His story: At the age of 14, instead of concentrating on his studies, young Sifiso followed the exampleset by older boys around him. Sifiso started smoking dagga and drinking alcohol. He even stole money to feed his addictions.
“When I was intoxicated I would become violent towards my mother and sisters. I believed I was the man of the house. I wanted to be in control. When I was drunk I used to feel like I was on top of the world. ‘Nkalakatha’ (English: above everyone)“Eight years ago I was invited to the UCKG where I took part in movements of faith and was freed from my addictions.
I resigned from my job as a security officer when I realised that the hours I worked would not give me enough time with Venessa when we got married. For six months I was unemployed. Venessa was however always helpful and encouraging.
“I took part in the Campaign of Israel and Venessa understood it as my action of faith,” Sifiso said. He found a job as a team manager at a transport company. Within months, he was able to afford a new car.
Her story: Venessa too had travelled a difficult road before she saw the power of God in her life “From the time I was in high school the thought of killing myself was always on my mind. I tried to kill myself twice because I felt no one cared about me and my mother wasn’t around. After the second attempt I landed in hospital with an overdose of pills, but I survived,” she said.
In 2004 she joined the UCKG. She was freed from thoughts of suicide and instead prayed for a new life. She found a job at a financial institution after being unemployed for 18 months. “It was in a campaign where I used my faith. I asked God to bless me with a permanent position.”
As Venessa believed and encouraged her husband, so his hopes materialised. Through the power of God he found a secure job. As a couple they believed in the power of God and today they have achieved their goals.
By Nomsa Masengemu