Written by: Sophia Roman
Article source: JOY! Magazine

Averyle, a devout Christian, shares her testimony of hope. Despite not being perfect and having made mistakes in the past, she has found solace and hope in her faith in Jesus Christ. He has been a constant source of strength and salvation in Averyle’s life, and she is forever grateful for the love and grace. Through sharing her humble story, this mom of three hopes to inspire and encourage others to find hope in their own lives.

Q. Who is Averyle Timmet?
I was born in 1952 in a small town called Beaufort West. My parents were pastors in the local Apostolic Faith Mission church. I have three brothers and three sisters. Growing up, our father was a very strict man – I remember never asking him for anything, in fact I used to stutter as a child. However, he always cared for us and loved us. We lived in a house that was provided for my parents, which was just next to the church. My life was one of home, church, and school. I found myself actively involved in Sunday school, youth, and women’s ministries. Because of my love for the elderly, I would always do chores for them. It was a joy to be of service to the community and to assist our parents in ministry.

Q. What did your youth look like?
After high school I left home to study to be an educator at Athlone Teachers’ Training College and Bellville College respectively. In 1979 I relocated with my parents to Oudtshoorn, as they were asked to fill a pastoral position there. Later that year my mom passed away, and in 1981 I married my Prince Charming, Karvin. As a couple we moved to Cape Town to start our life together. In a very short time I was tremendously favoured, given the job as the school principal at Melton Primary. I loved the teachers and the learners. Karvin was the man of my dreams. Our marriage was the “perfect” union. People in the community would refer couples with marital challenges to us. Everyone in our community admired us. Ours was a marriage made in heaven. We had two sons and a daughter. Twelve years into our union, however, things suddenly started to change. Life became unbearable. I often wondered why this had to happen to me. I had lived a good life, sold out for Jesus. It became so insufferable that I had to leave the house with my kids. Sadly, Karvin and I divorced in 1993.

Q. How did you cope?
First, I thank my mama and papa for introducing me to Jesus. Second, they gave me an education so that I could always provide for my children. Above all, without the help of the Lord I would never have survived. Karvin was a good father to our kids. In the end he became very sick. For the sake of our kids, I took him in and cared for him. Unfortunately, things just did not work out. Karvin passed away at age 47. Life was hard, but I never gave up hope. I kept going.

Q. And then what happened?
In 2012 I suffered from Bell’s Palsy, my face was affected and I could no longer fulfil my role as principal at the school. I returned to my position in February 2013, but had to permanently resign a few months later. That same year, I was diagnosed with kidney cancer. It was a tough time. My kidney was removed and my energy for life was restored after the surgery. Today I am a living testimony. I live with hope and try, at all times, to be positive. I am always looking away from my circumstances, trying to help others. I share whatever I have with those in need. My heart and passion is towards the poor – to serve them with dignity and respect. I have learnt the secret of giving.

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Date published: 14/02/2023
Feature image: Averyle Timmet, ex-principal of Melton Primary in Kleinvlei, Eersterivier
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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