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Testimonies of a Good God: The True Story of an Ordinary Man with an Extraordinary God
Are you dealing with a loss, fear and anxiety, heartbreak or facing a giant? There is hope.
From the Author
We live in a world that is so busy, with everyone competing for our attention.
So why should you stop and look at this book? What's so special about it and what gives me the right to speak into your life?
Well, please allow me to tell you. This book wasn't written because I wanted to be an author. It wasn't written because I am qualified or wanted a platform. It was written because God put it on my heart to tell people about my story so my testimonies can help those who are still going through the "test" part of their future testimonies. It's to encourage those of you who are stuck, stuck in life, and stuck in a rut. It's for those who are camping in the valley of the shadow of death instead of walking through it and into the feast that God has prepared for them. It’s to encourage those who have been through a loss, those who have been rejected, those who have struggled with fear and anxiety, those who are facing financial lack and those who are up against a giant right now and can't see a way around it.
There is hope, and God knows the path out.
I've been through a lot of struggles. I've lost my sister, had my heart broken, been in an accident, been held up at gunpoint, had significant health struggles, and been through lots of battles, but through it all, I've seen Jesus and heard His voice. And He has always led me out into victory. I've also seen the deliverance of the Lord. I've seen God do miracles. I've seen God come through in impossible situations. I've seen heaven come to earth on many occasions and have seen God redeem situations that were meant for our harm and made them for our good. I've seen God speak and we responded and saw the victory He promised. GOD IS REAL,and when the Holy Spirit breathes on it, the Bible comes alive,and God shows you that there is light at the end of the tunnel. He is your deliverer, protector, comforter and friend. His word is the light to the path that shines the way and shows you where to go.
So, I want to share my stories with you in hope that God can use them to lift you up and pull you out of the pit. Reminding you that you are a child of the King, you were born for a purpose, and you belong in a palace. Take my testimonies and hold onto them. Begin to phophesy the same victories into your life too. The same God who is in me is in you. What God has made available to me is also available to you. He has no favourites, but He does respond to faith. So, take him at His word and hold onto Him and when you feel like backing down, giving up or hiding away from life. Remind yourself that He is Good and He is God. He is for you and not against you. Have faith in God, He’s got you and will never let go of you.
So, go ahead and take a look at this book. Give it a try. What do you have to lose? God’s waiting for you and calling you deeper into His presence. His victories are hidden for you and not from you. But you have to seek Him a little deeper.
Oh, and by the way, 25% of the profits of this book will go to the family of a dear friend who's gone to be with Jesus (because life doesn't always go the way we want). But we can trust God to redeem and restore,and we can trust that somehow, He will always work things out for the good of those who love him.
Book Accolades
During the month of its launch, almost 3100 free copies of “Testimonies of a good God” were downloaded with the book reaching #1 status in 2 separate Amazon categories. See author profile for more details.
Recently, "Testimonies of a Good God," was featured on “UCB2” radio, where Byron and Tammie spent half an hour chatting about their story on the Ruth O'Reilly-Smith show. United Christian Broadcasters (UCB2) are one of the largest Christian broadcasters in the United Kingdom and broadcast to over 50 million UK homes through DAB radio.
About the author
Byron is passionate about the Bible and believes it is the sovereign word of God. Although probably best described as a charismatic Christian, Byron has a heart for the whole body of Christ and has a desire to see all people walk closer to God and hear His voice.
Byron and his wife Tammie live in Hampton, England, with their daughter Hannah and son Joshua. Originally from South Africa, Byron is a passionate speaker and has a desire to see people come to faith in God, trust God more, and walk more into His plans for their lives.Byron and Tammie are passionate about the local church and are very involved in a church called Kingsgate Church in Kingston upon Thames, London, England.
During his spare time, Byron enjoys reading books by best-selling Christian authors like Bill Johnson, Kirs Vallotton and Shawn Bolz. Byron has a passion for prophetic ministry and "Translating God" is one of his favourite books, as he has a strong desire for all Christians to realize that God st...
From the Author
We live in a world that is so busy, with everyone competing for our attention.
So why should you stop and look at this book? What's so special about it and what gives me the right to speak into your life?
Well, please allow me to tell you. This book wasn't written because I wanted to be an author. It wasn't written because I am qualified or wanted a platform. It was written because God put it on my heart to tell people about my story so my testimonies can help those who are still going through the "test" part of their future testimonies. It's to encourage those of you who are stuck, stuck in life, and stuck in a rut. It's for those who are camping in the valley of the shadow of death instead of walking through it and into the feast that God has prepared for them. It’s to encourage those who have been through a loss, those who have been rejected, those who have struggled with fear and anxiety, those who are facing financial lack and those who are up against a giant right now and can't see a way around it.
There is hope, and God knows the path out.
