Written by: Sophia Roman
Article source: JOY! Magazine

Janet, the eldest of four kids born to Eunice and Gary, hails from an informal settlement in Philippi, Cape Town. Eunice was a nurse at G F Jooste Hospital (a former hospital in Manenberg) and Gary worked at a construction company. From a very young and tender age, Janet and her siblings witnessed domestic violence from their dad, due to alcohol abuse. Their mom was their only support. Eunice was strong and kept the family together – a dedicated believer in Jesus, committed to living a Christ-like life.

A welcoming environment
When Eunice was home, she made life special for her children. She would cook up a storm with the little that they had. The one thing she always did, without fail, was to call young Janet to join her in the kitchen, showing her how to cook. Their home was filled with the aroma of mom’s cooking. Janet reminisces today, she can still remember the fragrance and taste of her mom’s food.

The worst day…
Despite all the disappointing weekends of disruptive behaviour from her dad, he was diligent in providing for his family. However, he suffered from asthma. Janet remembers the day when they were to receive brand new furniture. Janet and her little siblings were so excited and could not wait to sleep on their new beds and sit on their first couch. They could not wait for the school bell to ring so they could race home. Before school ended, however, they were called to the principal’s office. They were informed that their dad had died of an asthmatic attack.

A downward spiral
Janet was only eight years old. Immediately, they left to go home. The furniture arrived, but it meant nothing. They were grieving the death of their dad. Janet and her siblings, in all their grief and pain, saw how their mom could not handle the death of her husband. Her life went downhill. Even her commitment to Jesus changed. Their grieving was raw.

A traumatic childhood
Eunice’s lifestyle led to her contracting HIV/AIDS. She became very sick and eventually had to go to hospice. For about four months, at only ten years old, Janet took on the role as head of the family. There was no income and no one to assist them. Most days, she was absent from school and had to go from house to house asking for leftover food to feed her siblings. It was the most humiliating experience. Four months later, her mom died. That was the day they were dropped at “Molly’s Place”, a children’s home at Westridge Baptist Church in Mitchells Plain.

Loved at the home
Janet was much loved by Christine, fondly known at the home as “Tannie”. Tannie was strict and disciplined, to Janet’s irritation. Looking back, Janet is so grateful – because Christine shaped her life. There was also a pastor, John Pascoe, who became a father and role model to the children at the home. This experience of acceptance was priceless.

A wonderful testimony
Today, Janet is a mother and wife – part of a beautiful family. Together with her husband, Foreston, they run their own non-profit organisation, “Gift of Alms” – reaching destitute underprivileged women and children.

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Date published: 23/02/2024
Feature image: Left: Janet, Foreston, and their beautiful kids. Right: Janet Matthews in centre
SOPHIA ROMAN – pioneer, visionary and life transformation coach. Sophia and her husband, Theo, pastor the West Reach AOG Church in Mitchells Plain.

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