Waiting on the Lord

Waiting on the Lord

Nancy Gardner

            In 2006 my husband and I were making a critical decision about our future.  He had already retired; I was to retire in six more years.  This was the year that my husband proposed a shocking idea for what he would like us to do when I stopped working.  He wanted us to pull up roots - move from Florida where we had been living for 45 years and build a home in North Carolina.  Prior to Rocky discussing this plan with me, he had already been to North Carolina and seen property he'd fallen in love with.  It was high up a mountainside having a panoramic view overlooking three states.

            Making such a move would be very hard for me since I had grown up and raised my family in Winter Park.  It would also require me to leave my family, my friends, and the places I was so familiar with - especially my church.  My church was as much a part of me as breathing!  Not only was it the place where my journey with the Lord began, but also where my children had begun their faith journey. The members of my church family were very dear to me -- having sustained me through some difficult times.  In addition, I had spent years directing the children's choir and singing in a ladies ensemble. Moving would be a real life changer!

            A short time after proposing this plan he took me to see the property.  It definitely had a  breath-taking view!  Now I had to make the very difficult decision. I agreed to go along "on this ride." However, I did have one fervent desire which I made known to my husband.  I was going to have to find a church where God's presence was evident and that had a warm and welcoming congregation.  It also needed to have strong music program where I could continue using my talents for praising the Lord.

            For the next eight years after buying the property and while the house was being built, I kept praying, asking God to help me find the right church.  During this span of time on our visits to check on the progress of the house, we stayed with friends.  My search was on.  We visited many churches, but neither of us felt as though the Holy Spirit was leading us to any of them.

            As our move into our new home approached, doubts flooded into my heart about leaving my family, friends, and a loving church.  However, I quickly learned to say, "Lord, I'm trusting you.  I know you will provide."

            Finally after moving into our home in 2015, I started searching the Internet to look for a church.  I found one that might fit us, but it was a forty minute drive from our house.  However, we did know people who attended there, and it did have a large music ministry.  Then while still online, I found myself looking at another church in a town closer to us.  This church offered a full music program, and there was even an orchestra!  To this day I know God directed me to this site.  My heart was so full.  I knew this was a God experience!

            The next Sunday evening we attended - thinking it would be a more relaxed atmosphere.  As soon as we got out of the car, we were welcomed by people in the parking lot; the pastor's sermon spoke to our seeking hearts.  Two people sitting behind us even asked me to join the choir!  I was so overcome with joy I could hardly speak.  Driving home that night I asked the Lord,“ Is this where you want us?" It certainly was even more than I was expecting. 

            We decided to go again the next Sunday morning just to affirm our feeling that we were in our new church home.  Afterward my husband and I both felt the peace of the Holy Spirit fill our hearts.  As I looked out over the tranquil mountains on our drive home, I was full of praise and thanksgiving for what the Lord had done.  It was another special moment with God.  These Scripture verses came pouring into my heart.     

           

            Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according    to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!

                        (Ephesians 3:20-21)

            Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will         find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.

                        (Matthew 7:7)

During the long nine years of waiting, I had kept on asking and seeking his perfect place for us.  Finally, the door opened. 

             Has this journey been easy? No, but I know through this experience that my God really does supply all my needs. And I will do as Psalm 146:1-2 directs:

            Praise the LORD, O my soul.

            I will praise the LORD all my life;

            I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

The Best Planner

The Best Planner

Esther Taggart

            In 2011, I turned 76.  I was energetic, going to Curves three times a week for exercise.  I was also active in church and enjoyed going out with family and friends.  However, during December I began feeling ill.  I lost my appetite which was unusual for me.               

            After seeing my doctor, my friend Valerie noticed I was not getting any better.  She said, " If you ever feel ill during the night, call me. I live a lot closer to you than your family." 

            I managed to get through Christmas, but on January 6, 2012, to my surprise, I woke up on the bathroom floor.  I was too ill to get up.  I did not even remember getting out of bed and falling.  I lay there for awhile before crawling out of the bathroom and to my night stand.  I phoned my friend Valerie who said, "I'll be right there."  It was 5 o'clock in the morning. 

