His Hand Is Upon Me: A Story of Healing and Freedom

Andile Phakathi’s story is one of courage and faith. From a childhood filled with loss and hardship, he experienced pain that could have left him broken. Yet, through it all, he discovered that God’s hand was upon him. In Jesus, Andile found healing and freedom. Today, he is a member on the Territorial Mission Team, using his experiences to serve others and share God’s love. His journey reminds us that even in the darkest seasons, God is present, guiding and restoring those who trust Him. Here, Andile shares his testimony in his own words, showing how God carried him through fear, trauma, and uncertainty, and how His hand continues to be upon him today.

I greet you all in the wonderful name of our Lord Jesus Christ. My name is Andile Phakathi from Hammarsdale Corps, Mid Kwa Zulu Natal Division and I am 26 years old. It is a great privilege and honour to share with my testimony with you.

When I was 4 years old, my mother passed away, and I had to move to stay with my father in Pietermaritzburg. My father had many relationships, which made home not feel like a home. As I grew older, he began to change. He would shout at me and beat me for small mistakes. At that time, no one was there to help me, and the shouting and beating became a daily reality.

In 2018, when I was in Grade 11, I failed the second term at school. I hid my report because I feared my father’s reaction. Unfortunately, he found it. When I returned home, he asked for the report, and I said I had not received it. He took it and began beating me—slap after slap, kick after kick—and then struck me on my back with his gun. I tried to run away, and he started shooting. By God’s grace, I fell down and the bullet passed by me. The neighbours came out and shouted at him, and I managed to escape. I slept on the streets for three days with no food before returning home.

The following Monday at school, a lady leading the assembly spoke about Jeremiah 29:11: “I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you.” That verse gave me courage, reminding me that God was with me and had plans for my life. My father did not change, and I was scared for my life. I ran away from home and moved into the lady’s house in 2019 while I was in Grade 12. Trauma made it difficult to focus on school, and I ended up failing my final year.

In 2020, my father passed away. I thought I would find relief, but the dreams and flashbacks of him continued. With God’s help, I joined Hammarsdale Corps, engaged with other young people, and began to pray, read my Bible, and do my devotions. Through this, I experienced true freedom.

I want to encourage you: even if you are going through what I went through—or even worse—remember that we have a friend in Jesus. His hand is upon you, He has perfect plans for your life, and He can help you just as He helped me.