Testimony - Diana Gouws

3 March 2000

I have spent most of my life in Port Elizabeth after being born here. I am the third child out of 4 children and I have my elder brother to thank for leading me to the church, which made a very big impact on my life.

I started going to St Hugh's church in Newton Park whilst at junior school and at thirteen started to go for confirmation classes. It was during a mid-year camp that I came to know Jesus Christ as Lord. That has been the best decision of my life, as I know that I would not be where I am today and would not have coped with so much of what I needed to without the help and guidance of our Lord.

I met Shaun at the tender age of 14, and got married at 19. Phew!!! I was young.  God has blessed us with many very happy years. The value of a good Christian marriage can never be underestimated. Our births of our two children were also a test of faith; Lindsey was a two year wait, and Stephen a very difficult and testing 3 years.

Spiritually, I have had a lot of ups and downs. Being a part of a youth group as a teenager really was a blessing. To be a part of a dynamic group really helps to keep one focused. In 1988 we moved to Bluewater Bay and became a part of a relatively small fellowship. It has been exciting to watch our church grow and grow.

Picture: Lindsey, Diana, Shaun & Stephen

Several years ago, a very good Christian friend came to us with what for him was a difficult message to bring. God was going to be testing us, but was going to be with us. I thought, "the testing has already begun." I knew nothing..............

God has taught me a lot about pride and relying on Him. There have been times when I have cried out to Him for answers, and the only answer that came was TRUST HIM. I think that that has become my lifeline now. Trust him, only He can see that big picture.

We have been uplifted many times by the caring and generosity of our family and friends.

We have been taken care of spiritually by our Christian brothers, whether by praying for us constantly or with a word or a scripture, and our Father has been there every step of the way. Praise be to God!!!!

As a Christian wife, I have felt that one of my roles is to be a constant support to my husband, whether it be to take care of our children in order to free him up to be worship leader in our church, or to be there when things are rough. We have felt for many years that we will be involved in a one-flesh ministry at one time or other.

The Mercy Ship ANASTASIS has a very special place in our hearts. During her visit here in 1996, both Shaun and I felt a strong call to be a part of the ship and the work that is done on her. However, the answer for us has been "not yet" .

Being a part of the PE Church Net team has been a very exciting and trying time for us.

It has been very exciting to see the work that is being done in our city among the Christians. To see how God is working in people's lives and the need that there is for people to have information about what is happening in our city and where to find it. As God's people we need to share our testimonies to help uplift one another. We need to share our resources and help one another in times of crisis. There are so many people crying for help and company with no idea where to find what they need.

Finally, I wish to thank the people who have been so special to us during our time of testing and trial. Those of you who were there when I needed a shoulder to cry on or somebody to laugh and praise with. To the members of our congregation in Bluewater Bay, thank you for being there for us and being a part of our lives. To our family, thank you for all that you have done for us. As for my good friend Fiona, what can I say!!!!!!!!!

And to the Father who is life itself, thank you, I will never cease to give You praise, I know that we could never have come so far without You.

Diana Gouws

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