Cheryl's Journey from Grief to leadership
In 2018, Cheryl faced a devastating loss when her husband passed away. She coped by staying busy, yet after three years, she realized something was missing. “I wondered if I had cried enough or too little. Was I done with grieving?” she reflected.
She sought counselling at the Family Centre, in Durbanville, where Julia Moore provided the space to process her emotions. “Julia made me feel it was okay not to be okay,” Cheryl shared. This marked the beginning of her healing journey.
Finding Fellowship
Cheryl’s neighbour invited her to El Shaddai Christian Church, where she reconnected with Julia, who welcomed her into a cell group. “You can’t say no to Julia, she’s too kind,” Cheryl recalled.
Soon, Cheryl joined the Loss of a Spouse seminar and a 13-week GriefShare course led by Susan and Sonja. These programs were transformative. The course was so meaningful and it made such a difference in my life. I told Susan that if they ever needed help, I would love to be able to help others.”
Susan said she’d let me know when the next facilitator training is. This led to Cheryl becoming a GriefShare facilitator.
During this time, Cheryl formed a close friendship with Ruth, another GriefShare participant. Their connection deepened as they navigated similar experiences of loss. (Watch an abridged version of Cheryl’s testimony below. Or, keep reading as she shares details of a special blessing she received in Hong Kong).
Launching a Cell Group
Cheryl’s commitment to faith grew as she balanced caring for her grandsons with cell group meetings. When scheduling conflicts arose, her cell leaders suggested she start her own group. Initially hesitant, Cheryl eventually took on the challenge after completing cell leader training.
This new group, named Faith & Fellowship, provided a space for both Bible study and meaningful connections. “The name came to me as divine inspiration,” she said.
Discovering Everyday Miracles
As Cheryl stepped into leadership, she began noticing the Holy Spirit’s presence in her life. “I used to feel inadequate in prayer,” she admitted, but advice from Susan reassured her: “Just turn up. God will do the rest.”
One day, while driving home, Cheryl saw an elderly woman walking along the highway—something she’d never noticed before. Without hesitation, she offered her a lift. “It felt like God opened my eyes to see her,” she said.
Taking on GriefShare Leadership
In 2022, Susan invited Cheryl to take over the GriefShare ministry. Initially shocked, Cheryl agreed after prayerful consideration. Reflecting on this decision, she remarked, “God equips those He calls. I just needed to show up.”
A Blessing in Hong Kong
During a trip to Hong Kong in September 2024, Cheryl experienced an extraordinary moment at the airport. While waiting for her flight, she noticed two men and a woman seated nearby. One of the men folded paper into small boxes, piquing her curiosity.
Out of the blue, one of the men asked, “Are you a Christian?” When Cheryl said yes, he introduced himself and his companion as pastors. They were en route to a military reunion and felt compelled to share something with her.
The man handed Cheryl a paper box and said, “This is just a piece of paper until you use it—it becomes a vessel.” He also gave her a verse, 2 Timothy 2:21:
“If anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonourable, he will be a vessel for honourable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.”
Cheryl was astonished. “They didn’t know me, yet their words spoke directly to my heart,” she said.
The pastors also gifted her a red paper with Chinese symbols representing Blessing, Honor, Peace, Long Life, and Joy. On the back, they wrote Proverbs 3:16: “Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honour.”
Cheryl described this as the “Hong Kong Blessing.” Whatever burdens she carried that day disappeared, replaced by peace and reassurance.
Reflections on a Year of Growth
As Cheryl reflected on her journey, she said, “You don’t need to know every Bible verse or have prophetic gifts. Just turn up and trust the Holy Spirit to guide you.”
Her story is a testament to the power of community, faith, and showing up—even when it feels daunting. Cheryl’s journey from grief to bringing hope to others is an example of what God can do when you step out in faith and embrace the unexpected blessings along the way.
