As many of you know, Benjamin has had growing issues all of his life - even before birth. His first year of life he barely squeaked by meeting minimum requirements. Then he had one little growth spurt between 12 and 15 months growing two inches and two pounds tipping the scales at 32 inches and 19 lbs.
Ten months later, at his second birthday, Ben is still the same size. His growth and weight gain have completely stopped. We know he has some food allergies, suspect several more food intolerances, and there has been some speculation toward endocrine system issues. However, we don't have any real answers.
For about six weeks, I asked close friends and family to fast for Ben and on Sunday, October 3rd, I felt led to ask that Ben be administered to. I know that Ben was healed that Sunday morning, but it was not in the way any of us expected. We were expecting his growth issues to be resolved, but the Lord reached out and touched his brain instead.
Ben always marched to his own drum. He didn't always care about playing with other kids and was sometimes difficult to engage - he was very good at ignoring people.
After he was administered to, I noticed that Ben was much more interested in playing with kids, easier to engage, and more affectionate. Before he would shy away from people touching him, almost like their hugs hurt. Now he leans into hugs and back rubs and initiates many more.
I knew I saw a big difference in Ben, but couldn't really explain what I saw - especially because his social skills had never been evaluated as poor. I prayed the following Wednesday morning, thanking the Lord that He had healed my son, but also lamenting the fact that I couldn't put the exact healing into words. I was sad because I wanted to glorify the Lord, but didn't know what to say. I asked the Lord to show me how Ben was healed that I might share the testimony and He might be glorified.
That evening, Chuck and I went to a parenting class that started their subject talking about brain function and brain development. The speaker mentioned that three outward signs to healthy, ready-to-learn brains are: eye contact, touch and presence. In that moment, I realized these were the changes I'd seen.
Babies gaze and grin that their parents and Ben never did that. Even as a toddler, he didn't really look at me. He's looking at me (eye contact), smiling, saying "mama" so I'll look at him. And again, he's much more affectionate (touch) and easier to engage (presence). He's now present, ready to play and ready to learn.
I'm so thankful that God had mercy on us and touched my son in the way He saw fit. I know we still have questions to answer, but God is patiently leading us and we are thankful to be held in His safe hands.
It's humbling to see the God of the universe heal your child. I am very thankful for His grace and excited to see how He will continue to move in our lives. We are so blessed that our Lord loves us enough to walk with us. Glory to God.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
The Return of Testimony Tuesday
I must apologize to our readers. I have been a negligent blogger. For the last several months, I've barely been keeping afloat with my day-to-day responsibilities. I didn't want my life to be simply surviving so I asked for administration. I asked that the Lord would bless me and help me to spend more time seeking His Kingdom and not feel so overwhelmedd by daily duties. The Lord has truly blessed me and here is my attempt to bring Testimony Tuesday back to the forefront.
Testimonies are always so encouraging. It's amazing to see God's hand move in our lives both in big and small ways. So, here is a testimony from Susan Mauck. I hope you enjoy it!
The Protection of Jesus
In the winter of 1979, I found myself alone with time on my hands. Jack had gone to Jefferson City to take the state veterinary boards, and was staying with his brother Bill for a couple of days. I went to visit my uncle who was then in the hospital because of a car accident; he needed to talk to my Dad about some things, so I called Dad and that’s when this testimony began. During those days Dad always railed against me being a Christian. I never brought it up, but it seemed as if he couldn’t stop himself. During this particular conversation, Dad began to tell me that my God was: Selfish, arrogant, a warmonger, hateful… the list of horrible negative words seemed endless. My heart was broken! I began to cry—somehow I managed to end this nightmare of a conversation—and wept uncontrollably. All I could think was how much I loved Jesus, and how badly I must be portraying Him. I either had to figure out what I was doing wrong or never speak of Him again.
I called an elder who I have a great deal of love and respect for, and he told me to come right over. When I arrived I poured out my woes to him and his wonderful wife. I then received an administration. Many of the words of this administration have been lost in my memory; however, the most important part remains indelibly etched in my brain. I was told that as the years go by I will have greater discernment over the enemy of all righteousness, and that I will be given greater power over Satan.
I could then see that the conversation with Dad didn’t have anything to do with anything I had said. It was Satan’s fight against me using the prejudices my Dad held for churches in general. Over the years I have had many significant encounters with the enemy. I could fill at least a booklet with my testimonies, but I want to share the latest extraordinary blessing God gave to me.
