A Journey of Transformation and Purpose

My story is not a straight line of victories and achievements. It is, instead, a winding path marked by valleys of despair, shadows of doubt, and seasons of brokenness—but also mountaintops of grace, healing, and joy. I live in South Africa, and for 36 years I have been married to my husband, my faithful companion in life and ministry. Together, we raised two sons who are now grown, married, and fathers themselves. Today, I am blessed to be a grandmother to two precious grandsons who remind me every day that life is a gift worth celebrating.

But the truth is, for most of my life, I did not feel that way. I struggled with depression for more than 35 years. From my earliest memories, I wrestled with sleepless nights, restless thoughts, and the nagging belief that I was “not enough.” I carried shame from abuse, both sexual and emotional, and this pain manifested not only in my circumstances but in the way I treated myself. I became my harshest critic, speaking words of condemnation to myself long before anyone else had a chance to do so.

There were seasons when I desperately sought the approval of others, relying on their voices to drown out the chaos inside my own head. I often self-sabotaged, overthought every decision, and carried the weight of believing that I was always the problem. Depression, combined with the echoes of trauma, became a prison. Some days, I longed for the darkness to simply consume me so the pain would stop.

And yet, through every long night and heavy day, the Lord never let go of me. My lifeline was always Jesus—the One who never left, even when I could not see or feel His presence.

Ministry in the Midst of Struggle

In September 2012, my husband and I stepped into full-time ministry as church leaders. It was both a privilege and a burden. Ministry is beautiful, but it is also costly. Walking with people through their deepest struggles while still fighting my own often left me exhausted. Leadership revealed both the fragility of my heart and the strength of God’s sustaining hand.

I discovered that serving in ministry requires more than pouring yourself out for others—it requires learning how to be filled, healed, and whole yourself. Ministry exposed my lack of boundaries. I had often allowed myself to be trampled on, believing that being a servant of Christ meant being a doormat. Slowly, God began to teach me a different way: to love and serve while also guarding the heart He entrusted to me.

This process was painful but essential. I realized that before I could lead others into freedom, I needed to embrace it myself.

Embracing Healing and Identity

One day, in the quiet of my own heart, the Lord confronted me with a simple but powerful truth: You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

I stood in front of the mirror, years of self-hatred weighing heavily on me, and for the first time I spoke words I had never dared to utter:
“I love you. You may live.”

That moment marked the beginning of a new chapter. I embraced the reality that my life was a gift, not a curse. That I was not an accident, not a mistake, and not too broken to be used by God.

From there, I began to study. I devoured material on the brain, trauma, thought patterns, and neuroplasticity. I wanted to understand not only what had happened to me but also how the Lord could heal and renew my mind. Romans 12:2 became my anchor: “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Personal development, coupled with a deepening walk with the Lord, shifted everything. I learned that I am not defined by my past. I learned to love myself as God loves me. I discovered the joy of simply being alive, of waking up each morning and seeing beauty in ordinary things. At 57 years old, I can now say with confidence that every trial, every heartbreak, every tear has trained and taught me. It has made me strong—not in myself, but in Christ.

The Birth of My Calling as a Coach

My own journey of healing birthed in me a passion to help others. I know the suffocating weight of depression, the sting of abuse, and the emptiness of self-sabotage. I also know the freedom that comes when Christ renews your mind and heals your heart.

Today, I serve as a Christ-centered relationship, mindset and self-care coach. My mission is to walk alongside Christians—especially women—who feel stuck, broken, or overwhelmed, and guide them toward freedom in Christ.

I help women:

• Break free from negative thoughts and false beliefs.

• Overcome cycles of self-sabotage and overthinking.

• Build healthy, God-centered relationships with themselves, the Lord, and others.

• Discover their identity as daughters of the Most High God.

• Learn biblical principles for thriving in life, relationships, and ministry.

I believe true transformation comes through renewing the mind (Romans 12:2), putting on the new self (Ephesians 4:24), and practicing self-care as an act of stewardship over the life God has given us. Coaching is not about “fixing” people—it is about reminding them who they already are in Christ.

A Foundation of Experience

Although I no longer pursue freelancing as a business, my professional journey has deeply shaped who I am as a coach and minister. From the time I was 16, I worked in diverse fields: apprentice electrician, office administrator, bookkeeper, sales consultant, teacher, and corporate employee. Later, I ventured into entrepreneurial work, helping small business owners with their administration and creative tasks.

These experiences taught me discipline, problem-solving, adaptability, and resilience. They also gave me insight into the struggles of everyday people trying to balance work, family, finances, and faith. While freelancing was a season, the lessons I learned continue to serve me—and, in turn, those I now coach.

Writing as Ministry

Since childhood, I have loved writing—poems, stories, and reflections. For years, that passion lay dormant under the weight of my struggles. But as healing took root, writing reemerged as both therapy and ministry.

Today, I am starting to re-ignite my love for writing with a clear purpose: to share biblical truths in a way that brings light, hope, and encouragement. Whether through books, devotionals, or articles, my goal is to help others grow in Christ, deepen their relationship with the Lord, and find healing through His Word. Writing allows me to extend my reach beyond one-on-one coaching, speaking to hearts I may never meet in person.

Why I Do What I Do

My “WHY” is simple yet profound: I want to see Christians love themselves as God loves them, walk in freedom, and embrace the abundant life Jesus promised.

I know what it’s like to live in chains, to wake up each day feeling unworthy, unseen, and unloved. I also know the radical joy of looking in the mirror and seeing a beloved child of God staring back.

Every coaching session, every message I share, every page I write flows from the conviction that no one is too broken, too old, or too far gone. Transformation is possible. Healing is possible. Hope is real. And it is all found in Christ.

Training, Growth, and Validation

While my life has been my greatest teacher, I have also pursued formal learning. I hold a Women in Ministry Certificate and a Counselling Certificate. I have studied neuroplasticity, trauma, thought patterns, and the mind-body connection—all through a biblical lens.

I have also gained qualifications in the corporate and digital world, including diplomas and certificates in business, marketing, IT, and finance. But above all, I hold on to the prophetic words spoken over my life by Pastor Hansie Smit of STEP Ministries, who confirmed that the Lord had been preparing me through every season of pain. His words affirmed what God had already whispered: my calling is to bring healing to the afflicted, freedom to the captives, and victory to His children.

I consider my healing my graduation, my testimony my certificate, and the Lord’s approval my validation.

Where I Am Today

At this stage of my life, I live with a sense of gratitude and peace I never thought possible. I cherish every sunrise, every moment with my family, every opportunity to speak life into someone else’s story.

I no longer see my past as wasted years but as divine preparation. The abuse, the depression, the ministry struggles—they have all been woven into a testimony that now serves as a lifeline for others.

Through coaching, ministry, and writing, I offer what the Lord has given me: hope, healing, and the reminder that you are loved beyond measure.

Closing Words

Thank you for taking the time to hear my story. My prayer is that it not only gives you insight into who I am but also inspires you to believe that your own story, no matter how broken, can be redeemed and transformed.

I am living proof that no pit is too deep, no wound too severe, and no night too dark for the light of Christ to break through. Life is a gift, and you are worth living it fully.

With heartfelt gratitude and blessings,
Antonette Bisset