Anissa’s Story # 3 – Weary – But Trusting In His Grace.

praying stick

Following Anissa’s release from the university hospital, seizures became more frequent regardless of various drugs added, including Valium (diazepam). She was then put on a Ketogenic (High Fat) diet. After five weeks without a spell, she suddenly had a violent reaction. While drinking the heavy cream mixture, it expulsed with great force from Anissa’s mouth. It reminded us of seeing water spouting from a whale.

Seizures returned and since her health was deteriorating, the dietetic therapy was discontinued. Allergies, along with sinus infections, seemed a constant battle. We were pushed into many avenues of healing that would never have been considered if it hadn’t been for our desperation to keep Anissa from being institutionalized.

When she was 3 1/2 years old, our nerves were beginning to frazzle. So one day we made a spur-of-the-moment decision to close the motel for a few days and head for Florida. While the business had been a priority in the past, now Anissa’s health and our sanity was what really mattered. An elderly couple who were frequent guests at our motel had invited us for a visit where they lived in Ormond Beach during the winter months.

The time in Florida was wonderful! Our son loved the ocean and Anissa was much better. Remembering what the neurologist had said about her being better off where she could be outdoors, we decided to move. Within two months’ time, we sold our motel-restaurant. We purchased a home one block from the ocean in Ormond Beach and moved in July, 1971.

WalkingB&V Beach for email

Being outside in the ocean air improved Anissa’s physical health but the seizures continued. Even so, she attended the Rainbow School for the Retarded in September. However, she had a difficult time adjusting. The sound of my little girl crying and screaming made it difficult to leave but because of the opinion of experts saying that she would adjust and needed the school, I persevered. Later, when the school psychologist met with me, she explained that Anissa was unable to adapt and would do best on a one-to-one basis. One day when a volunteer Catholic nun was present, Anissa was drawn to her in a positive way, just wanting to sit on her lap.

As seizures worsened, the school would call for me to come get my daughter. One teacher suggested that we take Anissa to a medical doctor who specialized in diets, using the process of eliminating certain foods to detect an allergy or toxic reaction. At first, while on vegetable juices, Anissa improved drastically but after the third day she began acting like a starved animal, grabbing other children’s food at school and eating things not meant for human consumption.

Realizing Anissa would not be able to continue in school the way she was, the teacher then recommended a chiropractor who might be of help. That was an unfamiliar avenue of healing so we gave it prayerful consideration. Around Thanksgiving time, Anissa began having more grand-mal seizures. We decided to try chiropractic therapy and immediately there was a noticeable improvement in her speech, with less hyperactivity and seizures. Once again we were hopeful. However, westerly winds hit our area, causing a high pollen count of ragweed and other air pollution. These winds lasted for several weeks and instead of progressing, Anissa grew steadily worse.

anissa2

By Christmas she was unable to talk, comprehend or even recognize us. She lost control of her bladder and bowels and was having 15 -20 grand-mal and over 200 lightning seizures daily. She wanted only to be held and to lay her head down. She was confused and walked into objects as though blind. By January, 1972, she was unable to walk or talk.

Many times I cried aloud to the Lord, “Heal this child and I’ll do anything You want!” Fear now had a grip on me. The more I read on nutrition, vitamin and herbal therapy, I worried that I might be upsetting Anissa’s metabolism rather than stabilizing it, as I attempted to bring her seizures under control. After hearing about other epileptics being healed while undergoing therapy at the Spears Chiropractic Hospital in Denver, Colorado, I began to hope that such daily therapy would provide answers for our child. Also, my husband could not stand to see me so exhausted and said that if things didn’t change, Anissa would have to be institutionalized. Remembering my earlier prayer regarding such, I felt Spears was my only ray of hope left.

grace 2

Once again we expected to experience our Lord’s excellent grace.

To contact Anissa’s mother email blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

To visit the ministry website go to http://www.wellspringhealingretreat.org

Anissa’s Story # 4 – God Does A New Work In Both Mom And Daughter!

Because of Anissa’a vegetative state, she had to be fed and cared for like a newborn baby. My only consideration was getting her to Spears hospital in Denver. Everything seemed to fall quickly into place. The necessary arrangements were made for the flight, as well as the hospital. My parents had already planned to spend the winter in Florida and were willing to stay with my husband and our son.

In mid-January 1972, I boarded a plane with my daughter, whose eyes by that time were covered with a dull film. As I looked out the window of the plane and saw my family waving goodbye, I suddenly felt so alone. Though I tried to overcome the feeling, I was painfully aware of the awesome responsibility for Anissa and the unknown path that lay ahead.

