TESTIMONY
Husband & Wife Make History by Graduating Together With PhDs
I
—by Gérard Filies
would like to introduce my wife Sylnita, a child from the soil of for us as children to be involved in the church and to know God Ceres in the Western Cape, and myself Gérard from the Cape in everything we do. My mother always reminded us to keep faith Flats. This is our testimony of how God used two ordinary in Jeremiah 29:11, “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the people to inspire others. Our only wish is that others will see God Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” We are blessed with two in all aspects of our lives. beautiful children, Arian (21 years) – a social I met Sylnita (or Syl as I affectionately “This is our testimony work student at UWC, and Gemma (16 years) refer to her) 29 years ago while we were of how God used two – a grade 11 learner at de Kuilen High School. both undergraduate Occupational Therapy ordinary people to inspire students at the University of the Western others, for His glory. “ Cape. Different is a relative term, but Syl was Milestones made possible by God different. She was an extrovert, but in the The year 2018 was an extraordinary one for same breath an introvert – there was something mysterious about Syl and I, as we were the first married couple in the 60 years of her, but it was mostly her level-headedness, bubbly personality, and playful nature that impressed me. I was the quiet type – some people might say serious or reserved.
Growing up in a Christian household Both of us grew up in homes where our parents were Christfollowers, familiar with the power of prayer. I have fond memories of kneeling around Sylnita’s parents’ bed in prayer with her family while dating her, and attending Bible studies as a child with my mother and her prayer group. Both Sylnita’s parents passed away, her dad 10 years ago and her Mom in May 2021, but these memories remain vividly. Our parents instilled Christian values in us, which is the biggest gift that a child can ask for. This shaped us into the people we are today, but also shaped the foundation for our loving marriage and blessed family. Sylnita’s father always said: “You can achieve what others can” (based on Matt 19:26). He would always bless others with Philippians 4:8. My parents have always been stewards in the Methodist church and set the example 36 JOY! MAGAZINE
