TESTIMONY
by Johan on 2001-10-07 00:12:16
My name is Johan Coetzer, I?m 40 years old and live in Parow, Cape
Town, RSA. I wish herewith to share my testimony with you and
proclaim what a Wonderful God we have. The Lord has had a purpose
with my life since my childhood. When I was 13 years (in 1974) I
developed a serious kidney problem. I was in a coma for three days, but
the Lord cured me in a wonderful way and saved my life.
During 1981, for the second time, I experienced the Wonderful Mercy
and Healing Hands of God. My mother who suffered from a serious
heart disease was cured during a healing service of Dr James Van Zyl of
Stanger and she gave her heart to God. From that day on I knew where
my strength and help came from although I wasn?t following or serving
God and was leading a totally selfish life.
I December 1998 I was diagnosed with lymph-gland cancer in the upper
diaphragma which I attribute to an unhealthy diet and an over strenuous
exercise programe I was following. This traumatic experience proved to
be a turning point in my life as I knew that God was talking to me very
seriously about my life. At this time I was involved in a deep soul
searching torment with God and He convinced me of my insignificance
and sinfulness, also that Jesus had died on the cross for my sins. During
this same period I developed kidney stones and God revealed to me what
it felt like to be in hell, as I experienced excruciating pain. Today the
above is something ingrained into my life. During this traumatic time I
was spiritually, emotionally and physically at a ?al time low?, but thanks
to the wonderful mercy of the Lord, He lifted me up from out of that
depression and my personal relationship and walk with God began.
I prayed to God to give me a sign that He was holding me in His loving
hand. That sign came when I underwent extensive chemotherapy for this
cancer and never experienced any hair loss. Doctors could not believe
this and said that I was one of the patients who could handle this
treatment the best. All the praise, honour and glory belongs to God
alone because during this period and also afterwards, with the radiation
of my diaphragma, He wonderfully carried me through very difficult times!
Approximately two months after my treatment, I delivered my personal
testimony before ± thirty of my colleagues at work ? what a wonderful
opportunity being able to testify for the Lord! Thanks to the mercy of
God, He is busy changing me to be the person He really wants me to be
and my endeavour is to realise that goal, namely to please Him, to praise
Him and provide a smile on His face. The doctors predicted that I would
experience a diminishing of my lung capacity as a result of the radiation ?
but today I am healthier and fitter than ever before!
In conclusion ? all the praise, honour and thanks are to the Lord alone.
He is King of all kings!