Leandra’s Sonja shares her testimony to others

HIGHVELD – After 24 years Ms Sonja Basson opened up to the Ridge Times about her journey and what she and her family endured physically and spiritually after one fateful day that changed everything.

Her survival that day can only be described as miraculous.

On the morning of 26 August 1996, Ms Basson had a feeling of not wanting to leave home or drive anywhere, but because of an appointment with a farm worker, she had no alternative.

“At that time I did not know it was the Holy Spirit speaking to me as I did not have that relationship with the Lord. I knew there was a God, I knew Jesus died on the cross, I knew there was a Holy Spirit, but I did not know the works of the Holy Spirit.

“Today I know it was the Holy Spirit working through me,” said Ms Basson

She explained that she and their farm worker, Mr Bam Dlamini, took to the road and could see a raging fire in the far distance.

She described how she underestimated the distance of the fire and the strength of how hard the wind was blowing.

Her husband, Mr Louw Basson, was on the family farm at the time of the fire.

According to him, strong winds had blown over a power line. This caused a spark which then set fire to a field.

The fire spread from Springs right up to Devon.

Ms Basson at that time was driving on the Balfour road heading towards Devon.

“We saw the fire but it was at a distance.

“We were driving down a lane of eucalyptus trees; all of a sudden the fire was right next to us on the passenger’s side. Then there were flames everywhere.”

The vehicle stalled. Ms Basson and her passenger tried to escape while the fire was a ranging tunnel surrounding the vehicle. She struggled with her safety belt.

“My life flashed before my eyes. I thought this was going to be my end. I thought if I go now, where will I be going? I knew about Jesus and that there is a heaven, but I was very anxious and scared and not sure that I was spiritually ready to go to heaven.”

She said she had to run back into the direction from which they had come.

Disorientated, dressed in a flammable tracksuit and a pair of melting tekkies, she battled the raging fire.

“All I know is that I screamed out: ‘Lord, help me!’ Suddenly the fire was behind me. I was 1.2km away from my vehicle and the fire. It was humanly impossible to get through those flames. I inhaled so much smoke, I could not breathe. I knew it was He who took me out of those flames. It was a miracle.”

Ms Basson’s husband said that the heat of the flames was so intense that his wife sustained third-degree burns to 32 percent of her body.

Her hands were severely burned and damage from protecting her face. So much so that the doctors wanted to amputate both of them, however, her hands is another miracle story on its own – one of the many other miracles which included reconstruction to her nose and face and a 24-year journey to recovery, not only physically for three years, but also spiritually.

She went through every journey having to learn to love herself again, both inside and out and experienced a peace that transcends all understandings which caused inner healing.

Today, she is spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically in a good place and testifies to others of God’s grace.

She often encourages people who are going through dark and difficult times, because she can testify of being victorious in her own difficult circumstances.

She walked this road with the love and support of her husband (who had also gone through his own spiritual journey and growth), daughter Elrize (27), son Lourens (26), family and friends.

“I am thankful that through God’s grace I have received another chance.

“It doesn’t matter how I look, who I am, or what I am… I am justified through Jesus Christ. To God be all the glory,” ended Ms Basson.

Ms Basson is open to giving her testimony and can be contacted at sonja@goudveldboerdery.co.za