In the quiet corners of the world, where shadows often seem to linger longest, there are stories that rise from the ashes to touch the heavens. Stories that remind us of the boundless grace and overwhelming power of the ever-loving God we serve. Yongelisa’s story is one of hope, a living testament to the transformative touch of our powerful God. Amidst the suffocating grip of grief, stigma, and shattered confidence, she found herself navigating through the treacherous paths of prostitution, hunger, and the haunting spectre of suicide. Yet, in the depths of her struggles, she discovered the guiding hand of our ever-powerful God, leading her from the bleak graves of despair to the flourishing gardens of freedom.
This is Yongelisa’s story of hope.
Growing up in a cycle of rejection, Yongelisa never had a relationship with her parents, and her sister’s untimely death left her to live with a distant aunt. This home was marked by relentless ridicule, hunger, exclusion, and the presence of alcoholism. Despite these hardships, Yongelisa’s resilience shone through. She bravely sought food for her family, undeterred by others’ judgments, showcasing her inner strength and capacity for forgiveness. At the age of 15, she was forced into prostitution by her family in order to get money for food. In these darkest moments, she turned to prayer, asking the Lord for a way out. At 16, she finally broke free from this oppressive environment.
Soon after, Yongelisa faced another challenge: an unplanned pregnancy. Overwhelmed by anxiety and considering abortion, she experienced a divine intervention. She met a woman she describes as an angel, who helped her regain her footing and encouraged her to embrace the miracle growing within her. Motherhood profoundly changed her, and she came to believe that God had a reason to keep her alive.
The early years of her daughter’s life were incredibly tough. Without family support or employment, Yongelisa sank into deep depression. She stood at traffic lights seeking work but lacked confidence. Desperation and suicidal thoughts plagued her, leading her to consider returning to her birthplace. Yet again, the Lord had another plan for her, which occurred when a taxi driver refused to let her on board to go back home. Yongelisa believes this moment was pivotal, as it kept her on the path to where she is today.
Shortly after, another blessing came into her life. She met another woman who enrolled her in a skills-for-life programme. This programme transformed her, building her confidence and lifting her out of depression. With renewed strength, Yongelisa began seeking jobs, marking the beginning of her journey with LIV. Putting all her trust for employment in Jesus, Yongelisa found herself led to the doors of LIV Cape Town. During this transformative period, she crossed paths with Niki, the founder of LIV Cape Town. Through steadfast faith and persistence, she secured a full-time position, receiving her first paycheck in 2024. For the first time, she could afford to move out of the squatter camp into a safer house, buy food, and even save money to eventually build her own home. She expresses that she is the happiest she has ever been, stating, “I have been rejected for so many years; it is the first time I have ever felt important.”
Yongelisa’s journey is a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith and community. From a life marked by profound hardship and rejection, she rose above her circumstances with unwavering hope and determination. Yongelisa stated that LIV Cape Town provided her with more than just a job; it gave her a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. Her journey underscores the unyielding love and faithfulness of God, who guided her every step of the way. Yongelisa’s story is a vivid reminder that even in the darkest times, there is always a path to redemption and hope. A hope that LIV strives to continue bringing to the brokenness of our society. It is a story of turning graves into gardens, chains into freedom, and showcasing the unyielding love and faithfulness of God.
This is Yongelisa’s story of hope.