            Soon I was in an ambulance on my way to the hospital.  The testing started right away.  The hospital staff was so kind to my family and my friend who were so upset.  When the ER doctor came in and told us I had cancer, I remember feeling sorry for the doctor.  He seemed so sad to be telling us that news.  After receiving two units of blood I was transferred to another hospital where I could be treated.

            Valerie called Rev. Tony Clark, who was our former pastor. He came and prayed and anointed me.  I was so glad to see him and I remember thinking "one way or the other I'll be healed."  I knew I was in God's hands.

            The final diagnosis was: diffused large B cell non-Hodgkins lymphoma over the coronary descending arota.  They could not do surgery or radiation.  Chemo was the only option.  My oncologist ordered 6 rounds of chemo - each one three weeks apart.

            The first chemo treatment was done in the hospital.  They started it in the evening, and my daughter Melanie and granddaughter Hayley stayed with me all night.  When I was discharged a few days later, I went to Winter Park to stay with my granddaughter Courtney and her husband.  She is a stay-at-home mom so I was not alone.  The rest of my chemo treatments were done as an outpatient.  I was blessed to have one of my two daughters take me each time.  

            During my stay with Courtney, my friends came to see me when they could, and we would go out to lunch. I was with Courtney six months. It was then that they sold their house, so my daughter Carolyn asked me live with her in Clermont, a town some distance away.  Fortunately, by this time I was able to stay by myself during the day. I was able to take nice walks around the neighborhood.  I also enjoyed reading my Bible and spending time with the Lord. 

            Sadly, the chemo treatments weakened my immune system. Consequently, I got a bad infection - ending up in hospital three times during 2012 with C. diff.  The third time, they let me stay home, and I was given a special medication which was hard to get. The Lord worked things out, and I was so grateful to be able to stay at home!

            Thankfully, by 2013 I was cancer free.  The good Lord answered each prayer that had been said for me. 

            Now that I was living in Clermont, I didn't get to see my friends often.  But the good Lord took care of that, too.  By chance, I discovered an old friend, Marge, was now living a few streets from me.  We had a nice reunion.  I attended Marge's home Bible study every Wednesday and on Tuesdays we went together to another Bible study.  God is good!

            I have favorite Bible verses that I say every day.

            My grace is sufficient for you for my strength is made perfect in weakness.

                        (2 Corin 12:9)

            With God all things are possible.   

                        (Matt 19: 26)

Reciting these gave me the help and comfort I've needed to sustain me during the challenging times I experienced.

            Now here it is 2016, and I'm now living in Maitland in my own apartment and attending church and a Bible study at the Church of the Good Shepherd.  Though I can no longer drive, I am within walking distance of my new church family.  My daughter Carolyn moved from Clermont and is living ten minutes from me.  And my granddaughter Courtney and her family live only a short distance away.  God is the best planner!

In His Light

In His Light

by Joan Schultz

            Have you ever experienced a moment when you felt you were in a special place at a special time that had a divine impact on you?  That kind of experience recently happened to me. 

            I arrived very early for the noontime Ash Wednesday service.  After my husband dropped me off in the parking area, I made my slow journey to the chapel using my walker.  On this day it was cold and windy - no one else was going in my direction yet.  The sun was being reflected off of the big, old refurbished church bell now mounted on the grounds nearby.  Shadows of leaves moved as though they were dancing - also caught my attention.

            Finally I reached my favorite spot along my walk.  It was at the start of the long, wooden ramp leading up to the chapel entrance.  Here, in between the wooden vertical supports for the railing, are wooden slats with cutouts in them which form a cross.  On this particular day and at this particular time the subdued sunlight coming through the overcast clouds was being projected through this cutout of the cross - forming a shadow on the horizontal floorboards of the ramp.  On this day I was going to have to actually step on the reflection of the cross as I made my ascent up the ramp.   Halfway up the ramp there was another such cutout and another shadow of a cross being cast in my path.  I had never experienced stepping on the crosses in the many other times I had made this walk.  This was a special happening. 

            As I continued up the ramp to the entrance I had to make a turn which made me rise above the part of the ramp I had just been on.  When I looked down on the shadows I had just seen, they now were at such angles that they took on the appearance of arrows.  Suddenly I noticed these arrows were pointing towards the two stations of the cross which were mounted outside the ramp on posts.  I was enthralled with the beauty of my surroundings - enjoying the solitude.

