From Rock Bottom to Redemption: A Journey of Transformation
In this powerful and deeply personal account, Team Talk Magazine shares the life-transforming testimony of Marius Visser. From a troubled youth and addiction to divine encounters, miraculous deliverance, and a calling to serve others, Marius's journey is a testimony to God's relentless grace and purpose.
His story is not just about change—it’s about calling, restoration, and walking in obedience. You’ll be inspired, challenged, and reminded that no one is ever too far from the reach of God's love.
From Rebellion to Revelation “It all began in Bloemfontein when I was in Grade 7. A teacher stood before us and explained what it meant to give your heart to Jesus. I didn't understand the weight of that moment. In fact, I whispered to a friend, “Where are we going to use this nonsense in life?” words I would later be reminded of in a divine way.
Years passed. I chased pleasure, poured myself into alcohol, and sought fulfillment in dark places. On my 22nd birthday, after consuming more alcohol than I could count, I hit a turning point. Even my hard-drinking uncle told me I was going too far. That night, something stirred. I declared out loud: “In the Name of Jesus Christ, with all my heart, I confess, I will not drink again.”
The next morning, I found myself in a life-changing conversation with a Christian man who spoke about the love of Jesus. His words penetrated deep, and for the first time, I wanted to know more.
A Forgotten Prayer, Remembered by God
In January 2014, I walked into Preacher Popeye’s church in Port Elizabeth. When the call came, “Who wants to give their life to the Lord?” I stepped forward.
As I began to pray the sinner’s prayer, the Holy Spirit reminded me of something from my childhood.
A vision flooded my mind: that Grade 7 assembly in Bloem. I remembered repeating the prayer then, mockingly, half-heartedly, but still declaring Jesus as my Savior.
And in that moment at the altar, I felt the Lord say, “Marius, you already gave your heart to Me. You may have strayed, but I never forgot.” That gave me unshakable confidence. He had never left me.
Deliverance and Baptism: A New Man Was Born
After that powerful moment of surrender, I still stumbled. A few weeks later, I drank again, and it hit me differently. Two shots, and I was completely wrecked. God was showing me the poison I once called normal. A couple months later, I attended Mighty Men. I didn’t know then that it would be the site of my deliverance. A spiritual warfare leader, whom I’d never met, came looking for me. “Marius,” he said, “the Lord gave me a message for you.”
That same weekend, I asked to be baptized. As I came out of the water, I saw a silhouette of light, the presence of Jesus. Suddenly, I vomited violently. I knew in that moment, the spirit of alcoholism had left me. I was free. The blood I spit was symbolic. The bondage was broken.
A Heavenly Warning
Not long after, I slipped. I drank a single glass of wine during a visit with friends. At 2 AM that night, my phone rang. An unknown number. “Marius, do you remember the bush?” I saw the vision, the Mighty Men deliverance scene. Then came the question: “What are you doing now? Are you disrespecting My work?” When I checked my call log, there was no record of the call. The Lord Himself had spoken to me. That moment sealed it. No turning back.
Leaving Home, Finding My Calling
Excited by the Holy Spirit, I began worshiping, dancing in church, and sharing my testimony. My parents didn’t understand. One day, while resting, I had a terrifying experience, a dark snake-like shadow tried to crawl back into my mouth. My body was paralyzed. I broke free through prayer. When I told my mother, she said I’d joined a cult and kicked me out. But the Lord had already prepared a home. a brother in Christ took me in. His son even gave up his bed for me. I gave away all I had and never looked back.
My mother has always carried a deep concern for my well-being. Her fears about my choices and involvement were never born from judgment, but from a fierce love and an unrelenting desire to shield me from harm. I recognize now that in many ways, I was difficult and how my actions affected her. But through it all, she did the best she could with the love and tools she had. We’ve found our way back to each other, not by erasing the past, but by embracing it with grace and forgiveness.
Love, Letters, and God's Timing
Later, I returned to Bloemfontein for work. My boss introduced me to his wife and daughters. One of them, Charné, would later become my wife, but I didn’t know it then. Back in PE, I received two promotions at Spar. Out of nowhere, my old boss called and said, “Come back and take Charné to her matric farewell. She’ll only go if you take her.”
That’s when the Lord began weaving our love story. I told her father: “If I ask your daughter to be mine, it's as good as asking her to marry me. There's just one condition: we go where the Lord sends us—even if it’s a mud hut in Africa.”
Marriage and the Vision Fulfilled
The night before our wedding, I saw a vision God gave me in 1997 as a young boy, a flawless form covered in white silk. It was her. It was us. Our first home was a shack on a foam block. God was teaching us stewardship. From there, He opened more doors, tests, growth, broken bones, kidney stones, and emotional refining. Three times we said goodbye. Three times we got up again. And still, people called asking for Money, our "Bank of USA."
The Safe House Vision
After a near-fatal fall from a train car, I was in pain and desperate. Then I received an invite to a Holy Spirit-filled church—where I met a man building safe houses for women and children. He showed us the next phase:A town of 89 buildings—dedicated to Christ. Schools. Homes. Markets. Parks. All for the Kingdom. I’d carried this vision for years. I prayed, “Lord, send a stranger to confirm this.” Seven weeks later, in a different church, a prophet did exactly that.
The House of Favor
We looked at over 100 homes. Then, on a random Tuesday night, the Lord whispered, “This is the one.” We submitted the offer, received full bank approval, and construction began, just like that. This home isn’t just for us. It’s the first safe house. A place of healing. Of restoration, A home drenched in God’s love and favor.”
“Wherever the Lord leads us, even if it’s a mud house in Africa, we will go.” Marius Visser
Final Thoughts from Team Talk
Marius and Charne’s story is more than a testimony, it’s a living altar of God's grace, mercy, and purpose. What started as a broken path of addiction has become a powerful mission of restoration. Through visions, obedience, heartbreak, and miracles, their lives now echo the Kingdom of God.
Marius’s story reminds us that no one is ever too far gone, too forgotten, or too broken for God. Even when we forget the promises we made, God never does. At Team Talk Magazine, we believe every testimony is a prophecy of what God can do again, in your life, in your family, and in your community.
Let this story remind you: God is still writing yours. We at Team Talk Magazine are honored to share this journey, a journey that proves that God never forgets the prayers we pray, even when we do.
May their faith ignite yours. May their courage encourage yours. May their story remind you: no matter where you've been, God still has a plan.
With love Stella Ashworth - Team Talk Magazine © 2025 Stella Ashworth