I've been through a lot of struggles. I've lost my sister, had my heart broken, been in an accident, been held up at gunpoint, had significant health struggles, and been through lots of battles, but through it all, I've seen Jesus and heard His voice. And He has always led me out into victory. I've also seen the deliverance of the Lord. I've seen God do miracles. I've seen God come through in impossible situations. I've seen heaven come to earth on many occasions and have seen God redeem situations that were meant for our harm and made them for our good. I've seen God speak and we responded and saw the victory He promised. GOD IS REAL,and when the Holy Spirit breathes on it, the Bible comes alive,and God shows you that there is light at the end of the tunnel. He is your deliverer, protector, comforter and friend. His word is the light to the path that shines the way and shows you where to go.
So, I want to share my stories with you in hope that God can use them to lift you up and pull you out of the pit. Reminding you that you are a child of the King, you were born for a purpose, and you belong in a palace. Take my testimonies and hold onto them. Begin to phophesy the same victories into your life too. The same God who is in me is in you. What God has made available to me is also available to you. He has no favourites, but He does respond to faith. So, take him at His word and hold onto Him and when you feel like backing down, giving up or hiding away from life. Remind yourself that He is Good and He is God. He is for you and not against you. Have faith in God, He’s got you and will never let go of you.
So, go ahead and take a look at this book. Give it a try. What do you have to lose? God’s waiting for you and calling you deeper into His presence. His victories are hidden for you and not from you. But you have to seek Him a little deeper.
Oh, and by the way, 25% of the profits of this book will go to the family of a dear friend who's gone to be with Jesus (because life doesn't always go the way we want). But we can trust God to redeem and restore,and we can trust that somehow, He will always work things out for the good of those who love him.
Book Accolades
During the month of its launch, almost 3100 free copies of “Testimonies of a good God” were downloaded with the book reaching #1 status in 2 separate Amazon categories. See author profile for more details.
Recently, "Testimonies of a Good God," was featured on “UCB2” radio, where Byron and Tammie spent half an hour chatting about their story on the Ruth O'Reilly-Smith show. United Christian Broadcasters (UCB2) are one of the largest Christian broadcasters in the United Kingdom and broadcast to over 50 million UK homes through DAB radio.
About the author
Byron is passionate about the Bible and believes it is the sovereign word of God. Although probably best described as a charismatic Christian, Byron has a heart for the whole body of Christ and has a desire to see all people walk closer to God and hear His voice.
Byron and his wife Tammie live in Hampton, England, with their daughter Hannah and son Joshua. Originally from South Africa, Byron is a passionate speaker and has a desire to see people come to faith in God, trust God more, and walk more into His plans for their lives.Byron and Tammie are passionate about the local church and are very involved in a church called Kingsgate Church in Kingston upon Thames, London, England.
During his spare time, Byron enjoys reading books by best-selling Christian authors like Bill Johnson, Kirs Vallotton and Shawn Bolz. Byron has a passion for prophetic ministry and "Translating God" is one of his favourite books, as he has a strong desire for all Christians to realize that God st...
192 pages, Paperback
First published February 29, 2016
About the author
Byron van der Merwe
8 books3 followersByron van der Merwe and his wife, Tammie, have been joyfully married for 20 years and are blessed with two wonderful children, Hannah and Joshua. Originally from the sun-soaked lands of South Africa, today they call the rolling hills of England home. Together, Byron and Tammie carry a burning passion for the local church and a deep desire to see every believer rise into the full freedom, love, and destiny God has prepared for them.
For over 15 years, my life was marked by battles I never saw coming—seasons of loss, sickness, fear, and overwhelming hardship. There were times when hope felt out of reach. Yet in every dark valley, I saw the light of God's goodness shine through. He carried me. He healed me. He fought for me when I had no strength left to fight for myself. Not once did He fail.
One quiet afternoon, as I sat on a beach in Greece, looking out over the endless horizon, I heard the voice of God whisper to my heart:
"It's time to make your private victories public."
In that sacred moment, I knew my story wasn't meant to stay hidden. It was meant to ignite hope in others.
Testimonies of a Good God was born out of that encounter.
This book is a living invitation for you—to believe again, to hope again, and to trust that the same God who rescued me will do the same for you. Within these pages, you'll discover the scriptures that became my lifeline, the truths that broke my chains, and the powerful ways God's Word can equip you to stand firm, no matter what storms come your way.
This isn't just my story—it's a promise.
A promise that you are never alone. A reminder that your battles are not the end of your story. And a declaration that your victory is already being written by the hand of a good, faithful, and unstoppable God.
No matter where you are right now, remember: God is still working. He is still faithful. And He will turn all things—yes, all things—for your good if you will simply trust Him.
The best is yet to come.