             All these visual images were powerful for me.  Shadows, reflections, glimmers of light - no people - only my sensing the strong presence of God.

Hope in What is Not Seen

Hope in What is Not Seen

David Brust

            In April of 2015 I was diagnosed with a rare condition --myelodyplastic syndrome.  This infirmity causes the bone marrow to become so thick with fibrosis (scarring) that it can no longer produce blood cells.  My doctor told me without a bone marrow transplant my life expectancy would be about three months.  With the transplant he said chances for my recovery would be in the 10 percent category.  I decided to have the transplant. 

            For someone who had been healthy and energetic all of his life I found myself thrust into an infirmity that came as quite a surprise!  It was at this point in my life that I came to realize how a person whose life is in jeopardy has a new motivation to turn to God - wanting to walk very close to Him.  My wife and I had been Christians for more than 30 years, so turning to God now was not going to be anything new to us.  Our focus was on scripture that pertained to health and healing, and we were definitely praying concerning the condition I was experiencing.  As a result, I developed an aggressively positive attitude about my being healed.           

            The transplant took place in June.  During the following seven months I had been going in for bi-weekly bone marrow tests.  Regardless of my condition during the months of treatment, my faith continued to give me confidence that I was going to be all right! 

            In January 2016 when I went in to see my doctor, his words were: "a miracle has taken place."  He told me that the most recent test results showed the bone marrow had completely healed itself of all scarring and was producing blood cells in a normal manner.  In other words, there were no blasts (i.e. cancer) cells present.

            Without taking away any of my appreciation for my doctor and the rest of his medical team, I felt compelled to share with him my testimony.  I relayed to him how God had revealed to me back in April that I was healed.  It was as though He had spoken to me in such a way as to provide me with an understanding in my heart and in my mind that He had already ordained my healing.  Since that time I had been professing, "I am healed, and I am getting better and better every day in every way."  On this day God gave confirmation to this testimony!

            Another point of interest has to do with the donor of the stem cells for my transplant.  Remembering him, I sent him an appreciation note.  The rules for engagement between donor and recipient is ... we would not be introduced to each other until one year after the transplant.  Therefore, we had to use some discretion in what we shared with each other.  We could not know each other's names or locations.  My note extended to him my gratitude for his willingness to be a donor - volunteering to help a stranger recover from an infirmity.  I took a chance and also informed him how marvelously well the transplant has gone.  I knew the letter would be monitored by the medical team prior to being forwarded.  I was told everything in my letter went as written except I had signed my first name at the end.  That was removed.

            I received a response from my donor letting me know how much my note meant to him.  I also found out he was in his last semester of college, graduation coming up soon.  He also expressed an interest in our being able to meet after the one year silence period.  I am looking forward to that with some apprehension knowing how emotional this event will be for me.  He signed his note, "your blood brother."

            At this writing it has been 217 days since my transplant.  I am thankful for all the prayers offered for me by so many.  It is definitely a great day for my praising God for his healing touch and for the connections He has made in my life!  I certainly want to thank Him for revealing to me in advance that I was healed before I even began my treatment.

His Protection

His Protection

Mary Brinson

            Years ago, my husband and I lived in Louisiana.  After serving four years in the US Marines, including a tour of duty in Vietnam, we were then in Louisiana because he was a full time college student there.

            When our son was only two years old, I took him with me to Atlanta, Georgia, to attend my youngest brother's college graduation. I had packed only enough clothing for the weekend. As we prepared to catch our flight back to Louisiana after the commencement activities, my mother insisted on taking my son home with her to North Carolina. Although I explained that he only had enough clothing for the weekend, she replied, "I'll buy him more." Her urgency to take him with her was unexplainable, but eventually I relented.      

            Several weeks after my return, a friend and her toddler came to visit us at our home. Suddenly without warning, the sky on that summer afternoon became very dark. The wind howled with a volume that was unfamiliar to me. With a very intense voice, I said to my friend, "Take your baby and please leave!"

            My friend had not been gone more than 10 minutes when a tornado touched down on us. It totally destroyed our home and all of its contents. Amazingly, although our home was reduced to just a pile of rubbish, my husband and I survived with just the clothes on our back. I feel it was God's direction telling me to emphatically insist that my friend leave. I also came to realize afterwards, with certainty, that my mom's insistence on taking my child was no coincidence.