In August of 2009, Jackie, Ben, (daughter &10 month old grandson) and I were to take a trip to visit my Mom who has cancer. Now Mom and I have never had a good and stable relationship for two reasons. Mom has been jealous of my relationship with my Dad (they have been divorced for over 40 years, and Dad died in October of 2008, but it was still an issue). And, the unfortunate truth is that my mom also fights against Christianity in general, and therefore, me in particular. Many of our conversations have been dotted with barbs against
Dad and Christianity. My mother is a follower of many beliefs, and has a lot of different statues in her house. I often think of Paul writing in the 17th chapter of Acts about the people of Athens who had shrines and temples built to all kinds of gods. Paul then tells them about the “unknown” god. Our concern while visiting was our spiritual safety.
We arrived on a Thursday evening and immediately the barrage began. The first words Mom spoke to me were against Dad. During the course of the next hour dozens of negative things were said to me and at me. I couldn’t imagine how I could get through 2 more days of this. We went to our hotel and had prayer and discussed the situation. Ben got up at about 5:00 am for a bottle, and Jackie and Ben went back to sleep. I could not go back to sleep, so I began to read scriptures (don’t leave home without them) and pray. During my prayer I was given the words to pray, and could see what I was praying about as the words spilled forth. For my precious grandson Benjamin, I was to pray that an Angel with a flaming sword would stand over him continually. I was shown as I prayed that Jackie and I were to go to Mom’s in humility and the grace of Jesus Christ. And that the angels of God were to go before us in the strength and power of Christ and send the demons that reside there to the corners and to their statuary. It is important to understand that the demons had a right to their strongholds, but that Christ has all power, and that we as His children have the right to His mighty protection. We went to Mom’s and had two peaceful wonderful days. Much was accomplished in healing my relationship with Mom during our stay. We were given two days of joy and fellowship.
We left Saturday evening for Phoenix as our flight home was early on Sunday morning. My niece and her daughter were visiting Mom too, and they stayed for an extra day. Her report to me when she got back was that “all hell broke loose” on Sunday. Everyone who came over was loud and contentious. All of the people in the household were fighting. This went on for at least eight hours, during which time she went to her room and locked herself in.
I am so grateful to God for His tender care and protection over us. May we all continue to grow in Christ, and continue to see His mighty hand in our lives. Jesus is all powerful—He alone can save us.
Testimonies are always so encouraging. It's amazing to see God's hand move in our lives both in big and small ways. So, here is a testimony from Susan Mauck. I hope you enjoy it!
The Protection of Jesus
In the winter of 1979, I found myself alone with time on my hands. Jack had gone to Jefferson City to take the state veterinary boards, and was staying with his brother Bill for a couple of days. I went to visit my uncle who was then in the hospital because of a car accident; he needed to talk to my Dad about some things, so I called Dad and that’s when this testimony began. During those days Dad always railed against me being a Christian. I never brought it up, but it seemed as if he couldn’t stop himself. During this particular conversation, Dad began to tell me that my God was: Selfish, arrogant, a warmonger, hateful… the list of horrible negative words seemed endless. My heart was broken! I began to cry—somehow I managed to end this nightmare of a conversation—and wept uncontrollably. All I could think was how much I loved Jesus, and how badly I must be portraying Him. I either had to figure out what I was doing wrong or never speak of Him again.
I called an elder who I have a great deal of love and respect for, and he told me to come right over. When I arrived I poured out my woes to him and his wonderful wife. I then received an administration. Many of the words of this administration have been lost in my memory; however, the most important part remains indelibly etched in my brain. I was told that as the years go by I will have greater discernment over the enemy of all righteousness, and that I will be given greater power over Satan.
I could then see that the conversation with Dad didn’t have anything to do with anything I had said. It was Satan’s fight against me using the prejudices my Dad held for churches in general. Over the years I have had many significant encounters with the enemy. I could fill at least a booklet with my testimonies, but I want to share the latest extraordinary blessing God gave to me.
In August of 2009, Jackie, Ben, (daughter &10 month old grandson) and I were to take a trip to visit my Mom who has cancer. Now Mom and I have never had a good and stable relationship for two reasons. Mom has been jealous of my relationship with my Dad (they have been divorced for over 40 years, and Dad died in October of 2008, but it was still an issue). And, the unfortunate truth is that my mom also fights against Christianity in general, and therefore, me in particular. Many of our conversations have been dotted with barbs against
Dad and Christianity. My mother is a follower of many beliefs, and has a lot of different statues in her house. I often think of Paul writing in the 17th chapter of Acts about the people of Athens who had shrines and temples built to all kinds of gods. Paul then tells them about the “unknown” god. Our concern while visiting was our spiritual safety.
