19/05/2026
🌺Women at the City Gate - Testimony
Finding God Behind Bars
On August 5, 2025, I was perplexed as I stood in the courtroom, unsure of the outcome of my legal case. All I knew was that I was no longer afraid or scared, and the judge ultimately declared that I would spend 14 months behind bars.
In the courtroom, my friend and I were alone. I wasn't sure if I should cry, but all I could hear was a quiet voice saying, "My daughter, everything will be okay."
On that day, my mind was overwhelmed with confusion. Prison?
I had no understanding of what this place truly was; all I knew was that it was the last place I wanted to be, and I had always been afraid of it, as people referred to it as hell.
I was overwhelmed with numerous questions, which led me to question God. Why? Why must it be prison? I explicitly communicated to Him during my case that if there was an alternative way to serve my punishment, I would prefer that over prison, particularly being separated from my family, especially my son
He understands me better than anyone else, and He is aware that being separated from my family is one of my greatest fears. Now, I find myself facing 14 months in prison? I recall expressing to Him, "I cannot endure this"
However, the quiet, gentle voice that I continued to hear throughout the day was unmistakably his, reassuring me, "My daughter, I am in control.
I felt apprehensive about so many things leaving my son behind, I am uncertain about whom to trust with his care. My business was on the verge of achieving its target, and I did not want to experience the emotional strain of being apart from my partner. I am aware that I am not suited for long-distance relationships, and I feared that I might lose him in the process.
I was apprehensive about how the village would respond to my family in the event of a faasamoa punishment. I feared how people would perceive me following this incident, and above all, I was extremely concerned about how I would be treated in prison
But......
GOD is indeed a keeper of promises. He has fulfilled His commitments. On that day, He assured me that everything would be alright and that He is in control. He did just that. He alleviated all my fears; He desired for me to have faith—just faith—and He would work in miraculous ways to demonstrate to me that He is the only One who truly loves me unconditionally.
He was with my family, my cherished son. He filled my heart with joy, and I felt so light knowing that he had already forgiven me. He held my head and said, "My daughter, no more fears, no more uncertain thoughts. All I desire is for you to trust me completely, and I will show you how I am going to bless your life."
He was present with me throughout, yet I failed to recognize Him. Consequently, He permitted me to be imprisoned, a place I least desired to be, in order to humble me and provide me with peace and the opportunity to concentrate on the most significant matters that I had previously acknowledged but did not prioritize.
He assured me that 14 months was the duration he desired for me to understand his goodness. I observed as He acted. His mercy never faltered; He is the finest of friends and knows me entirely. Observe how God fulfilled his promise; my 14 months turned out to be less than that, as I was fortunate enough to be paroled after serving only half of my sentence. This brings to mind what He told me on my very first day: "My daughter, everything is under My control." He accomplished it.
Just as he assured his followers, he is extending the same promise to you and me. Isaac: In reaffirming the covenant initially established with Abraham, God instructed Isaac, "Do not go down to Egypt; reside in the land that I designate for you. Remain in this land, and I will be with you and bless you" (Genesis 26:2-3). Jacob: While fleeing from his brother Esau, Jacob experienced a vision of a stairway leading to heaven. God communicated with him, saying, "I am with you and will protect you wherever you go, and I will ensure your return to this land" (Genesis 28:15). Moses: When God summoned Moses to guide the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses felt inadequate for the task. God comforted him, saying, "I will be with you" (Exodus 3:12). Joshua: As he assumed the significant responsibility of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land following Moses' death, Joshua received the assurance, "Just as I was with Moses, I will be with you; I will never abandon you or forsake you" (Joshua 1:5).
During my time in prison, I discovered love and genuine friendships. It was the sisterhood I had yearned for throughout my life. I came to understand and accept that I am loved, and I still hold onto hope. It is here that I realized God has already forgiven me, and I am indeed forgiven. The people and the surroundings were not what I had anticipated, and most individuals shared a different perception. It is a place of hope and peace, a sanctuary of God. I will forever be thankful for this experience, as it is where I truly found my connection with God.
I am Finau Syonara Patiole,
I say these things IN the name of Jesus Christ, Amen