            I have no doubt it was God's infinite power that protected us!

His Mysterious Ways

His Mysterious Ways

Nicki Ridenour

            A little boy once said," My mommy always comes when I call her in the middle of the night. She doesn't always come right away, but she always comes." I have begun to

increasingly think of God in that way. Actually, God often comes even before I remember to call upon Him. And He sometimes responds when I am not even aware of a danger or a need.

            This year in the midst of having financial stress and strain, my BiPAP machine,

which I use to help me to breath at night, was damaged due to an accident involving

a great deal of water. Since this had happened once before, I knew that the repair

cost was $640.00. Insurance had paid most of it the first time, but I knew they wouldn't

pay a second time. This second occurrence happened right before Christmas. What was I

going to do?

            While trying to figure that out, I got a text from my husband's cousin and his wife. They asked if I had received their Christmas card. I thought this was odd; I never call to ask people if they've gotten my Christmas card. Since I hadn't gone to get the mail yet that day, I didn't answer. Later that day when I did retrieve their card from our mailbox, I forgot about their earlier text message. I put the mail aside to be opened later.

            That evening I got a phone call from them, asking the same question. While still on the phone with them, I opened their card. Inside was a note which said, "We got a refund for a car repair, and we thought we would share it with you." There was a check enclosed. For how much?  $638.00!!!  Amazingly, they had no prior knowledge of my BiPAP delimma.

            Is this a God story or what?! As you can well imagine, I was giddy with surprise and delight - my giddiness must have gone on for ten minutes. I shed tears of gratitude

for their gift and for the God who orchestrated it. I am sure that God was behind it all, and they agreed.

            Opening the card in their "presence" was also a gift since we were all able share firsthand my joy and thankfulness. A true blessing from God!

            Thank you, Lord! Amen.

He Did It Again

He Did It Again

Meg Folsom

            On July ninth I came down with the flu and bronchitis. For those who know me... I prefer all my healing to be done through natural remedies and prayer, but since nothing I tried had worked and I was leaving in 9 days on a trip to Europe, I decided to go to the doctor.  The doctor put me on medication and told me to stay home from work and rest.

            As a result of this illness, I lost my sense of smell and taste. However, I was well enough to travel. It was awful going to Europe without being able to taste the food!             

            In early August on my return from Europe, I went to the doctor again, and I agreed on more medical testing. He did blood work that came back normal.  He now recommended that I see an ear, nose and throat specialist, so I saw one a couple of weeks later. The specialist also prescribed more tests to be run.  On my follow-up appointment the specialist told me that all those tests results returned normal. After giving me that news, he just simply dismissed me saying, "Sorry, it's probably permanent since it's been so long." I felt very hopeless.  This condition had now gone on from July until now -- October!

            After leaving his office, I very angry at the way I had just been treated.  I sat in my car and cried out of frustration and prayed for healing.  Not tasting and smelling is more difficult than I could have ever imagined.  I began to worry. What if there was a gas leak from the stove or smoke in the house when I was alone! I wouldn't be able to smell it. What if no one cleaned the cat box, and the house smelled awful.  How could I win the upcoming chili cook-off contest if I couldn't taste! And Thanksgiving wasn't far off - -I'd be missing out on some of the delights of the holiday.  Then my mind went straight to CANCER. I had been in remission from cancer for 8 years, a lot longer than the oncologists ever thought. Was it coming back?

            The only good thing that came of this trying time was loosing a few pounds. What's the point of eating chocolate if you can't taste it and, trust me, I tried.  I would get little whiffs of taste and smell, but they only lasted for about 30 seconds or less. 

            In November I tried to make an appointment with my oncologist to eliminate the possibility of it being caused by the return of cancer.  I was told it would the middle of December before I could get in.  GRRRRR... another brick wall.  So I did what I know works... I prayed to God for His will to be done, no matter what.

