I was born in England in 1934, lived and was brought up in a little village in Surrey-Horsell. We had a beautiful old stone church that we attended, within walking distance from our home. I went to Sunday school at that church.
In July 1948, when I was 13 years old, my father decided to immigrate to South Africa. Our destination was Rustenburg. We joined the Anglican church which I could attend using my bicycle as it was close to home. I was confirmed in the Aglican church but also enjoyed attending guild and youth guild on Friday evenings at the Methodist church.
My husband, Addie, and I were married in the Anglican church in January 1956. In Stilfontein, where we lived at the time, we joined the Methodist church where I became a member of the Womens’ Auxiliary. We were blessed with four children, 2 girls and 2 boys, who we brought up in the Methodist church.
My eldest daughter, Lynette, was diagnosed with diabetes when she was 12 years old. When she got married and had her first child, the illness started taking its toll and her health deteriorated. At the age of 26 her kidneys collapsed and she went totally blind.
After many prayers and the imput of very negative doctors in Rustenburg we were sent to Johannesburg General hospital where she saw a professor who said he would help her with a transplant from either myself or my husband. At that time we decided that I should be the donar as Addie had to work to support our family.
The op was scheduled for May 17 1983 and we were both admitted to Joburg Gen the day before. That night I prayed that all would go well and as I turned to scripture, I opened at Psalm 27:”The Lord is my light and my salvation, of what shall I fear”. I slept so well that night knowing that God was with us. The operation was a great success and I was sent home within the week. Lynette was kept in hospital for observation until they were sure that all was right.
Another child was born to Lynette 2 years after her kidney transplant and although the doctors were very negative as to wether she would be able to carry the child to full term, all went well. A beautiful daughter was born slightly premature but perfect, she is our miracle granddaughter.
Lynette was a miracle, although blind, she knitted for her family, cooked & baked for all occasions. She won prizes at the Rustenburg Agricultural Show for the knitted garments that she entered.
She had a good and full life for 21 more years and then, after a problem with her leg, that turned into gangrene and many attempts to clear it up, it poisoned her blood stream and she passed away. God gave her the ability to do all the things as for a seeing person. I believe that He used this to show us that we can do all things through His strength and guidance.
Addie passed away in 2010 after suffering from Altzeimer’s disease. This was after a marriage of 54 very happy years. I miss him a lot but the Lord has given me peace that passes all understanding.
Now my day starts with Bible readings and prayer which leaves me happy and content with life.
I have been part of Alpha and Emmaus, both wonderful experiences, am busy with my 3rd Disciple course and also leads a Life Group (Bible Study) at church. I believe I’ll never know all there is to know about God but, at 80, I am now cramming for my finals, who knows when that will be… At least I have tried and, by God’s Grace, I will continue with what He has set before me, with the knowledge He has given me to carry on as He leads me.
The Lord has given me the fruits of the Spirit, being love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self control. It grows in me from day to day and I hope never to disappoint Him. I thank Him for all He has done and will still do in the years to come. By daily taking one small step in a positive direction, it will set in motion a chain of events that will change me and improve my life and my plans for the future.
Marian Bothma
If and when this Testimony has spoken into your heart, please go to the Commitment page.