Academic Excellence
Academic breakthrough
Fostina Pelesai · 8 November 2026
The Lord asked me to do my PhD in epidemiology, but I was reluctant because of uncertainties, at a point my health, finance and laptops where all attacked till one of the CTDMP Senior pastor declared "you are finishing that PhD" I shouted Amen, from then on God came through and I graduated with distinction.
MY TESTIMONY: MERCY SAID NO!
My name is Dr. Fostina Pelesai, and I have come to return all the glory to God for His faithfulness in my life.
In 2021, I started my Master's degree, but in the course of that journey, the enemy came to take my life. However, mercy said NO!
Afterwards, the Lord laid it on my heart to proceed with a PhD in Epidemiology. Honestly, I was scared. I kept wondering how I would finance it, cope with the demands, and successfully complete the programme. But despite my fears, I chose to obey God and enrolled immediately after completing my Master's degree.
That was when the battle seemed to intensify. I suddenly began experiencing different health challenges and afflictions. There was no money, and even my laptops started developing faults and crashing at critical moments. Everything seemed to be working against my academic journey.
At a point, I became so afraid for my life that I decided I was no longer going to continue with the PhD. I would rather stop than risk losing my life.
But God had other plans!
In one of CTDMP Senior pastor made a declaration that changed everything. He said, "You will finish that PhD!"
That declaration rekindled my faith. I screamed, picked up the pieces, and started again, trusting God to see me through. With God's help and the support of my supervisors, I continued the journey.
Today, I am standing here as a testimony of God's faithfulness. I graduated this year with my mates, and not only did I complete my PhD, I graduated with distinction!
Indeed, God is faithful! I am grateful that I obeyed God's instruction, and I am glad I became part of this commission. Truly, Daddy is not a pastor of nonentity!
To God alone be all the glory for preserving my life, sustaining my journey, and bringing His word to fulfilment.
God bless Mummy and Daddy abundantly. May God continue to strengthen and increase this commission.
I started by faith, I continued by mercy, and today I have finished by grace. TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY! to
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