            It was now going into the fifth month of my not being able to taste or smell, and I was also experiencing terrible headaches.  I decided to make an appointment to see my chiropractor for the headaches.  Almost a year earlier my son had given me a gift certificate to have a massage.  I thought this would be just the right time to use it.  I tried making a massage appointment for the same day I would be seeing the chiropractor. I tried to schedule Jessica to give me my massage.  I felt very comfortable with her since she was a former patient of mine whose baby I helped deliver five years ago.   However, she was booked for that day, so I made an appointment with a new person instead.  Then I received a call saying that appointment had to be canceled due to overbooking, so I just said," Please give me the first one available with Jessica."  I saw her the next Tuesday evening.  After hugs and updates I told her to please focus on my back, shoulders and neck.  I never mentioned what was going on with my taste and smell.  I tried hard to relax and stay in moment asking the Lord to please guide her hands to any areas that were blocked and PLEASE UNSTICK THEM if it was His will.  

            I headed home feeling much more relaxed and pain free from the headache. When I got into the garage, I noticed I could smell dinner and it was for more than a few seconds.  When I came inside, I yelled to my husband Keith, "I can smell dinner cooking!" I quickly grabbed a few green beans and ate them. I could taste! I grabbed some potatoes. I could taste! I got a piece of chocolate. I could even taste it!  I went into my bedroom and sprayed my perfume. I could SMELL. I was speechless!  

            After dinner, I got ready for bed and then sat in my chair contemplating what had just happened. Keith had gone on to bed. I was alone reflecting on the whole experience. I wanted to tell someone else so badly. I texted my friend Mary, but she never responded.  So what's a girl to do who's just been healed by her loving Father? Post it on Facebook. I don't normally put too much of my stuff out there on social media, but I wanted everyone to know about God's healing.  I also sent Jessica a personal message explaining everything I had been going through. Her response was one of love, amazement and gratitude for her work.

            I have experienced God's healing more than once in my life. I am so very grateful!  I am very happy to say I have seen my oncologist, and I am still in remission despite the stats saying I shouldn't be doing so well. I know that God loves me and wants me to be whole.  And I believe God had something to do with the timing of my massage appointment so that I could finally be treated by Jessica.  I'm so thankful that God answered the prayers offered up for me by my church's prayer team and by so many others. God gets all the Glory! 

God Works in Mysterious Ways

God Works in Mysterious Ways

Darryl Bloodworth

Anyone who has been a Christian for more than a day recognizes that God works in mysterious and unpredictable ways.  Sometimes, however, the full extent of just how mysterious and how unpredictable God intervenes in our lives is not fully apparent until later - sometimes years later.  As one who has passed his 70th birthday, I am only now able to fully recognize how the trajectory of my life was altered by certain key events. I am convinced that they were orchestrated by God to bring me to where he wanted me to be and married to the wife he had for me.

For the past 44 years I have been a practicing attorney in Orlando, Florida, married to Mary, for nearly 50 years.  I have thoroughly enjoyed practicing law, and Mary has been the love of my life, but this is not at all the life I imagined for myself growing up.  In high school I became interested in the Air Force Academy and looked forward to having a career as an Air Force pilot.

I did receive an appointment to the Academy, and did well enough to have my choice of assignment to any of the eight pilot training bases following graduation from the Academy.  Long before I had to officially tell them my choice, I had made up my mind to choose Williams Air Force Base just outside Phoenix, Arizona. At least that was the plan until the night before we were to choose our pilot training base.  That night our squadron received a letter from a former cadet saying how much he was enjoying pilot training at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Georgia.  One of the things he enjoyed most was going to Tallahassee on weekends and dating girls at Florida State University.  Having grown up in Apalachicola, Florida, I was quite familiar with Tallahassee; I even had relatives there.  The letter changed my mind: the next day I chose Moody AFB. Looking back on it now, I realize I would not be in Orlando today nor married to Mary had I chosen Williams AFB.

The next key event that changed my life (although I did not realize it at the time) came early in pilot training.  The aircraft in which we initially trained was the Cessna T-37, a small twin engine aircraft that had side-by-side seating. The first check ride that we took required us to make simulated single-engine landings with a full fuel load.  I totally blew that portion of the check ride.  However, after attempting the simulated single engine landings, as we were climbing to a higher altitude for the other portions of the check ride, an engine fire warning light came on.  Both the check pilot and I were pretty sure there was no fire, but we had to abort the flight and return to base.  Because we did not complete the check ride, it did not count.  After a few practice flights with emphasis on single-engine landings, I retook the check ride, and had the highest score in our class.  I went on to have the top flying scores in our class and got a highly sought assignment as an instructor pilot in the T-38, the Air Force's advanced trainer, at Moody AFB.  Had my original check ride not been interrupted by the fire warning light, however, I would have had a failing score which would have ruined my chances of becoming a T-38 instructor pilot.  That fire warning light was the only one I ever experienced during my five years as a pilot.

