Testimony by Siphelele Sebastián Maphumulo
Originally published in the August issue of JOY! Magazine
When my wife and I married at the beginning of 2008, we waited a year before trying for a baby. Early in 2009, she fell pregnant, and we expected our baby in September. However, she was very ill throughout the pregnancy, until that fateful day – 31 August 2009…
A difficult pregnancy
The sickness was seen as a normal family pattern, as her mother and grandmother had experienced similar difficulties during pregnancy. My family urged us to visit a traditional healer, but we refused. We were born-again believers and chose to trust God alone. I believed He would save my wife and our baby.
Trusting God through loss
At a check-up on 31 August 2009, the doctor discovered that our baby’s heart had stopped beating. That day, we learnt that our baby had not survived.
Standing firm in faith
Two, then three, and eventually four years passed without another pregnancy. At the beginning of 2013, my wife fell pregnant again, and the sickness returned. Once more, family members suggested traditional healers, but we stood firm. One relative said that this had happened before and blamed my stubbornness for our loss. But I said, “Pregnancy or no pregnancy, baby or no baby, wife or no wife, I will not consult a witchdoctor.”
An answer to prayer
On 21 October 2013, my wife attended an appointment and was admitted to hospital overnight. Then came the birth of the most beautiful little girl I know – healthy and precious. This was the answer to many prayers from our pastor and his wife, the church elders, intercessors, church members, my wife, and me. God hears the prayers of His people and answers according to His perfect will. “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me…” (John 11:41-42).
A gift from God
Today, our daughter is 13 years old. She has never been hospitalised and is very bright. What a gift from God alone. Thank you, Lord. I know it was You.
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Date published: 31/07/2026
Feature image: Sourced from original article publish in the August issue of JOY! Magazine
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