Overcoming Mountains: Sharon Jantjes’ Journey of Faith and Healing
April 2023 marked a pivotal moment for Sharon Jantjes. Amidst conversations with friends about an upcoming multi-day hike, she found herself impulsively requesting to join, despite her recent battles with her health.
“In January last year, I had been in hospital for over two weeks,” Sharon recounts, “they had placed me on steroids.” The treatment had left her muscles weak and climbing stairs seemed an insurmountable challenge. Just when her physical recovery seemed daunting, another blow struck in March of 2023 when she experienced anaphylaxis, requiring adrenaline and high care.
“But God,” Sharon reflects with gratitude, “somehow, I managed to complete that multi-day hike.” It was a testament to her resilience and the unseen strength she drew from her faith. Looking ahead, she committed to an even greater challenge: the formidable Otter Trail. Known for its demanding terrain, the Otter Trail beckoned those who were not just physically fit, but spiritually prepared for endurance. “I decided to go for it.”
“I hiked alongside my husband,” Sharon recalls, “a gesture of support in a marriage facing strains of its own.” Yet, as they ventured deeper into the hiking community, Sharon found solace and strength. Weekends became synonymous with hiking, a shared passion that breathed new life into their relationship. “God was weaving a new chapter for us,” she says, “one step at a time.”
In January this year of the following year, Sharon enrolled in an Inner Healing course, coinciding with critical training hikes for the Otter Trail. Balancing physical preparedness with spiritual growth became her daily rhythm. “God’s timing was evident,” Sharon notes, “even when my ankle sprain threatened to derail everything.” Despite the setback, she sought treatment and found support within her community and from professionals who understood her determination to persevere.
“The day I started the Otter Trail,” Sharon confides, “I was still in pain and unsure if I could continue.” Yet, as a late addition to the trail’s leadership team, she found herself entrusted with guiding others through their challenges. “It was a humbling responsibility,” Sharon admits, “especially knowing the original leader battled cancer.”
Throughout Sharon’s journey—from hospital rooms to mountain peaks—her KLE church community stood as pillars of strength and encouragement. “The prayers and support were tangible,” she acknowledges, “each step forward was a testament to God’s goodness and grace.” As she navigated physical recovery, healed relational wounds, and deepened her spiritual roots, Sharon’s story became a living testament to resilience and the transformative power of faith.
Looking back, Sharon’s journey is not just a personal triumph but a communal celebration of hope. “God had a plan,” she affirms, “and every obstacle was an opportunity to witness His faithfulness.” Today, Sharon continues to inspire those around her, proving that with faith as her compass, no mountain is too high to climb.
In the Kingdom Life Embassy community, Sharon’s journey resonates as a reminder of the unwavering support found in God’s family. Her story is a beacon of hope, inviting others to embrace their challenges with courage and faith, knowing they do not journey alone.
The Otter Trail: A Journey of Challenge and Restoration
The Briefing
At the start, we received a briefing on the trail, including what animals to expect and how to handle encounters with snakes, baboons, and tigers. We were informed about the technical difficulty of each day and emergency contacts and given a lunar calendar.
Day 1: A Gentle Introduction
The first day was relatively easy and stunningly beautiful, with some rock climbing. Despite dropping back due to foot pain, I completed the day without any major issues.
Managing Pain
For five days, I managed my ankle pain with anti-inflammatory bandages at night, Transact plasters, and kinesiology tape during the day. Although not as fit as the rest of the team, I remained mentally strong thanks to meditation and recent breakthroughs.
Day 2: The Toughest Challenge
Day 2 was the most gruelling. The constant ups and downs tested our physical and mental limits. I stayed at the back while the team detoured to a beach, which they found too treacherous. We hiked till late afternoon and were utterly exhausted by the end. I was reminded of Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Day 3: River Crossing
Day 3 involved a crucial river crossing at low tide. I hiked ahead during the morning to ensure I could cross in time, meeting up with the team later.
Day 4: The Bloukrans River
Day 4 was the infamous Bloukrans River crossing. My husband and I, along with another couple, started early. Despite arriving with time to spare, the crossing was challenging. We encountered difficulties with the rope and rising water, but managed to swim across safely. The subsequent mountain climb was painful, especially as my foot plasters had washed off. Anthony stayed with me as I struggled, but we finally reached the huts after more than 12 hours of hiking. Psalm 18:33 gave me strength: “He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights.”
Day 5: The Final Stretch
On the last day, I felt rested and led the team to the finish.
Reflection
The Otter Trail is officially 45 kilometres over five days, but our fitness monitors showed nearly 60 kilometres. This hike symbolized the culmination of my spiritual journey toward restoration. The KLE ministry supported me over the past year, and Apostle Max and Pastor Zena played crucial roles in my healing. Their guidance and the word of God empowered me to complete this quest. This journey was not just physical but a testament to my spiritual growth and dependence on divine grace. Proverbs 3:5-6 was a constant reminder: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
In many ways, the Otter Trail was the final lap in a journey of spiritual, emotional, and mental restoration. One misstep could have been fatal, but with God’s grace, I finished strong. Isaiah 40:31 resonated deeply: “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.”