Following additional instructor pilot training in Texas, I returned to Moody AFB and Valdosta.  Soon thereafter, I began dating Mary who was in her last semester at FSU, and we married shortly after she graduated.  Three years and two children later, and after much prayer, we decided I would resign from the Air Force and attend law school.  Following law school we moved to Orlando.   Looking back on it now, however, I realize that but for a letter the night before I made my pilot training choice, and but for a false fire warning light, I would not be here, and would not be married to Mary.  Some might say that those events were just serendipitous, but I do not believe it.  God does have a plan for each of us, and will intervene to bring his plans to fruition.  I am deeply grateful that God intervened in my life.  His plans for me have far exceeded anything I had imagined for myself.

  

Family of Believers

Family of Believers

Lavon Shelley

      Many years ago God blessed me with a very close connection to a church family.  My life was not only centered on worshipping at the Church of the Good Shepherd, but also focused on the caring flock led by a very special priest, Father Al Durrance. It was during this time that I received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. 

      Not long after receiving the Holy Spirit, I began to sense the physical presence of my Lord. I felt His presence so strongly that I would even move over so He could sit beside me in the church pew.   It was a sensation I'll never forget!  It happened on a number of occasions, and I became accustomed to His being next to me.  How wonderful it felt to have Him so close as we prayed together!

      Being a member of this special church family gave me such joy!  I was delighted to serve on the prayer team and to assist at the altar.  The baptism of the Holy Spirit service was held on Monday evenings.  Even ministers and priests from other congregations would come to participate in this service. Many, many other people were drawn to this service as well.  In fact, I can remember people lined up outside to come in.  One evening the service lasted so long I didn't get home until after 2 a.m.

      So many people were attracted to this church that we soon outgrew our small chapel.  A larger church was needed.  Father Durrance was extremely influential in its construction. Under his guidance, the planning and the building of the new church was accomplished.  The project became a united effort of all those who attended.  This new church was truly made possible by the hard work and love of the tightly knit church family members.  We even helped in the making of the stained glass windows.

      When Father Durrance left, I began attending another church.  I was away from the Church of the Good Shepherd for more than 35 years.  Now at the age of 93, as the passing of time would have it, many of my friends there began moving away - or passing away.  I was so saddened.  I decided that I would try returning to the church which I had felt very attached to so long ago.  As soon as I walked in the door, I knew I was "back home.”  The new priest, Rev. Sarah Bronos, welcomed me with open arms.  Today I am sitting in the same pew I used to sit in - feeling the same love I used to know.

      I am so grateful that the Lord has kept me in His family of believers!

Blessings - One After Another

Blessings - One After Another

Mary Ellen Ferderber

            On November 19, 2009, my mom went home to be with the Lord after struggling for seven months with pancreatic cancer.  Unfortunately, numerous other health issues prevented her from attempting any treatment for the cancer.  Because I had worked in healthcare since 1980, I tried to guide her to make informed decisions each time a new challenge arose.  I soon realized she was not interested.  It made me so sad to think she had no hope for this life.

            As time went on we talked and reminisced.  Through our discussions she became reassured that as a believer in Jesus she would be made whole when she finally reached her heavenly home.  She was looking forward to this promise.

            Before the tragic event of my mother's passing, I was a very healthy person - never sick a day in my life.  I was very happy as well - made joyful by my fellowship with the Lord and by my having a wonderful marriage.   However, the following year after her death, I was consumed with the nagging thought of pancreatic cancer.  I decided to have a CT scan to ease my fear of having cancer myself.  The doctor called with the results. He said, "All looks good, but you have a cyst in one of your ovaries.  You should probably have an ultrasound to make sure." 

            For the next three years we kept a close eye on the cyst.  Then it started to change.  I decided immediately to have both ovaries removed - foregoing the biopsy step - since cancer is prevalent throughout my family tree.  