We arrived on a Thursday evening and immediately the barrage began. The first words Mom spoke to me were against Dad. During the course of the next hour dozens of negative things were said to me and at me. I couldn’t imagine how I could get through 2 more days of this. We went to our hotel and had prayer and discussed the situation. Ben got up at about 5:00 am for a bottle, and Jackie and Ben went back to sleep. I could not go back to sleep, so I began to read scriptures (don’t leave home without them) and pray. During my prayer I was given the words to pray, and could see what I was praying about as the words spilled forth. For my precious grandson Benjamin, I was to pray that an Angel with a flaming sword would stand over him continually. I was shown as I prayed that Jackie and I were to go to Mom’s in humility and the grace of Jesus Christ. And that the angels of God were to go before us in the strength and power of Christ and send the demons that reside there to the corners and to their statuary. It is important to understand that the demons had a right to their strongholds, but that Christ has all power, and that we as His children have the right to His mighty protection. We went to Mom’s and had two peaceful wonderful days. Much was accomplished in healing my relationship with Mom during our stay. We were given two days of joy and fellowship.
We left Saturday evening for Phoenix as our flight home was early on Sunday morning. My niece and her daughter were visiting Mom too, and they stayed for an extra day. Her report to me when she got back was that “all hell broke loose” on Sunday. Everyone who came over was loud and contentious. All of the people in the household were fighting. This went on for at least eight hours, during which time she went to her room and locked herself in.
I am so grateful to God for His tender care and protection over us. May we all continue to grow in Christ, and continue to see His mighty hand in our lives. Jesus is all powerful—He alone can save us.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Testimony Tuesday - God Keeps us Safe
I'm sorry this is overdue, but here's a testimony from Mike Perry about how god kept him and his family safe.
It was the first real slick day of winter, and it was time for me to head to work. As I was walking to the car I noticed I had a low tire – real low, but not flat. But hey, no big deal; QuikTrip is right around the corner, so I’d just stop in, air the tire up, and be on my way. Out of my cul-de-sac, up Salem drive, and onto 24 highway I go.
I hit my right turn signal, turned the wheel to the right, down shifted, and pressed the brake all while belting out my favorite Casting Crowns tune (I do know how to multi-task after all).
The problem came in when the car, contrary to my wishes and all common sense, turned left instead of right. In slow motion, as graceful as a swan and terrifying as a mean pit bull, my car started to spin—90 degrees, 180 degrees, 360 degrees, and finally 540 degrees. As I was spinning I was thinking thoughts like, “Oh, this isn’t good,” and “God, this isn’t a good day for this,” “I hope I don’t hit anybody with kids in their car,” and “Please don’t let this happen.” He didn’t.
The car stopped on the opposite side of the highway, both right tires inches from the curb having crossed four driving lanes and one turning lane. I’d hit nothing and no one and I was facing the opposite direction I had originally been heading.
When I decided I was still alive and in control of all body functions, I looked around and was completely overwhelmed with the blessing that had been handed me. There were no cars on the highway, and 24 highway stays pretty busy. It was as though the highway had been deserted just for me. Did God keep the traffic light red down the hill perhaps?
I drove to work that day praising God not only for protecting me, but also for showing me even more evidence of His love for me and my family. He does answer prayers even when you don’t say them right!
It was the first real slick day of winter, and it was time for me to head to work. As I was walking to the car I noticed I had a low tire – real low, but not flat. But hey, no big deal; QuikTrip is right around the corner, so I’d just stop in, air the tire up, and be on my way. Out of my cul-de-sac, up Salem drive, and onto 24 highway I go.
I hit my right turn signal, turned the wheel to the right, down shifted, and pressed the brake all while belting out my favorite Casting Crowns tune (I do know how to multi-task after all).
The problem came in when the car, contrary to my wishes and all common sense, turned left instead of right. In slow motion, as graceful as a swan and terrifying as a mean pit bull, my car started to spin—90 degrees, 180 degrees, 360 degrees, and finally 540 degrees. As I was spinning I was thinking thoughts like, “Oh, this isn’t good,” and “God, this isn’t a good day for this,” “I hope I don’t hit anybody with kids in their car,” and “Please don’t let this happen.” He didn’t.