Accolades for Testimonies of a Good God
Testimonies of a Good God was featured on UCB Radio—the UK’s largest Christian radio station—where Byron and Tammie van der Merwe shared their powerful story on The Ruth O’Reilly Show. The book became an Amazon.com #2 bestseller in the Christian Biography category, ranking just behind the late Pope. To date, over 3,150 copies have been downloaded, touching lives around the world with its message of hope, healing, and the goodness of God.
For over 15 years, my life was marked by battles I never saw coming—seasons of loss, sickness, fear, and overwhelming hardship. There were times when hope felt out of reach. Yet in every dark valley, I saw the light of God's goodness shine through. He carried me. He healed me. He fought for me when I had no strength left to fight for myself. Not once did He fail.
One quiet afternoon, as I sat on a beach in Greece, looking out over the endless horizon, I heard the voice of God whisper to my heart:
"It's time to make your private victories public."
In that sacred moment, I knew my story wasn't meant to stay hidden. It was meant to ignite hope in others.
Testimonies of a Good God was born out of that encounter.
This book is a living invitation for you—to believe again, to hope again, and to trust that the same God who rescued me will do the same for you. Within these pages, you'll discover the scriptures that became my lifeline, the truths that broke my chains, and the powerful ways God's Word can equip you to stand firm, no matter what storms come your way.
This isn't just my story—it's a promise.
A promise that you are never alone. A reminder that your battles are not the end of your story. And a declaration that your victory is already being written by the hand of a good, faithful, and unstoppable God.
No matter where you are right now, remember: God is still working. He is still faithful. And He will turn all things—yes, all things—for your good if you will simply trust Him.
The best is yet to come.
Accolades for Testimonies of a Good God
Testimonies of a Good God was featured on UCB Radio—the UK’s largest Christian radio station—where Byron and Tammie van der Merwe shared their powerful story on The Ruth O’Reilly Show. The book became an Amazon.com #2 bestseller in the Christian Biography category, ranking just behind the late Pope. To date, over 3,150 copies have been downloaded, touching lives around the world with its message of hope, healing, and the goodness of God.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 12, 2016
Unfortunately, I enjoyed the title of the book more than I enjoyed the book itself. What began as a good read quickly turned into a disappointing one. Byron's book tells numerous stories of the goodness of God, with many helpful verses of scripture along the way, with what he describes as miracles, deliverance, and healing. His book does give encouragement and explain the plan of salvation, but doctrinal speaking, I found it wanting. For this reason, I gave it one star.
First, let me state I am an Evangelical Christian. I believe in miracles and healing, but I do not believe it is the norm. I do not demand nor do I claim them. God heals by his own will and not by our demands.
There were many thoughts and conversations with the devil that I found very disturbing, along with his teaching of the "word of faith" (positive confession), "name it, claim it," and health and wealth prosperity doctrine. This is when I felt the book began going a rye.
Those who believe in the word of faith movement believe that faith works like a mighty power or force. Through faith, we can obtain anything we want -- health, wealth, success, whatever. However, this force is only released through the spoken word. As we speak the words of faith, power is discharged to accomplish our desires.
While I do believe in the Devil and his demons, author Byron van der Merwe's obsession with the spirit world such as, "I could almost hear the devil say..." or the devil said..." Dreams of demonic buffalos, snakes sent by the devil, being overwhelmed by evil thoughts, fears of dying and that God would raise him from the dead were bizarre.
In one incident, Peta, who was a friend in the deliverance ministry says, to Byron, "I feel like the devil is trying to suffocate you and he has placed a snake around your heart."
This is what it looked like in the spirit. Tammie (his wife) and I pretty much saw the same thing in our spirits. It's hard to describe, you couldn't physically see it but somehow God opened our spiritual eyes for a moment to see it, if that makes any sense. I'm sure in the physical world it was far less dramatic. Peta reached into my chest, pulled and she said, "Devil, I command you to loose yourself off Byron and come off him in Jesus' name." In her hands I could almost see this snake and she threw it off and commanded it to leave...
I do not doubt the author's sincerity, but statements such as these are heretical and wonder where his faith lies, faith in faith or faith in God?
"We are the only one who can stop God's plan with our words. God can only act on what we say."
"We have the ability to choose death or life for us and our children and death and life are in the power of our tongue."
I know something about life and death, two of our children passed away from a terrible childhood liver disease at a very young age. God does not always choose to heal. One does not demand or command a sovereign God to heal. God is good always, in spite of our circumstances and He works according to His will and not ours. What should come forth from our mouth is praise to an awesome God! Now that is a testimony of a good God!
I cannot in good conscience, recommend this book to anyone, unless you believe in this doctrine, then you will enjoy the book.The author at the end of the book writes, and I quote, "If you enjoyed this book then please go onto Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk and give a positive review. If you did not like it rather keep it to yourself."
First, let me state I am an Evangelical Christian. I believe in miracles and healing, but I do not believe it is the norm. I do not demand nor do I claim them. God heals by his own will and not by our demands.