I was relieved when we finally checked into our room at Spears, but disappointed to learn that the pediatric ward had been closed down since we made our original plans. I was hoping for a time of respite with nurses caring for Anissa. The following morning she underwent a thorough examination with blood tests and X-rays. The next day we met with the hospital administrator, who explained in detail the results of the tests:

“A brain malfunction such as Anissa’s does not readily respond to therapy. It takes at least two weeks to know whether or not the skull-molding technique would be beneficial. Her X-rays show enormous pockets of intestinal gas, the size of an adult’s, which could be causing her pain and discomfort.”

A therapeutic program was to start the following day but he warned me not to get my hopes up too high for the brain malfunction of Anissa to be fully corrected by therapy. Discouragement tried to take control of my heart as the dismal report played over in my mind. I felt the need for fresh air. The outdoor temperature was an unseasonably 68 degrees. Since I had only winter clothing with me, I decided to head for a shopping area to purchase a lightweight blouse as it was extremely warm in the hospital. Carrying my 4 1/2 year old daughter did not seem a heavy burden until the 6th block. Several blocks later I noticed a “SALE” sign in the window of Ruby’s Fashions.

Once inside, I noticed that the blouses were of a higher quality than I needed, so I started to leave. The owner, Ruby Nikaido, had inquired about Anissa’s condition and also suggested a discount store close by for the type of blouse I needed. As I took hold of the door knob to leave Ruby asked me if they could pray for my daughter. Stunned momentarily by her request, she asked again if they could pray for Anissa and I replied “Well I am afraid it would take a miracle.”

In the same store at that time was Gladys, a sales lady and also Vern Howell, a minister and president of “Acts Fellowship”- a ministry where the miraculous was commonplace. He just happened to stop by that day. I sat Anissa upon the store counter and they lay hands on her while praying for a miracle. Their sincere prayers touched me deeply as tears flowed freely. Afterward Vern offered us a ride back to the hospital for which I was most grateful. He waited while I got Anissa diapers and a cool blouse for myself.

gods healing grace

On the drive back to the hospital, Vern asked “Have you ever said the sinner’s prayer?” I replied “Well, I pray a lot and I belong to a Methodist church.” He then questioned, “Would you like to have Jesus as your personal savior?” I said “I believe in Jesus.” Then Vern asked “Would you like a closer walk with Him, to know Jesus personally? Would you repeat a prayer after me?”

I decided to do so but when it came to the part of the prayer where I was to say “I am a sinner” it was as though the words were stuck in my throat and did not want to come out. Determined, I repeated after him “I am a sinner. I’m sorry for my sins. Forgive me Lord Jesus, cleanse me and be the Lord of my life.”

At once I felt as though a great burden had been lifted from me. As I left Vern’s car and walked into the hospital, I actually felt different, both physically and mentally. In the morning, Anissa was more alert and the dull film had lifted from her eyes. She began her first therapy session and by the afternoon she wanted to walk and began to speak words clearly. By the end of that day there had not been even a hint of a seizure. The following day she was outside running, even trying to catch soap bubbles.

Three days later she tried to ride a tricycle and still no seizures. During my stay at the hospital, I learned to perform various methods of therapy that would be beneficial to her overall health.

One day Ruby visited us at the hospital. The Holy Spirit had directed her to explain to me the meaning of new birth, gifts of the Holy Spirit and the blood of Jesus. Though I believed in God, daily Bible reading was not a part of my life, but suddenly there was a strong desire to do so. I really began to look forward to Ruby’s visits and prayers, since many questions were running through my mind as to what Anissa and I had experienced after our day at her “fashion” shop.

Little did I know how greatly I would be depending upon God’s excellent grace in preparation for the ministry God had for Anissa and me that was soon to begin.

To contact Anissa’s mother, email blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

To go to the ministry website- http://www.wellspringhealingretreat.org

Anissa’s Story # 5 – The Good Doctor & The Great Physician

anissa5

With Anissa acting so normal and not one hint of a seizure throughout the week of therapy at Spears Hospital in Denver, along with the prayerful visits of Ruby Nikaido, I wondered if God had performed an outright miracle, or if the seizures had stopped as a result of the therapy. My longing was to go home so my family could see the miraculous change in Anissa. Also hospital bills were a great concern – yet, I had a fear of leaving there when she was making such great progress. At that moment my security seemed to be in the therapy she was receiving. Not wanting to make the same mistake I made previously when Anissa was 6 months old, putting too much confidence in a doctors prescribed therapy, I decided it was time to put all my trust in God.

“Oh God,” I prayed, “please give me a sign that I may know whether to stay for another week of therapy or go home.” That sign came immediately after her next skull-molding therapy. Anissa experienced a seizure that was different from any type of spell she’d ever had in the past. I interpreted it as God’s way of telling me that it was not the therapy that had stopped the seizures. I knew it was miraculous and that we were not to stay another week but return home and share everything that had happened to Anissa with my family. This different type of seizure did not disturb me since there was no doubt in my mind that God was in control. I had such peace and didn’t even question Him.

