Written by: Sophia Roman
Article source: JOY! Magazine
Memories of her childhood are so vivid. Little Togheda saw how her father emotionally, verbally, and physically abused her mother. She too went through this and was left tormented and traumatised. It had a serious effect on her body and soul. She was a top student in primary school, suffering in silence for what was happening back home…
Severe stroke
Young Togheda suffered a severe stroke at age 15, which caused her face to be temporarily distorted. She finally spoke out about her abuse while being in therapy. Sadly, she dropped out of school – bruised, broken, and rejected. Three times she heard an audible voice say, “I am coming to fetch you”. Each time she heard this, she thought that it was to prepare herself for death. Her diary became her friend and closest companion, where she could pour her heart out each day. Togheda started to ask for forgiveness from her friends and family – she lived a life ready to leave this earth.
A hopeless time in hospital
Togheda became very ill. For seven months, doctors performed all sorts of tests. They could not find a diagnosis. Finally, her family was called to the hospital. Doctors declared no hope for her and, unfortunately, had to close her file, sending her home.
Determined, she went to work the following day. Her Christian work colleague, Annalise, saw her: “You look like somebody who is gonna die.” “Yes, there is no hope, I am busy dying,” she replied. Adamantly, Annalise responded: “I know a lady who can pray for you. There is hope!”
Healing in Christ
Hesitant, but desperate, Togheda called and made an appointment. As she walked into the lady’s house she felt love, peace, and comfort. This woman prayed a simple prayer over her – she started to call upon the Name of the Lord and the Blood of Jesus. Togheda was instantly healed. She didn’t know Jesus, but had experienced His transformative power.
Disowned for her faith
Togheda’s family was up in arms when someone from the local church came to invite her to join, as the family was not from the same faith. Togheda opened her heart and gave her life to Jesus. She was severely persecuted for this. So much so, that she had to leave home with only the clothes on her back. She was disowned.
Her newfound Christian friends took care of her. She met Jesus, got baptised, and changed her name to Tanya.
The Lord heals all wounds
Tanya fell in love with the gentleman who had invited her to church for the first time. A beautiful wedding was arranged within three weeks. She mourned the absence of her parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, and uncles. It was a bittersweet day. How she prayed, especially, to see her mom one more time. “Lord, I want to see my mommy” was her daily prayer.
“Gieda!” Tanya heard someone calling her at her gate. It was her mom! What joy and excitement filled her heart. She rushed with tears in her eyes. That day she was re-united with her mom, who had never stopped loving her. Tanya finally went back home to reconcile with her family. Her estranged relationship with her father was restored, before he sadly passed on.
God will always make a way
Tanya went back to school, completed her Matric, and enrolled at university for her first degree when she was 40 years old. She is currently doing her Masters’ degree in Christian Counselling – a true overcomer, go-getter, and achiever. “I am passionate about getting people healed, whole, and delivered,” she says.
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Date published: 29/10/2022
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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