There were many thoughts and conversations with the devil that I found very disturbing, along with his teaching of the "word of faith" (positive confession), "name it, claim it," and health and wealth prosperity doctrine. This is when I felt the book began going a rye.
Those who believe in the word of faith movement believe that faith works like a mighty power or force. Through faith, we can obtain anything we want -- health, wealth, success, whatever. However, this force is only released through the spoken word. As we speak the words of faith, power is discharged to accomplish our desires.
While I do believe in the Devil and his demons, author Byron van der Merwe's obsession with the spirit world such as, "I could almost hear the devil say..." or the devil said..." Dreams of demonic buffalos, snakes sent by the devil, being overwhelmed by evil thoughts, fears of dying and that God would raise him from the dead were bizarre.
In one incident, Peta, who was a friend in the deliverance ministry says, to Byron, "I feel like the devil is trying to suffocate you and he has placed a snake around your heart."
This is what it looked like in the spirit. Tammie (his wife) and I pretty much saw the same thing in our spirits. It's hard to describe, you couldn't physically see it but somehow God opened our spiritual eyes for a moment to see it, if that makes any sense. I'm sure in the physical world it was far less dramatic. Peta reached into my chest, pulled and she said, "Devil, I command you to loose yourself off Byron and come off him in Jesus' name." In her hands I could almost see this snake and she threw it off and commanded it to leave...
I do not doubt the author's sincerity, but statements such as these are heretical and wonder where his faith lies, faith in faith or faith in God?
"We are the only one who can stop God's plan with our words. God can only act on what we say."
"We have the ability to choose death or life for us and our children and death and life are in the power of our tongue."
I know something about life and death, two of our children passed away from a terrible childhood liver disease at a very young age. God does not always choose to heal. One does not demand or command a sovereign God to heal. God is good always, in spite of our circumstances and He works according to His will and not ours. What should come forth from our mouth is praise to an awesome God! Now that is a testimony of a good God!
I cannot in good conscience, recommend this book to anyone, unless you believe in this doctrine, then you will enjoy the book.The author at the end of the book writes, and I quote, "If you enjoyed this book then please go onto Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk and give a positive review. If you did not like it rather keep it to yourself."
June 24, 2016
I was sent this book in exchange for an honest review.
Testimonies of a Good God: Seeing God's Goodness Through the Clouds of Life is an easy read. About half of it is the author's story, up to the present day, of God's faithfulness during times in his life when he needed him the most. The second half has testimony after testimony of following the "still, small voice" of the Holy Spirit and obeying it, no matter what the circumstances looked like.
I've given it four stars because this isn't a memoir focusing on one main theme with a building story, nor is it a teaching book with a set theme for each chapter. It could have been laid out in a more practical way; nevertheless, I enjoyed it.
Overall, I'd say that this book would inspire those who have trouble trusting God with their finances -- they will get the most help/hope from reading it, along with those who feel as if they are in a constant battle with fearful thoughts. Van der Merwe writes from the heart, and he adds many Bible thoughts, thoughts, and helpful tips of his own throughout.
Overall, I recommend buying this if your faith needs a boost and you want a reminder that God is indeed good.
Testimonies of a Good God: Seeing God's Goodness Through the Clouds of Life is an easy read. About half of it is the author's story, up to the present day, of God's faithfulness during times in his life when he needed him the most. The second half has testimony after testimony of following the "still, small voice" of the Holy Spirit and obeying it, no matter what the circumstances looked like.
I've given it four stars because this isn't a memoir focusing on one main theme with a building story, nor is it a teaching book with a set theme for each chapter. It could have been laid out in a more practical way; nevertheless, I enjoyed it.
Overall, I'd say that this book would inspire those who have trouble trusting God with their finances -- they will get the most help/hope from reading it, along with those who feel as if they are in a constant battle with fearful thoughts. Van der Merwe writes from the heart, and he adds many Bible thoughts, thoughts, and helpful tips of his own throughout.
Overall, I recommend buying this if your faith needs a boost and you want a reminder that God is indeed good.
March 30, 2016
Hey Guys
This is my husband's new book. I know I am probably biased but he really has an amazing story of God's goodness, grace and faithfulness. Having lost his sister, nearly losing his brother and many trials, it's a really powerful reminder of just how big and good our God really is.
I just wanted everyone to know that on 12-13 March 2016 , this book will be free on Amazon Kindle for download.
Thanks so much and enjoy reading it.
Tammie
This is my husband's new book. I know I am probably biased but he really has an amazing story of God's goodness, grace and faithfulness. Having lost his sister, nearly losing his brother and many trials, it's a really powerful reminder of just how big and good our God really is.
I just wanted everyone to know that on 12-13 March 2016 , this book will be free on Amazon Kindle for download.
Thanks so much and enjoy reading it.
Tammie
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews