Jim's Testimony

The Lord has healed my back, my stomach, my headaches and most importantly he healed me emotionally and spiritually!

In December 1996 I had surgery on my back. I have been in chronic pain with muscle tightness and spasms ever since. I was not able to drive, I could not sit or stand for longer than 5-10 minutes without terrible pain, and I was unable to go to restaurants or visit family and friends. I practically lived in my recliner.
I was also suffering from headaches, and stomach problems.

I had to be put on medical leave of absence from my job and I was then put on disability from Social Security and my job for the last 5 years. I finally retired in January 2003.

Pastor Robert from Uganda visited our church and prayed over my back. I was touched by the Holy Spirit and had relief from the pain instantly to the point of being able to drive again, sit and stand for longer periods and was able to visit with family and friends.

I still had constant pain and muscle spasms, and even though the pain was much less I was still limited as to what I could do.

Another Pastor John King visited our church and prayed for me for healing of my back, he then returned for a visit about three months later and said to me, "I remember praying for your back, and the Lord told me to tell you that this is a process of healing and it will be complete, and not to be discouraged."

I took great comfort in this and I have been waiting on the Lord for my complete healing since then.

On Wednesday July 9, 2003 we went to service at church. Robert from Uganda was there again, only this time he did not pray over me, in fact as we stood to sing praise to the Lord, Connie reached over, laid her hands on me and prayed for healing.

I stood for over an hour in praise and worship, the presence of the Lord was so evident and everyone sensed Him being with us. We then sat for another hour and a half, I was doing quite well, and I was quite surprised that I was not hurting more than usual. It was time for my medication so I left my seat and went to the back of the church, took my pill, and stood in the back.

Robert was praying for babies at the front of the altar, all of a sudden I felt dizzy and grasped the railing to steady myself. I sensed a touch of the Holy Spirit very strongly and was feeling very good. I had very little pain considering the time we spent standing and sitting.

When I went to bed that evening it was the first time in six years I did not have any back spasms. I woke up the next morning the pain was so minimal I had to ask myself, "Do I have pain?"

I think what I have now is only a residue of what is in my memory, as I had the pain for so long. Today I feel wonderful, no pain, no spasms, no tightness in my back or muscles, I truly and sincerely believe my back has been totally healed.

After being healed by the Lord I decided that I didn't need my pain medication. Well, I thought that I could just come off it slowly myself.

Severe pain in my stomach, extreme anxiousness and now I know I was in depression.

I knew I needed help and Connie was encouraging me to call the Doctor and ask for help which I did not do. Through a friend of Connie's we found out about a facility for detox of pain medications.

We had called them but they said there were no beds available at this time, and we were told we had to call daily for an available bed.

We had been out and close to this facility and Connie said, "Let's just go in to ask some questions."

Well, the Lord was ahead of us preparing the way, as we entered the facility they gave us a form to fill out and told us to wait to have an interview .

We filled out all the papers and had an interview session for over an hour. The next day we got a call that there was a bed available and that I could come in.

We have been through quite a lot this last month. I was detoxed from pain meds that I was on for six years due to the back surgery, I spent six days in Banner Behavioral Center for detox, then six days in Del Webb for anxiety and depression from chronic pain and not sleeping (insomnia). Often through these past six years and especially the last couple of weeks in the hospital, I asked many questions of the Lord.

Only after I was completely cured and healed both physically, emotionally and spiritually did I understand what the scripture means, "I will turn all this to good for those who love Me and are called according to My purpose."

I wasn't even aware of how I had drifted from my walk with the Lord, how habitual and routine my prayers were, nor did I even suspect that I was depressed.

I now know that it was a wonderful experience and a learning one. I know that sounds a little odd, but I have learned more about myself and my walk with the Lord and I have a brand new zest and excitement for life. I have a new love for the Lord and a commitment to getting closer to Him each day.

I am now exercising twice a day, eating and sleeping well. I spend an hour in the morning in prayer and study, and then another hour later in the day relaxing in the spa, meditating and singing to the Lord. I am starting to do some odd jobs around the house that previously with my pain I had not been able to do. We are eating at the dinning room table for the first time in years, I had to be in my recliner for all meals because I couldn't sit up straight without terrible pain. And now we are taking walks after dinner.

I am so excited and have a brand new outlook on our life and all our blessings. I get so enthused and excited about the next day. Connie has been by my side encouraging me, never judging or criticizing only supporting me, she has been my angel through all of this.

Testimony of God's healing

As most of you know I have had health problems for quite some time, most recently for 2 months I have had sores in my mouth which the doctors and specialists have not been able to diagnose.

On July 29th we had Pastor Steven from Uganda visiting our church. He spoke on having favor with God by being intimate with Him and by coming before Him with a broken heart and not giving up until He answers.

The evening began with our worship team and just before the last song, the leader began to speak to us about God's grace and presence. Every word he spoke was spoken to me personally from God. He addressed the concerns I have had, the pain, fear and depression from these health issues.

Then the wife of Pastor Steven sang her first song, "Change My Heart." This was exactly what I was asking the Lord about. My heart, my attitude and the words coming out of my mouth were not only negative but damaging to me and those around me. I began to weep as the Lord touched my heart and softened it to receive the message.

After service Pastor Steven asked if anyone wanted a fresh touch from God, or who needed healing. I was the first at the altar, I was hoping the Lord would heal the sores in my mouth.

Pastor Steven said, "raise your hands and close your eyes and cry out to God." I did and God answered. As I wept before Him, I was slain in the spirit and I believe, God was telling me the sores that could not be diagnosed was because the cause was not physical but spiritual.

I received my healing in my spirit and in my heart and this morning at about 4am when I awoke, the sores were completely gone, no pain whatsoever.

I believe the sores are gone because my spirit was healed and my heart was touched. God is so good and faithful. I can't express enough my gratefulness to Him.

I encourage you if you are dealing with anything, health, relationship, job, finances, it doesn't matter what, bring it to God, press in to Him, do not give up and wait for His voice and His touch. He will answer you.

Jim

"It is good to praise the Lord, and make music to Your Name, O Most High, to proclaim Your love in the morning and Your faithfulness at night."
Psalm 92:1,2

(I share this as a testimony of what God will do for you as He has done for me. God is no respecter of persons and we are all loved by Him. Each one of us is very special to Him.

If you are waiting for an answer to prayer as I had for over six years, remain faithful and hopeful, for God is never late and He always answers our prayers.)

God is so good to me and I praise Him and give Him all the thanks and glory.

For all of you who have been praying for me, I sincerely thank you and appreciate your love and caring.