Ruby was so gracious to take us to the airport and even waited while we boarded the plane. She prayed with us, instilling in me the confidence that God would meet our needs. She also brought puzzles and books to keep Anissa occupied on the long flight home. Through Ruby’s example, I learned how important it is to obey the Holy Spirit. One particular point she made had a strong impact on my faith throughout the following years: “Anytime God wants you to do something for Him, He will babysit Anissa.” This has proven to be a true word numerous times!

Anissa was extremly good on the flight home and I felt renewed physically, mentally, and spiritually. Upon our arrival at home, our family, friends and neighbors were surprised and excited to see Anissa looking so normal and healthy. She was now able to run, walk and talk and was free of the lightning seizures.

Shortly thereafter, my husband and our son experienced the power of God while attending a seminar where evangelist Frank Marzullo taught on the Pentecostal movement in the Catholic church. It was a miracle to see Anissa sit quietly for several hours during the entire service. Afterwards, the evangelist and team intercessors prayed over her. She was then set free of all seizures and began adding new words to her vocabulary.

Two months later my husband’s parents visited us and went to Busch Gardens with us. The ride through the animal kingdom in an open tram must have triggered Anissa’s allergies, causing abnormal spastic-like movements. Evidently the extreme heat, high humidity, blooming flowers and animal dander was too much for her immune system. To our dismay she suffered a relapse and soon was having full seizures, which was to become a thorn in the flesh.

In hopes to alleviate negative thoughts regarding Anissa’s healing, I sought the Lord for answers. He answered through an encouraging letter from Ruby, confirming that God was working in our situation. She shared how a fearful thought had crossed her mind:

“What if I had not obeyed God? Would Anissa have missed out on her miracle?” She wrote, “I had such an Anointing come upon me when you started to walk out { of the dress shop } and the Lord said ‘Pray for the little girl’. I thought why do I have to? And He said again ‘Pray for the little girl.’ It scared me when you came back that Friday afternoon when I saw what I saw with my own eyes. Anissa walked in so tall and looked me straight in the face. I looked at her and thought to myself, its the same little face, so alert and so sweet, same hair and same haircut. I looked at you. It’s the same mother. Yes – It’s them. And after you told us all that was happening to her, I don’t have words to explain. A thousand things went through my mind. Now I know what a miracle is. I was seeing one, and God is on the throne, and what Jesus said in the scriptures is true. He is real and alive”

jesus healing hand

Had Anissa been totally cured in Denver, perhaps our family would not have had the spiritual experience of learning who God is and growing in the fruits of the spirit. In the years ahead, whenever ultimate victory seemed out of our grasp, we learned that barriers are obstructions that are not necessarily impassable but can be made possible by God’s excellent grace

To reach Anissa’s mother email blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

To visit the ministry website go to http://www.wellspringhealingretreat.org

Anissa’s Story – Post #10 – Waiting For God…

gods timing

As a result of the healing Anissa received in October-November, 1975, she was able to learn and do more things for herself. It then gave me some free time to concentrate upon God’s call to build a healing center. During that time, there was no internet to access, so we had to seek other means of obtaining information.

There just happened to be a woman visiting our church who was credited for establishing Prayer Rooms in USA state capitol buildings. She began attending the prayer group meetings in our home, giving us wise counsel in laying a solid foundation that would carry forth the vision of a healing center.

Several members of our prayer team gathered with her for a day of prayer and fasting to first seek a name for the ministry. The Holy Spirit led us to the Scripture, “In the beginning was the Word [Logos], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men.”

John 1:1, 4

The Bible I used translated the Word as Logos. The revelation we received was that the written Word, Logos, would give life and light for the building of a solid foundation – thus – LOGOS LIFE AND LIGHT FOUNDATION. Four years later, the ministry was legally incorporated as a not-for-profit organization.

Little did we realize it would be 25 years before the healing center would become a reality. Once again we are reminded of how God’s timing differs from our concept of time. Just like the Biblical story in Genesis when God promised Abraham that he would have a son. We learned from that example how important it is to wait upon the guidance of the Holy Spirit and not take matters into our own hands and end up with an Ishmael rather than an Isaac!

Over that long period of waiting, many of our faithful prayer group members had to watch from the balconies of heaven the completion of the healing center. I feel certain they, along with a host of heavenly angels, were all singing high praises when the center was dedicated on February 27, 2000, to the glory of God and established by

His Excellent Grace.

welcome wellspirng

To reach Anissa’s mother, email blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

For a virtual tour of the Center, go to http://www.wellspringhealingretreat.org

Anissa’s Story – Post #11 – “Listening For God’s Instructions”

As the vision of a healing center without drugs began to take

form, my understanding needed to be enlightened, because I

thought it would be a center using only natural methods for healing.