            On December 13, 2013, the doctor called to see how I was doing following the laparoscopic procedure.  "I'm doing well," I replied.  Then the bomb dropped.  He said he was sorry to have to inform me that I had a rare form of ovarian cancer known as "clear cell."  He then referred me to an oncologist.

            During the next month my life took a 180-degree turn. In February I had laparoscopic surgery performed by the oncologist. I feel very blessed that neither one of the surgeries caused me any pain.

            Three weeks later I began having 21 doses of chemo.  Blessings from God - one after another - got me through this time. During most of these treatments, I had enough strength to work.  During the last few weeks, however, I did become very weak making it hard for me to even get out of bed.  My blood count was very low.  I lost my hair; I felt very cold a lot of the time.  Although this period of time was brutal, God stepped in to rescue me.  Godly women friends- some I hadn't even seen in ages - surrounded me with their loving care.   They fixed meals for me, watched me while my husband was at work, drove me to appointments, and read scripture to me as I was being infused. In addition, someone in Tabitha's Treasures, a ministry group at the Church of the Good Shepherd that makes and gives blessed caps to cancer patients, gave me a very soft one that provided me with much needed comfort and warmth at night.  My wonderful husband never once complained.  Hundreds of people were praying for my healing.  I felt a peace that surpassed all understanding during the entire time!

            One of my friends said to me, "It's as though your mother gave you life twice:  the first time when you were born and the second when her illness caused you to seek medical attention even though you had no any physical symptoms at all."  Yes, my mom's death was devastating to me - yet it worked out in the end to be for my good.

            Interestingly enough, I had a scripture verse on my work desk - one I had gotten when at chemo treatment -which is one of my favorites:

            All things work together for good to all those that love the Lord, to those that are             called to his purpose.

            That verse happens to be Romans 8:28.  As I noticed this reference, it suddenly came to me that my mother's birthday was August 28 which also happens to be referenced as 8.28 - the same numbers that corresponded to that Bible verse.   How wonderful to have that connection with my mother! Coincidence.  I don't think so.

Answered Prayers

Answered Prayers

Deborah Brittain

            Have you ever had one of those years when something challenging constantly happens - either with your health, finances, or concerning your loved ones?

            2015 was one of those years for me from start to finish.  During this time I was comforted and supported by the prayers offered for my family and me by the many prayer warriors in our congregation at Good Shepherd.  Every time a new challenge came up, I requested prayers for my issues and EVERY TIME my prayers were answered above and beyond my expectations.  I know I would not have made it through without the healing power of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

            In January of 2015 I was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  Fortunately it was benign, but something needed to be done for two reasons.  It was causing increased deafness in my right ear, and it could also potentially cause facial nerve pain and/or paralysis on the right side of my face if left untreated.  The doctor originally wanted to do brain surgery to remove it.  However, since I already have balance issues due to a neuromuscular condition (technically called Charcot Marie Tooth Disease/Peroneal Muscular Atrophy) and the surgery could potentially result in more instability for me, surgery would be a terrible option. 

            My first answer to prayer came when Reverend Sarah, the priest at Good Shepherd who knew someone who had been through exactly the same thing, suggested that I seek out radiation treatment instead.  I did. The gamma knife type of radiation I received was directed specifically at the tumor - shrinking it. Hopefully, it has also “killed it” and not affected anything else around it. So far, my results have been very good.  I have MRI’s every 6 months.  Currently, it appears that the tumor is dying in the center and everything is going exactly as hoped and prayed for. Thank you, Lord Jesus!

            A few months later, I had my third colonoscopy in six years.  My past colonoscopies had always revealed problems: polyps and possible Crohns Disease or colitis.  The doctor had wanted me to have a colonoscopy a few years ago, but I couldn’t afford it due to my $10,000 deductible.  However, because of the treatment for my tumor, I met that deductible in 2015 and could finally afford a colonoscopy .  For the first time, the doctor had positive news for me.  He said everything was fine and there was no need for another one for 10 years.  A second answer to prayer.  Praise God!

