Major Veronica Mkhize knows what it means to say yes to God – again and again – even when the path doesn’t make sense and the steps feel unsure. In this testimony, Major Veronica shares how God has carried her, provided for her, stretched her, and never once let her down. It’s not a story of everything going smoothly – it’s a story of a faithful God showing up with strength, provision, and grace in the midst of real-life ministry, real-life challenges, and real-life obedience.
As a Soldier and later a Local Officer, serving as YPSM and Recruiting Sergeant at iBhayi Corps in the Eastern Cape Division—that’s where it all began. When an officer was transferred from KwaNobuhle Corps, Lieut Colonel Koopman spoke with the late Major Josias Zondo, who was my officer at the time. They were looking for someone to care for the quarters in KwaNobuhle. Since I was working in Uitenhage at the time, I decided to worship there—and I was appointed to oversee the Corps. God’s hand was holding me all the way, even though it wasn’t easy.
In 1995, I was appointed as a part-time Divisional Envoy, and then in 1997, a full-time Divisional Envoy. Even when there was no money, He was faithful enough to provide for me. Not once did I go to bed with an empty stomach.
During our late vocation sessions, Lieut Colonel Koopman and Colonel Lengoasa called me aside and asked, “What do you think about full-time service?” I needed time to think. I had been a candidate back in 1974, but withdrew along the way. Yet God still needed me—and remembered the promise I once made to Him. When we returned to the boardroom, the DC announced, “Veronica is coming in full-time—hallelujah!” and everyone clapped. It felt like things were moving quickly – like a push – but God gave me a verse: Genesis 28:15 – “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” That verse assured me that He had never given up on me. I took the decision and promised Him, “I will allow You to use me, and I will do Your work with all my heart.”
In the year 2000, I was transferred to Ginsberg and promoted to Auxiliary Captain. God opened doors in the community, in government departments, and in schools. He revealed gifts and talents I didn’t even know I had. For eight years, I experienced His love and faithfulness there.
In 2008, I was transferred to a place and language unfamiliar to me – Emangweni Corps in the Mpumalanga & eSwatini Division. It was very hot, and the area had snakes, which I feared. One day, while walking with the Corps Sergeant, she asked, “Mfundisi, awusabi yini inyoka?” (Aren’t you afraid of snakes?) I asked why, and she replied, “You just crossed paths with one.” I hadn’t even seen it – but again, His faithfulness was walking with me.
I served there for eight years, actively involved in the community – planting vegetables, doing school programmes, and seeing the Corps grow in all sections. When marching orders came, it was a very sad time.
I was then appointed to Ephraim Zulu for almost two years. It came with its own challenges, especially with staff and the elderly – but God remained in control of everything. From there, I was moved to Soweto Central Corps, where His mercy, love, and faithfulness were so real to me. The Lord stood by me in every situation and challenge. His goodness was undeniable.
In 2020, I was appointed to Mdantsane Corps, just as COVID-19 began. People were dying. I conducted 11 funerals between Mdantsane and Zwelitsha Corps. Many were admitted to hospital, and though I was over 60, I still took the risk to serve. I wasn’t affected. But God had a way of slowing me down—I slipped on wet grass in June and broke my leg just above the right ankle. Still, I carried on doing funerals—with a plastered leg and crutches.
I continued to work until retirement in 2022.
In 2023, I took redeployment at iBhayi Corps, where I continue to serve today. God is still in control. His faithfulness continues to sustain me.
The verse that carried me through remains the same verse I started this journey with—and I don’t regret the decision I made. The successes far outweigh the challenges I’ve faced. He is still a faithful God in my life.
❤️❤️❤️🙏🏾