My Story: Finding Strength in God—Ellen Mofomme
#Testimony
How do you react when life throws you a curveball? Do you find your strength in God? Ellen Mofomme is a single mother who became a follower of Jesus in 2000. A former nurse, her life changed drastically in 2013 when she became ill. She lost the majority of her functional abilities and became confined to a wheelchair. But she didn't allow her new disability to hold back her spiritual growth. She shares her story:
"The disease left me in the wheelchair, but what I gained was my soul. When you're bed ridden, there's not much left for you to do or to hide away from God. You are isolated most of the time. I began to have awesome quiet times with God, as I continued reading and praying for God to change my situation, or to heal me, so I could be like I was before the illness. But what I got was to come face-to-face with my Creator.
I questioned who I was, and why God kept me alive. When I realised I couldn't answer those questions, I had no choice but to trust him.
What became obvious was that I was different physically, but not spiritually. Because I am different physically, people treat me with less respect, as If I don’t know anything. I'm under pressure to prove myself all the time. That hurts a lot because I know the truth (of what I'm capable of). This perception helped me to not to think too highly of myself. I learnt to accept my situation, and to allow God to be glorified through my life.
Humility is the fruit of the Spirit I gained after my illness. That's why I agree with Paul when he says in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10: 'To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘ My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’ Therefore I will boast more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10. That is why , for Christ sake, I delight in weaknesses , in insult, in hardships, in persecution, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.'
It's now been nine years that I live with this condition, and new spiritual opportunities have opened up for me. I got a chance to serve the seniors in the kingdom, to lead and be part of the fabulous single mums; I participate in the Gmama group which equips grandparents to play a significant role in the life of their grandchildren; and I give input to the church about how to help members who are sick. I'm also studying. I'm in my first year of a Bachelor degree in Psychology, with the hope that when I qualify, I'll comfort God’s children with the comfort I received.
My physical condition has allowed me to connected better with my son and duaghter-in-law, and in helping my grandchild to learn about God. The disease taught me not to lean on my own understanding, but to acknowledge God in everything I do. I'm challenged every day to be an example or an ambassador for Christ to people around me.
I'd like to thank the Central region of the church for supporting me and my son when I was unable to carry myself. And a big thank you to the North-west region who continue to uplift and support me in this new journey of my life (being in a wheelchair). It was the best thing that had happened to me. To God be the glory!"
