Sanei grew up on Karreefontein, a family farm in the Free State. Her mom did not fare well with farm life, which was mundane in comparison to the schedule she maintained previously as a nurse. Her mom struggled with depression and alcoholism, which led to her suicide in the farmhouse when Sanei was only five. Sanei clearly remembers crying out to God while her mom was passing.

Her dad remarried. The new wife had love and affection for her own kids that joined the family, but quite the opposite for Sanei and her siblings. During her first year at university in Bloemfontein, her dad passed away from a heart condition. This led Sanei to question the purpose of life, and what happens when we die. Hannetjie, her sister, was sure of her relationship with God through this ordeal and shared this with Sanei. At that time Sanei did not feel the same way.

Sanei was no longer welcome at home after her dad passed and did not have much contact with her extended family while studying. This suited her as she thrived on being independent. While doing radiography as an intern at two hospitals in Bethlehem (FS), she attended a Hospital Christian Fellowship meeting. Listening to the matron discussing 1 John 1:8-9, Sanei realized that she believed God existed but did not know Him and needed Him for her salvation. Upon sharing with the Matron her decision to follow Christ, the matron suggested she share what God was doing in her life with patients at the hospital, which she did the following day.

God’s work in her resulted in changes that were apparent. Upon returning to Bloemfontein and her studies, doctors at the student hospital were curious to know what happened, noticing these changes. She started going to church and attending meetings. At the end of her two-year university diploma, she felt God calling her to serve Him full-time rather than pursuing work in radiography (Is 6:8-9).

She arranged to go to bible school at the African Evangelistic Band (AEB). Being very independent, she liked doing things her way. As a result, bible school with its extensive list of rules was a challenge. Upon arrival, she learnt about the stringent dress code, which was not compatible with her wardrobe. And makeup was forbidden. Her aunt Cilla van Wyk in Cape Town came to her assistance for suitable clothes. While Aunt Cilla’s husband, Boet, commented that she would not last two weeks at bible school, knowing her independent rebellious spirit. Two years at AEB taught her to let go of at least some of her more rebellious side.

Sanei met Willie at AEB where they felt God’s nudging that they were meant for each other. They got engaged in the mountains, family and friends pitched in for the engagement ring, and got married shortly after (March 18, 1974). After moving to Johannesburg, Willie started working at the bank and Sanei worked at Discovery Hospital in Roodepoort. Upon learning of Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC), they both felt the call to serve God full-time at CCC. Sanei loved a challenge and felt that serving God was a worthy challenge and the best way to enjoy life.

CCC was refreshing compared to AEB with its “external” rules instilling as foundation being filled with God’s Spirit to work in and through you. The fruit of God working through staff was apparent through discipleship and training.

Sanei served God with Willie at CCC from August of 1975. During their years of service, they saw many lives changed through outreach, personal discipleship and training. Training and outreach through seminars were instrumental in reaching many, several of whom are longtime friends and fellow followers of God. She is thankful for the opportunity to have started two ministries, Mothers Who Care and Crossroads, which have grown and flourished under her care, and continued to do so after she passed on the reigns to others. As part of Mothers Who Care, mothers pray for kids every week at schools across South Africa. At Crossroads, trainers and teacher are equipped to teach kids character development and relationship skills with an emphasis on reserving sexual activity for marriage.

God has worked in and through Sanei’s life and in her passing to touch family, friends and many others in her service to Him. She exemplified Jesus’ words, “Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your hearts will also be.”