The car stopped on the opposite side of the highway, both right tires inches from the curb having crossed four driving lanes and one turning lane. I’d hit nothing and no one and I was facing the opposite direction I had originally been heading.
When I decided I was still alive and in control of all body functions, I looked around and was completely overwhelmed with the blessing that had been handed me. There were no cars on the highway, and 24 highway stays pretty busy. It was as though the highway had been deserted just for me. Did God keep the traffic light red down the hill perhaps?
I drove to work that day praising God not only for protecting me, but also for showing me even more evidence of His love for me and my family. He does answer prayers even when you don’t say them right!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Blessings Through a Fire - Emili Elefson
Last week, Duane Porter preached a sermon on fire and how it changes things, how true that is. As most of you, if not all of you at Grain Valley know, the trailer that we were staying in for five of the past seven months after selling our house caught on fire and burned up. Josh and I were home at the time it happened, which is a testimony in itself.
It was a Wednesday and typically Josh is at work Monday thru Friday, but it just so happened that he had a comp day that he was taking advantage of that day. We were taking it easy and just cleaning up that day, trying to take extra good care of the loaned trailer.
When the trailer caught on fire, Josh was the one who found it and promptly told Karlie and I to get out and into the house. Then he set about trying to put it out. Katie then called the fire department and I was pretty much just there.
There are so many things for us to be thankful for.
- No one was even hurt let alone anything worse happening.
- The propane tanks did not explode and spread the fire.
- The hay bales there were being used to insulate the trailer from the cold didn’t spread the fire anymore.
- Contrary to my feelings, the fire department responded quickly and worked hard to put out the fire. They were also kind and helpful.
- Last but most important, we are blessed with wonderful family, not all blood-related, who love us and try to help whenever they see a need. Our church family was there for us no matter what the cost or inconvenience to them.
There are so many blessings and gifts that the Lord blessed us with in this event, I could fill up a book. Not to mention all the prayers, thoughts, and offers of help that we were blessed with. The best part is that we can truly see the Lord’s hand in this and in our lives in finding a new home.
The Lord surely does work in mysterious ways, but how wonderful the outcome! May we offer praise to the Lord for the beautiful people He has placed in our lives and work with them in building the Kingdom of God.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Testimony Tuesday - God Provides Even Paint for the Walls!
In the midst of our renovation of the upper floor of our building, we started looking at paint colors. We wanted to get the walls painted before the carpenters put on the wood trim around windows and doors so we wouldn’t have to be quite so careful. It would save time in the long run.
Jean started the process by going to Lowe’s to collect paint color sample cards. From there, we picked some colors we liked and purchased samples to paint on the wall. We picked the colors we liked best. When we started figuring out how many gallons we would need, we realized this was going to be an expensive purchase. Jean started thinking about who we could contact to see if we could get the paint donated. She discussed it with Ken, and mentioned a former Hope student and Board member who works for a major paint supplier. She said, “I wonder if his company ever donates paint?” Ken said, “Well, let’s find out.”
Ken called our friend, Bill. Bill said he didn’t know what the company policy about donations was, but he would find out and he asked how much we would need. He called us a few days later and said he had tracked down 20 gallons of flat white paint. We didn’t like flat paint for a finish coat, so we asked him if we could use it for primer and he said it would work fine for that. Then he called again and said he had found 45 gallons of semi-gloss paint which could have color added, and he could match the colors we had picked out. And it was all being donated!! Wow! He brought the first batch over, along with a lot of paint supplies, and we started painting. He took our color samples and worked hard to get a match. We had several volunteers who came to help apply the paint and it was done in no time.
In further discussions with Bill, we learned that the paint was $40 per gallon premium paint that wasn’t selling, so the company offered it to its employees for $1.00 per gallon right at the time we needed it. Bill and his wife talked it over and decided to buy the paint and donate it to us. Bill explained to his boss what the paint was for and offered to pay $2.00 per gallon for the paint and the cost of having it tinted. His boss said, “No way. But you can buy it for a dollar.” If you figure 60-65 gallons at the original price, you get $2,400 -- $2,600 that we saved, plus the high-quality paint brushes, buckets, tape, plastic, and other paint supplies that were donated as well. God is good!!!!
Ken and Jean Schmidt
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Testimony Tuesday - God sent a messenger to speak to Katie
Jason and I received this testimony right before the church retreat (September 2009). I had sold my car to Andrew Schmidt and we were currently looking for a new vehicle. I had found what I had thought was a perfect match. It was in the right price range, right year bracket and had everything that we had wanted. I called the man and we set up a time to meet him. Jason took off work and we met with him in the Tractor Supply parking lot in Independence.
