Although her journey has been insufferable, she wrote a book, A River of Words to my King, that gave her purpose in believing she would make a difference in the lives of others. Her strength and commitment is unparalleled.
Engela wrote this book and recorded a CD as part of her ministry, which she hopes will inspire, encourage, soothe and heal anyone who is suffering from pain, whether it be physical, mental or emotional.
"I am a Lupus sufferer, who has been through the inevitable struggles and hardship common to this specific disease. My book is a collection of God's Word, Christian poetry, prayer and self-penned soul-inspiring songs, sung and recorded on CD, that can be listened to, to uplift and encourage you whilst reading the book."
Lupus is an incurable auto immune disease and causes the body's immune system to become hyperactive. Lupus causes relentless pain and a combination of health complications.
There are two types: systemic – which is internal, and discoid – which is external. The immune system turns and attacks the body's normal, healthy tissue and organs. This results in symptoms such as muscle inflammation and cramping, swelling around the body and face, damage to joints and arthritis, skin rash, kidney diseases and failure, blood clotting, pericarditis around the heart and pleurisy of the lungs, to mention a few.
Patients are often bedridden and unable to manage their daily routines. The resulting emotional turmoil and self-rejection are but a few of the daily challenges Lupus sufferers have to face whilst fighting for survival.
Because of the wide range of symptom combinations experienced by Lupus sufferers, it has, and still remains very difficult to diagnose a Lupus sufferer. It has therefore been a mystery to most in the medical profession.
Most people throughout the world are unaware of this disease and as a result, very little support is available, neither medically, nor emotionally. Doctors attempt to treat the symptoms, but most are unable to verify how short the Lupus sufferers' life span will be, as they are unable to ascertain how uncontrollable the disease may become.
Under normal function, the immune system makes proteins called antibodies in order to protect and fight against antigens such as viruses and bacteria.
Lupus makes the immune system unable to differentiate between antigens and healthy tissue. This leads the immune system to direct antibodies against the healthy tissue - not just antigens - causing swelling, pain and tissue damage.
"As a Lupus sufferer, I live day-by-day, hoping that tomorrow will bring a miracle, so that I am able to enjoy being with my loved ones and join them in everyday activities, without having to be excused because of the pain I experience from just sitting on the sofa."
She believes with all her heart that the healing power of the blood of Jesus is her miracle cure.
"I hold onto this hope, knowing that He will heal me. The cross is my evidence of this."
Engela has been singing and writing songs and poems since her school years. Various CDs have seen the light. In 2004 she was RSG's winner of Voice of Choice. She has been part of numerous worship teams and also ministers as worship leader from behind the piano. Her passion is to help people experience God's healing power and presence through music and song.
Engela has a ministry of song and also gives a wonderful presentation and speaks on the healing power of Jesus. For bookings, or to get a copy of her new book and CD, contact her on 071 475 7456, Jaco Fourie on 082 879 5892 or Annatjie van Tonder on 083 610 1769.
Any donations or financial support will be greatly appreciated for her to continue her ministry and bring awareness of the healing power of Jesus. Engela is currently also running a Lupus support group. For more information, contact her or Annatjie.
Annatjie, Ashleigh (Engela's daughter) and Engela.
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