hawyes”

I was raised in a good Christian home, as many of you will know. My family life and home situation was probably one of the most privileged situations I could have known. I only came to realise this much later in life. Pretty much every one I know or have dealt with lately has come from, or is in, a broken family. Living with both sets of parents in Christian homes is almost unheard of nowadays. Anyway my three brothers,… Read more “Garth Hawyes”

I was at boarding school in South Africa for 10 of my 12 school-going years, with my family home in the then Northern Rhodesian Copper Belt. Up to Standard 8/9 (Grade 10/11), our family were members of the Dutch Reformed Church. Since I can remember, my mom, Anne Groenewald, long gone to be with the Lord, whom many of the “oldies” in CAOG should still remember, was an individual predisposed to the things of the Lord, even before she met… Read more “Dave de Meillon”

25 years ago I was sentenced to death 11 times for the murder of 11 innocent woman and children at Trust Feeds, near New Hanover. It all began at the 1988 height of the political war between the UDF and the Inkatha Freedom Party. The unrest spread to rural areas not previously affected by political violence. In these areas alternative structures were being established by the UDF, and KZN was gripped by a low level civil war. Trust Feed was… Read more “Brian Mitchell”

My parents were not churchgoers but sent my 3 sisters and me to church on Sundays. We never prayed in our home except at meal times. However, we were raised in a loving home despite the many social challenges my family encountered. Although I attended services at the local Anglican Church during my High School years, I knew very little of God, let alone His desire to have an intimate, personal relationship with me. I met my wife, Joan, in… Read more “Derrick Andrews”

All glory, honour and praise to God for His call upon my life. I thank God for His indescribable love for me and for His keeping power over me! 1995 was a significant year and the beginning of a life-changing experience. I resigned from teaching and my first spinal fusion operation was performed in August.  During the long weeks of recovery, folks came round to pray and encourage me. I spent time reading the Word and listening to Gospel music… Read more “Joan Andrews”

My husband, Dave, and I gave our hearts to the Lord in 2007 and we were on fire for God. We had met with God. I can’t speak for myself but Dave’s face was radiant! We own a trucking company and 2010 was an incredibly trying year financially – we were even without lights for a month. It was awful! The thief had come to rob, steal and destroy our joy! We even grew cold in our hearts towards the… Read more “Trish Lourens”

Born into a family of 6 children, of whom I am the youngest, I never really got to know my biological father, who, during my early childhood was never around, but made brief appearances and then disappear again. I am so grateful for the safety and stability my God-fearing mother afforded us younger siblings. God was faithful in answering her prayers; during the 1970’s all her children came to know Jesus as Personal Saviour and Lord, including me! Mom truly… Read more “Theo Rencken”

I grew up in a very liberal home. From about the age of 10 I began to explore life as I had come to understand it from those around me; cigarettes, alcohol and sexuality. By 13 I had become my own man – so I thought; friends much older than me, parties, girlfriends and a growing drug business. I was so engrossed in this great life and enjoying every minute of it. But my grades went down, my attitude deteriorated… Read more “Scott Wheeler”

I was blessed to be part of a God-fearing family. My father, small in stature, but a giant spiritually was the testimony I had in coming to Christ, 11 yrs old, 1961, in the Newcastle Masonic Hall. Bro Jim Mullan preached;  I remember the night clearly.  It was a defining time and I made a total commitment. God’s grace, patience, mercy and longsuffering has since been my portion. I married Linda in 1975 and we have been blessed serving the… Read more “Peter Michell”

Had I not been standing upon my Rock, my Saviour, Jesus Christ, I would surely have been swayed by now. I cannot share here of all the Lord’s blessings, but ask me and I will gladly speak of all the wonderful things the Lord has done in my life. As a little girl I knew Jesus loved me and I loved Him too, but I didn’t yet KNOW my Saviour. I started getting to know Jesus at an AYM Youth… Read more “Michaela Raw”

Growing up in a God-fearing, rather than a God-knowing, traditional church home environment, left me unchanged, but slightly religious. At times, when my parents went to church, my younger brother, sister and I often “played church” at home. Using our beds, cardboard boxes and other objects we created a pulpit from which I ”preached”;  my sister would call out a hymn number and my brother would play along with our singing. At least we picked up something from churchgoing! In… Read more “Des Rothman”

When I was “baptised” as an infant, my late great Uncle, Rev Archibald Kidwell, of the Wesleyan Church, wrote me a letter. Amongst other things I treasure, he said, “God has a work for you to do and He will reveal it in time. Do all you can to become a woman after God’s heart.” The impact of those words never meant much for me until later. Preparing the ground was my late maternal Granny, who encouraged me in the… Read more “Glynnis Rothman”

My relationship with the Lord started at High School when I gave my heart to Him. The Gideon folk gave me a small Pocket Bible and I wrote in front of it, “Lord, make me an instrument, useful in your hands.” After school a recurring sore on my head turned cancerous. It was treated, but it was a wake-up call. Life is not plain sailing; I would need to be watchful. Soon it was off to do National Service, and… Read more “Geoff Hanbury-King”

I was born in De Aar, Northern Karoo where I spent the first 10 years of my life. My most memorable times were when we went away on holiday to East London, Pretoria and my granddad’s farm in Aliwal North, yes away from De Aar!   I only have painful memories of school with its austerity and stony dusty playing fields. My mother was a member of a local church which my sister and reluctantly I had to attend with her. … Read more “Dug Watridge”

At the age of 6 my Aunt told me the story of the Great Shepherd, Jesus, Who came to save lost lambs, and gave His life to bring us into His fold. I was riveted! That night I asked Him to make me one of His lambs! Now, 69 years later, I say with joy, ‘The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want’. The Great Shepherd became God’s sacrificial Lamb to bear my sins and give me the blessed… Read more “Margaret Watridge”

My first encounter with Jesus was at a Youth for Christ outreach at the Durban ice-rink in 1967 at the age of 13. My family were church-goers but not born again, and the spark of life that I had experienced that night, soon fizzled out. I had a second encounter with the Lord at Boarding School the following year during an African Enterprise crusade. Michael Cassidy preached the Gospel. I made a decision to give my life to Jesus, along… Read more “Chris Sykes”

It was a joy for Wendy and me to commence our fellowship in the Rosehill Assembly, our new spiritual home, on 3 July 2011. Looking back on my more than 80 years, I realise so many mistakes and things I could have done better; things I made a mess of, errors of omission and commission. But one thing I did right was accepting the Lord Jesus as my Saviour! I was born into a very poor family of 5 children.… Read more “Val Field”