Before we had left to go meet with him, I wanted to pray to God and ask his counsel regarding this matter, so I went to my closet, (the only quiet place in my house!) shut the door and got down on my knees and prayed. I specifically asked God to send his Holy Spirit to rest upon Jason and I and to tell us what to do.
When we got to the meeting place, both of us took turns driving the car. It seemed perfect. I really did not like the man who was selling it for some reason, but other than that there was nothing wrong with it. I still did not know what to do.
As we were standing by the car talking to the man, we heard a voice behind us. We turned and there was a homeless man with a dog asking for money. I usually do not feel comfortable around homeless people and do not really like giving money because I don't know how they are going to use it.
We stood and talked to the man for a good twenty minutes. The whole time I just felt a strong love and peace in his presence. I can't even describe the peace and safety I felt. He talked about God the entire time. At one point he looked straight at me and said that we just need to trust in God and leave everything in His hands. That God would take care of us. I felt so excited! This is what I had prayed for!
We gave him sixty dollars, and I wished that we could have given more, which is so unlike me. :) He gave Jason a hug and the car guy a hug and said "God bless" and left. We both turned to the car guy and said that we would think about it and call him and let him know.
Less than a thirty seconds had passed, we turned back around and could not see the homeless man anywhere! No cars had left, no one had gotten into any cars (believe me we checked) and there was no way he could have exited the parking lot and crossed 291 that fast without us seeing him. We even searched the Tractor Supply store for him! I truly think he was an angel from God, sent as an answer to my prayer.
He even seemed different. Even though he was "homeless" he was extremely clean, a clean that almost seemed to glow. Even Jason commented on it. As I look back on this experience, it amazes me how much we were blessed by it.
We never did buy the car. I still don't have a car. But now I realize that it was God protecting us, because if we had bought it, we would have never been able to afford the bills we currently have, even though it seemed like we could have then. I have been blessed by Mom, because she lets me use her car anytime I need to go anywhere. God has provided. He has provided us with just enough money to provide for what we need and provided me the use of a car whenever I need it. He also provided me with an angel to tell me an answer to my prayer. God is so amazing, all we have to do is trust in Him.
Before we had left to go meet with him, I wanted to pray to God and ask his counsel regarding this matter, so I went to my closet, (the only quiet place in my house!) shut the door and got down on my knees and prayed. I specifically asked God to send his Holy Spirit to rest upon Jason and I and to tell us what to do.
When we got to the meeting place, both of us took turns driving the car. It seemed perfect. I really did not like the man who was selling it for some reason, but other than that there was nothing wrong with it. I still did not know what to do.
As we were standing by the car talking to the man, we heard a voice behind us. We turned and there was a homeless man with a dog asking for money. I usually do not feel comfortable around homeless people and do not really like giving money because I don't know how they are going to use it.
We stood and talked to the man for a good twenty minutes. The whole time I just felt a strong love and peace in his presence. I can't even describe the peace and safety I felt. He talked about God the entire time. At one point he looked straight at me and said that we just need to trust in God and leave everything in His hands. That God would take care of us. I felt so excited! This is what I had prayed for!
We gave him sixty dollars, and I wished that we could have given more, which is so unlike me. :) He gave Jason a hug and the car guy a hug and said "God bless" and left. We both turned to the car guy and said that we would think about it and call him and let him know.
Less than a thirty seconds had passed, we turned back around and could not see the homeless man anywhere! No cars had left, no one had gotten into any cars (believe me we checked) and there was no way he could have exited the parking lot and crossed 291 that fast without us seeing him. We even searched the Tractor Supply store for him! I truly think he was an angel from God, sent as an answer to my prayer.
He even seemed different. Even though he was "homeless" he was extremely clean, a clean that almost seemed to glow. Even Jason commented on it. As I look back on this experience, it amazes me how much we were blessed by it.
We never did buy the car. I still don't have a car. But now I realize that it was God protecting us, because if we had bought it, we would have never been able to afford the bills we currently have, even though it seemed like we could have then. I have been blessed by Mom, because she lets me use her car anytime I need to go anywhere. God has provided. He has provided us with just enough money to provide for what we need and provided me the use of a car whenever I need it. He also provided me with an angel to tell me an answer to my prayer. God is so amazing, all we have to do is trust in Him.
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