Bernadine and Willem – Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Bernadine and Willem – Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa “We are Willem and Bernadine. We met on Facebook in 2010 and got married in January 2012. Over the years, we grew apart. Communication became nonexistent, and everything became a boring routine. We fought constantly, and by then, I had totally drifted away from God. I believed the lie that I did not love him anymore, and when he eventually said we should get divorced, I was beyond ecstatic and immediately agreed. I honestly believed that God wanted us to divorce and for me to meet someone else. We separated in October 2020, and we were divorced in September 2021. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, there was nothing else to do but watch TV or be on Facebook. God led me to an online ministry and started working on me without me realizing it was happening. Our children and I started attending church. In August 2021, I dreamt that I was slow dancing with God. He whispered into my ear, ‘You and Willem will get back together — you will be remarried.’ I woke up from the audible voice to find only feelings of anger because I did NOT want restoration. I couldn’t understand why God would tell me this a month before the divorce would be finalized. Shortly thereafter, He started showing me our initials on vehicle number plates everywhere I went, and I still see them every day. I ‘found’ the Standing Supernaturally for Marriage Restoration Facebook page and thought I might as well give standing a try. If wishy-washy were a picture, it’d be of me. I was extremely double-minded. The more I attended church and listened to this ministry’s messages, the more I started to trust God. I believed God gave me instructions to make food and pack it in small containers with notes written for my husband. I didn’t want to because when Willem would earn a penny, he would then drink it all — but I kept being obedient. Only later did he tell me that every time I sent food, he had none. God told me to anoint chairs in church, declare unity, and so many other things. He now sits with me in church, and we live in the same house. Over time, I started seeing improvement in our relationship, but then Willem would go back to ignoring me. I would cry but realize that my war was not against flesh, and I would start fervently praying again. I could literally see the tug of war he was in between good and evil. I just kept on keeping on, and yes, it was very hard. God and faith are key in our journeys as standers. Without our faith, it is impossible to please God. Our faith and reminding Him of His written Word is what makes Him move in our situations. He has given us every tool — we simply need to open our mouths and speak things into existence. Follow instructions that God gives you, however silly they might seem to you. On April 9, 2023 (which was Resurrection Sunday in South Africa), Willem decided to leave ungodly friendships and recommit to his family. I have been in a mentorship program for a year, which teaches about the role of a helpmeet. We flew to America this year to attend a conference, and we got re-engaged there. I love seeing my husband wanting to be a better person and living to please God. Never give up on your spouse’s salvation — it’s worth more than anything in this world. I would like to encourage you not to give up on God’s will or on the prophetic words that have been given to you. My husband and I had no communication during our time apart. By the time God had softened my heart, my husband’s heart had hardened to such an extent he thought he hated me. He told me to move on countless times, that he was happy with the ‘other woman.’ I had a lonely journey, and people looked at me funny when I said that I was standing. I had God and fellow supernatural standers to relate to, and they encouraged me. Never underestimate small beginnings. When God can trust us with the little, He can give us a lot. Thank You, Lord, that You are not a man that You should lie, nor are You a respecter of persons. You stand behind Your word to perform it in Your perfect timing. What You have done for me is already done for the rest of the standers. In Jesus’ mighty Name, Amen.”