            In the next few months, due to uncertainties about other health concerns, I decided to get my affairs in order and hire a lawyer to prepare my will.  I was referred to a lawyer who, due to my circumstances, prepared my will and other pertinent documents, pro bono.  Unbelievable! Praise the Lord once again. What an absolute blessing!  I could never have afforded to get this taken care of on my own.  Third answer to prayer!

            Because of all that was going on with my health and finances, I received a message from God to “sell my house and move in with my mother.”  From mid- August till November my family, friends, and I totally cleaned out my house and got it on the market. I would have never dreamed of making that change without receiving that message.  Although I felt content and happy, I’m sure that below the surface, my financial responsibilities were beginning to take their toll.

            Moving in with my mother was an unexpected blessing and has been a positive experience for both of us.  In spite of our health challenges, getting to spend quality time with my 93-year-old mother is a blessing beyond belief.  Fourth answer to prayer!

            My brother-in-law helped me to move.  As a result, he ended up having some health issues and went to the doctor.  As it turned out, that was not the actual cause of his health problems.  It was discovered that he had bladder cancer.  Because he went to the doctor for the wrong reason, his cancer was discovered relatively early and a full recovery is expected.  He had surgery and each exam since is showing him cancer free.  Fifth answer to prayer!

            To finish out 2015, in the last few weeks of December I had a mammogram.  A suspicious area was found. I had to have an ultrasound, and finally a biopsy.  The great news is... the biopsy was benign, and all these procedures were still covered under my $10K deductible that had already been met earlier in the year.   Sixth answer to prayer!

            God has stepped in at every twist, turn, and challenge in the last year, as he has always done in my life.  He has lead me through it all and taken me places I never expected to go.  I praise Him constantly for all of my blessings. I appreciate all the intercessory prayers being added to my own.  All glory, honor and praise to our precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! 

All in God's Timing

All in God’s Timing

Terri  Sims

            When I was a small child, I experienced bad headaches. As I got older, they became more frequent, and by the time I was 13 I began to get migraines. I didn’t do much about it, except take Excedrin all the time (and burned up my tummy!).

            When I became a Christian at 22, I joined a faith community that believed in the gifts of the Spirit that include healing. I began to pray and have others pray for the healing of my migraines. In spite of their prayers, the pain continued to be bad. I would have only two or so days of relief before another one came on. I tried going to faith healers, "healing crusades", etc.  I had heard the usual... “All you need is faith”, or “Are you doing something wrong?” A number of times during about the next 20 years, doctors had prescribed MRI's.  Each time the results showed nothing wrong in my brain. Eventually I started taking daily medication which reduced them to about 2 a month. but nothing was helping them to go away. I was getting really discouraged, so I stopped praying for my miracle healing.

            About five years ago I started attending the Church of the Good Shepherd, and I began to pray once again for my healing. Fifteen months ago I began having Botox treatments (32 shots in one sitting!) that would lessen some of the pain.

            Then one day, Rev. Nigel Mumford, a well-known Christian healing minister who is the  founder of "By His Wounds" healing ministry, came to our church for a visit and to have lunch with the Order of St. Luke* members here at Good Shepherd. I asked Nigel if he would pray for my migraines after lunch.  As we were eating, he asked if there was a generational link in my family to this malady. We determined there was; my grandfather, both his daughters, both my mom’s daughters, and my daughter got migraines!

            After lunch, Nigel prayed individually for those of us in OSL.  When it came to be my turn, he prayed to the Lord to break this generational pattern and to heal my migraines. I actually did have one that afternoon, but by the end of my work day, it was gone.  

            I began to wonder if I was completely healed. Nearly 40 years later? I waited for a few weeks to see if I would get a migraine. I did not! I got excited and thought, "This is it!!  He has answered my prayer!" When I went back to my neurologist for another Botox treatment, I told him how God had healed me. I told him I would no longer need the treatments, and I wanted to be weaned off my daily medication. He was skeptical at first, but finally agreed that we would stop treatment gradually.

            Here I am a whole year later, and NO MIGRAINES! The Lord healed me! I know my prayers at last were answered… decades later.  I am so grateful for my healing.  It gives me such joy to tell my story to both my believing and non-believing friends.

            Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give    up (Luke 18: 1)

I am so very thankful that I never gave up.

            Thank you, Jesus!

*an inter-denominational religious order dedicated to the Christian healing ministry