Written by: Gérard Filies
Article source: JOY! Magazine

I would like to introduce my wife Sylnita, a child from the soil of Ceres in the Western Cape, and myself Gérard from the Cape Flats. This is our testimony of how God used two ordinary people to inspire others. Our only wish is that others will see God in all aspects of our lives.

I met Sylnita (or Syl as I affectionately refer to her) 29 years ago while we were both undergraduate Occupational Therapy students at the University of the Western Cape. Different is a relative term, but Syl was different. She was an extrovert, but in the same breath an introvert – there was something mysterious about her, but it was mostly her level-headedness, bubbly personality, and playful nature that impressed me. I was the quiet type – some people might say serious or reserved.

“This is our testimony of how God used two ordinary people to inspire others, for His glory. “

Growing up in a Christian household
Both of us grew up in homes where our parents were Christ-followers, familiar with the power of prayer. I have fond memories of kneeling around Sylnita’s parents’ bed in prayer with her family while dating her, and attending Bible studies as a child with my mother and her prayer group. Both Sylnita’s parents passed away, her dad 10 years ago and her Mom in May 2021, but these memories remain vividly. Our parents instilled Christian values in us, which is the biggest gift that a child can ask for. This shaped us into the people we are today, but also shaped the foundation for our loving marriage and blessed family. Sylnita’s father always said: “You can achieve what others can” (based on Matt 19:26). He would always bless others with Philippians 4:8. My parents have always been stewards in the Methodist church and set the example for us as children to be involved in the church and to know God in everything we do. My mother always reminded us to keep faith in Jeremiah 29:11, “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” We are blessed with two beautiful children, Arian (21 years) – a social work student at UWC, and Gemma (16 years) – a grade 11 learner at de Kuilen High School.

Milestones made possible by God
The year 2018 was an extraordinary one for Syl and I, as we were the first married couple in the 60 years of existence of the University of the Western Cape to both graduate with PhD degrees on the same day and in the same graduation ceremony, thereby making history. In September of the same year we celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary. All these milestones were only made possible by the grace of God, who is at the core of our existence. We believe that God specifically chose us because He knew that we would be humble enough to receive it in His Name and use it to expand His Kingdom here on Earth.

I graduated with a PhD in Child and Family Studies, with specific focus in Interprofessional Education, and my wife with a PhD in Educational Psychology, with a special focus on women’s mental health. According to the Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa, we were also the first married couple as Occupational Therapists in the country to both graduate with PhDs together. In 2019, we were awarded the Platinum Award – Most Inspirational Couple from the I Do Magazine Annual Award ceremony in Gauteng.

“The success of our marriage, family life, and achievements is only by the grace of God.”

Sylnita’s budding career in education
Sylnita started her career at Lentegeur Psychiatric Hospital and developed an interest in mental health. She obtained her Master’s degree in Child and Family Studies in 2007 while working in the Child, Family, and Adolescent Unit. She has also worked in the special school system for a number of years. Thirty years ago her parents wanted her to study Occupational Therapy at Stellenbosch University. She was, however, accepted at UWC and started her student life there. Last year on March 1st, things had come full circle. At the age of 50, she started a new job in academia as a lecturer at Stellenbosch University in the Division of Occupational Therapy. Her parents would have been so proud of her, but again we realise all things happen in God’s perfect timing.

Gérard’s career achievements
I am a senior lecturer at UWC, where I have worked for the past 23 years. I started my career in the Occupational Therapy Department as Clinical Co-ordinator in 1998. In 2006 I was seconded to the Interprofessional Education Unit in the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences. My passion for Interprofessional Education resulted in me graduating with a M.Phil in Health Sciences Education from Stellenbosch University in 2012, and a PhD degree from UWC in 2018. Interprofessional Education is when students or health professionals learn with, from, and about each other as a team to improve the health services they offer as a comprehensive package to patients.

All the glory to the Father
The success of our marriage, family life, and achievements is only by the grace of God. It is no secret that He is at the core of our existence. We believe that we have an important role to play in shining God’s light and love with our students, colleagues, friends, family, children, and those who cross our life paths. We hope that our story of love and respect for each other and our passion for lifelong learning will inspire many in years to come. We give thanks and praise to the Lord for His favour upon our lives.

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Date published: 08/01/2022
Dr Gérard Filies can be contacted on gfilies@gmail.com

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