\"I Nearly Died Young — But God Had Other Plans\"
Testimony Shared: Sunday, 19 November 2023
I grew up next to the Church of the Good Shepherd — an Anglican church in Fairfield, Lower Hutt. As a family, we went to church on Sundays and often to events during the week. I had elderly parents, two older sisters, and two brothers — I was the youngest of the family.
Although I had that early exposure to church life, I came to truly know Christ more recently, as an adult — just over a year ago now. Since then, I’ve been growing in Him and learning a lot, quite quickly.
Back in August this year, I had to undergo emergency surgery for a femoral hernia. That whole experience — from the doctor’s visits, ultrasounds, scans, and blood tests, to navigating anaesthetic reactions and making some significant medical decisions — felt completely different from how I would have handled it in the past.
This time, I could sense that God was guiding me every step of the way. I felt His presence with me — helping me decide, speaking through others, and giving me peace as I met doctors, nurses, and support staff.
That level of comfort and trust was a huge contrast to what I experienced as a child.
I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis when I was just four and a half and spent years in and out of hospital until I was around eleven.
It was a severe illness.
At one point, inflammation had taken over 96% of my blood, and my paediatrician — an atheist — told my parents to prepare for my death.
But my mum didn’t accept that.
She and Dad prayed fervently at home, surrendering me to God’s will.
I remember the fans, the cold flannels, and somehow, in that hospital room, the fever broke.
I survived. I won the battle for life.
Still, those years left a mark. I often felt lonely, and I struggled to fully trust — not just people, but even God.
I had to learn to walk many times and go down a path that was quite different from other children.
And although my mum often spoke of God’s perfect timing, I didn’t fully believe in that. In fact, I sometimes found it irritating.
But today, I can honestly say my life has been more joyful since I received Christ.
This year, I took a big leap of faith — I stopped relying on an alternative practitioner I had gone to for years. I’ve found a new sense of trust in God — that He is with me, guiding my decisions about health, relationships, and everyday challenges.
God is helping me prioritise, to approach life in ways I never could on my own. He backs me up — I’m not doing this in my own strength anymore. He is beside me.
I’ve had to learn to step out of the way and let Him lead, trusting that His order and timing really are best.
Life still has challenges — like needing extensive dental work at the moment — but I know He’s with me in every detail.
Right now, I’m learning to fly higher above the things of this world. The verse that encourages me most is:
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.”
- Isaiah 40:31
That verse reminds me that walking the path of righteousness requires patience, trust, and hope. But it also comes with the promise that...
God gives us the strength to face trials, resist temptations, and do what honours Him — because Jesus paid the price for us.
I’ve always loved singing — even as a child. Music has been a source of joy and expression for me. (A couple of my favourites: Betcha by Golly Wow by The Stylistics and From a Distance by Bette Midler.)
Today, I’ve let Christ into my life fully. I’ve accepted Him not just as a figure to believe in — but as my Lord and Saviour. I’m no longer trying to control everything on my own.
Life is easier with God. He guides every situation and conversation. He is my Director.
Christine Whittaker is a devoted wife, a passionate follower of Jesus, and one of the faithful administrators of Task Millions NZ. Known for her supportive spirit and servant heart, Christine is always ready to encourage, help, and stand in the gap for others. Her loyalty and consistency are a gift to this movement — having attended every event and poured herself into the vision of uniting the Body of Christ across Aotearoa.
Despite facing many personal battles throughout her life, Christine remains unwavering in her commitment to see revival sweep through New Zealand. Her life is a living testimony of perseverance, faith, and the power of God’s healing love. She’s the real deal — a true warrior for the Lord, and a vital part of the Task Millions family.
We are so grateful to have Christine as part of the Core Team — her heart of service, faithfulness, and encouragement continually strengthen the mission and the people around her.
