An Unexpected Fall
“Leaving the grocery store one day became a treacherous experience! As I was loading my groceries into my car, I awkwardly stepped onto the curb, and down I went—my ankle twisting and throbbing with pain. It made me nauseous. I had to just sit there for a while because I was afraid I’d pass out, but somehow, I managed to get back in my car and make it home.
“After I got my nerve up, I carefully climbed out of my car and limped inside to rest on my couch. This was quite the accomplishment at sixty-nine years young. That evening, my sweet neighbor came over and said, ‘Hmm, your ankle looks very swollen, Phyllis. We need to go to the ER.’
“I praised the Lord when the ER doctor said my ankle was just sprained and not broken, even though I knew sprains can take a long time to heal. All weekend I did what I was told—icing, elevating, and resting. At the beginning of the week, I went to an orthopedic who said I’d be in a boot for several weeks. The thought of going anywhere was a little overwhelming, but I didn’t want to miss church. So I hobbled in on Sunday, and everyone showed such compassion for me. I love the people at Gateway NRH.”
In the Midst of Healing
“On the following Tuesday, I hobbled to the community night dinner at church. I was so excited we were having a worship night. When the pastor encouraged those who needed healing to come down, I struggled all the way to the front. Pastor Niles, Pastor Jeff, and some of the worship leaders walked around praying for me and others, and something shifted. I felt different. Instead of limping back to my seat, I walked.
“I searched for the soreness that I had moments before we prayed, but I could barely feel it. I thought, My pain is going away. Excitement filled my heart! I felt a little discomfort but it wasn’t bad—like the Lord was asking me, ‘Do you see what I’m doing, Phyllis? I’m healing you right now.’ I was too excited to sit down. I told the pastors, ‘You know what? God is healing my ankle right now. I can feel it!’ We praised the Lord together! We were in the midst of a healing—my healing.
“I woke up the next morning, and I felt nothing—no pain. Two days later, I returned to the doctor for a checkup and more x-rays, and he asked, ‘Are you feeling any pain?’ When I answered, ‘No, I’m not,’ the doctor looked surprised and replied, ‘You’re healed. Your x-rays show everything’s fine, but I still want you to wear your boot for another week.’
“I finally spoke up: ‘I know why I’m better.’ When the doctor asked me what I meant, I told him how my church family prayed for me and how I felt the Lord heal my ankle. He was amazed but cautiously asked me to continue wearing my boot. But I knew I didn’t need to. I was able to stop wearing the boot because I knew Jesus had healed me.”
Renewed Strength to Serve
“On Sunday, I shared the good news with my church family, and they were excited! We were all reminded of the importance of community. My testimony revived everyone’s faith in prayers for healing, and it also renewed my strength to serve again. God spoke to my heart: ‘Phyllis, I’ve still got things for you to do.’
“Since I’m a widow, it makes sense for me to volunteer in the widow’s ministry. Some of the ladies don’t have a car, so I give them a ride to the meetings. I also enjoy greeting on Sunday mornings, checking in the little ones for the children’s ministry, and serving wherever there’s a need. I’m thrilled that God always has a purpose for my life!”
–Phyllis, part of the Gateway family
Recursos adicionales
Learn More About the Volunteer Team at Gateway
Learn More About the Widow’s Ministry at Gateway.