Through the Fire: A Journey of Faith and God’s Grace

Mrs. Maureen Nontobeko Mnisi, a dedicated soldier of The Salvation Army, serves faithfully at the Divisional Headquarters in the Central Division. Her journey has been marked by deep trials and strong faith. In her testimony, she reflects on the moments where God’s grace shone brightest, even in the darkest valleys. From experiencing the joy of salvation on a daily train ride to enduring the heartbreak of personal loss, Mrs. Mnisi’s story is a powerful testimony to a life lived in trust and obedience to God’s promises. Through it all, she has discovered the unshakeable truth that God walks with us, even through the fire.

My name is Mrs. Nontobeko Mnisi (Nontobeko means: “One who is Humble” or “Mother of Peace.”) and I started working at The Salvation Army in 1988 when I was 22 years old. I was asked to share my testimony, and what came to my mind first was my journey with God through so many challenges.

I used to travel to work by train every day. One day, a young man who was a student at Wits University was preaching about what it means to be a born-again Christian. It was the first time I had ever heard such a message; it was new to me. As I sat there listening, something inside me urged me to raise my hand. Then, suddenly, I felt overwhelmed, and tears started streaming down my cheeks. From that moment, I knew I had met my Saviour and I have served Him ever since.

After this experience on the train, I began to trust God in everything. That’s when my tests began. I was living with my husband and our two sons at the time, when our shack caught fire around 8:30 pm. My husband and both of my sons were inside. I nearly lost three lives that night, but by God’s grace, the community managed to rescue all of them. Although I lost everything in the fire, I received help from Officers, Major C. Holmes, Major A. Wood, and Major T. Finn, as well as support from work. They assisted me with clothing for my sons, who were only 7 and 4 years old at the time. I prayed and said, “LORD, WALK WITH ME, as You have promised.” The Lord did just that.

I know He walks with me.

Later, my son passed his matric and decided to further his studies. However, he was introduced to drugs. He was beaten, arrested, and went to rehab three times. He ended up living on the streets of Johannesburg. It wasn’t easy for our family, but through it all, I prayed. By God’s grace, he decided to come back home. I questioned God, “Are You still there? Why me?” The answer I received was, “Who else should walk this journey? TRUST AND OBEY, and be HUMBLE before Me. I AM GOD, WHO WALKS WITH YOU.” Sadly, my son recently passed away after struggling for so long. It was the most painful time of my life, but by His strength, I am surviving, because I know He walks with me.

In Daniel 3:19-25, we read about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They were thrown into the fiery furnace, but nothing was burned because a fourth man appeared—Jesus, as the Angel of the Lord. This story has taught me how God sees us through the fiery trials of life. This has been my personal experience. Jesus is always with me. The cry of my heart is “Mangihambe nawe Nkosi” which translated means “O Master, let me walk with Thee.” By faith, I walk with the Lord and I know He is with me in every part of my journey.