Sophia’s Testimony

I would like to share a testimony of how God showed His faithfulness to me—in overcoming fear, in His provision, and in reminding me that our times are in His hands.

Around August last year, I decided to swim the Midmar Mile this year (February)—the largest open-water swimming event in the world. This would be my third time participating, the last being about 14–15 years ago. I recruited a small team to join me—two supporters and one fellow swimmer. Training was going well, and I was full of excitement.

In December, I went river rafting and later on the day ate at a restaurant. Two days later, I became severely ill with diarrhea and was admitted to hospital for five days with salmonella. I was discharged on Christmas Day. I’m not sure whether it was from contaminated water or food (salad) but that detail became insignificant in light of what followed.

During my time in hospital, my church family from Highway surrounded me with incredible love and care—driving me to and from hospital at all hours, looking after my cat, visiting daily, sending messages, praying for me, and even coming to visit on Christmas Eve. I experienced God’s care so tangibly through His people.

After being discharged, I was overwhelmed with fear about getting back into the water. Even seeing photos of the ocean made me anxious. Yet I knew I had a Midmar qualifier coming up. I prayed earnestly for God to remove this fear, and others prayed with me. In His grace, God freed me from that fear and gave me peace again.

In the meantime, the team I had recruited could no longer join me due to circumstances beyond their control. I thought, “Lord, I don’t want to do this alone.” I asked God to provide.

Some time earlier, I had met a group of swimmers while training at a nearby dam and had joined their WhatsApp group. Although I barely knew them, I decided to join them for Midmar. They welcomed me warmly, and once again I saw God’s provision.

On race day, I met a friendly lady from this group and chatted with her. Later, after completing my swim, we were told that one of the swimmers from our group had been taken to the medical tent and that her condition was critical. I went with others to check on her.

While we were waiting for news, I asked the policeman standing guard if I could go in and pray for her as i felt this is all I can do. Before he could respond, others advised me not to interfere. So I prayed where I was, knowing that God hears us wherever we are.

About an hour later, we received the devastating news that she had passed away.

This was a sobering reminder that our times are not in our hands. Just hours earlier, she had been well and full of life. Those who trained with her said she was one of the most prepared swimmers.

Later in the day, one of the ladies asked me to pray with her. As we spoke and prayed she asked God to accept this lady into his presence. This has given me the opportunity to gently share the truth of the gospel—that our eternity is determined by the decision we make to accept Jesus Christ as our Saviour while we are still alive. We cannot make that choice on behalf of someone else.

Through all, I can testify:

* God freed me from fear

* God cares about every detail of our lives

* Christian community is part of God’s design and provision

* Our times are in God’s hand

May this testimony encourage you and strengthen your faith.

All glory to God!