Little did I realize that God had me learn the various methods in order to gain knowledge for better communication with those

who were afflicted in mind or illness of body. It took about eleven

years before I began to realize it would be God’s Word, prayers

and the gifts of the Holy Spirit working through anointed

followers of Christ that would be used to heal the sick.

“Apply your mind to instruction and correction, and your ears to the words of knowledge.” Proverbs 23:12 (Amp)

One method that greatly benefited Anissa’s mental capabilities

was the Montessori School of Education – a program that was

originally developed for the mentally retarded, based on the

“whole child” approach with hands-on learning. An instructor,

who had just established a new Montessori school nearby, offered

to tutor Anissa in our home during the summer months of 1976.

Because of her rapid progress, the instructor felt it would be good

for Anissa to be in the school environment several times a week

toward the end of the school day, just before dismissal of the

full time students.

We agreed on the condition that we would be alerted of any

infectious illnesses among the students. It was such an uplift for

us to hear Anissa talking about the work she did at school, saying:

“equilateral triangle, quadrifid, square,” etc. The excitement of

her learning, along with the teachings I received, came to an

abrupt halt in November.

In all the busy-ness of the school

routine, the instructor forgot to alert us when a virus had

overtaken many students, as well as the teacher. In a short

period of time, Anissa contracted the virus. After several days of

sickness, multiple seizures returned and regression became a

continuous battle in the days and years that followed.

“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their distress and troubles.” Psalm 34:17 (Amp)

We recognized that Anissa’s immune system was not strong

enough to tolerate being in an environment where communicable

diseases were so commonplace. As one door closed, another

would open! God directed appropriate tutors to help me with

home schooling to meet the needs of Anissa’s learning ability.

Many times, God offers opportunities that transcends trials and

tribulation encountered on earth -just so someone can taste of

His Excellent Grace!

To contact Anissa’s mother email blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

To take a virtual tour of the healing center go to

http://www.wellspringhealingretreat.org

Anissa’s Story Post #12- “Extreme Circumstances – Tests Of Faith”

Having Anissa free of seizures for an entire year enabled her such freedom to run, play and learn. So, when seizures returned, due to the flu she contracted while at school, our faith was sorely tried. The unpredictable effects of the seizures required someone to be with her at all times, whether awake or asleep. It was during this time that several new drugs for epilepsy were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), bringing new areas for us to explore.

After the second dose of the drug, Clonopin (clonazepam), Anissa went wild, kicking, screaming and thrashing her arms to strike anything that moved. It was necessary for us to physically restrain her until such actions subsided.

When a drug alleviated one type of seizure, other types would manifest. Behavior problems, fearfulness and confusion resulted. Another example came when Mysoline (primidone) was given to her on a trial basis. One day, I heard Anissa’s terrified voice coming from the bathroom. Rushing in, I found her standing on top of the toilet seat looking around in a bizarre state of confusion.

Whether from the drugs or the seizures, only God knows for sure, but it became increasingly difficult to cope with Anissa’s behavior. She became self-destructive, pulling out her hair, picking out her toenails, etc., and in sudden bursts of rebellion and anger destroyed anything in her sight. The perverse behavior became so magnified that, in comparison, the seizures now seemed minor.

Whenever Anissa accompanied me to a store, I found myself thinking that it would be easier if her physical features pointed out to others that she was mentally handicapped. By the “dirty looks” I sometimes got, I realized that to a casual observer she must have appeared to be just a “spoiled brat.” The words that Anissa’s neurologist spoke years earlier kept coming to my mind, that she would require very strict discipline — to the point that others not understanding the situation would consider the discipline abusive.

faith stronger than fear

My faith was challenged over and over again. I had to overcome the fear of taking Anissa out in public and also stop worrying about what other people might think. I learned from experience that when I allowed fear to overpower me, it didn’t take long for Anissa to win the battle! Therefore, I made up my mind that even if she needed physical restraint to the point of my actually holding her down on the floor while in a store to keep her from destructive behavior, then I would do so. The test came while grocery shopping! I laid her on the floor, hovered over her, fervently praying in quietness, as I attempted to shut out the glare of the people. From that day on, when out in public, she listened without requiring such severe restraints.

“And Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God.’ For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will come to pass, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say unto you, whatever things you ask when ye pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”

Mark 11:22-24 NKJV

The Lord had given me the courage I needed to face the giant of fear, reminding me of the Biblical account when David faced Goliath – he believed God for the victory. During the past ten years of Anissa’s life, I had witnessed over and over again His Excellent Grace, thus enabling me also to believe for a victory!

To contact Anissa’s mother email blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

To take a virtual tour of the retreat center go to http://www.wellspringhealingretreat.org

Anissa’s Story – Post # 13 – An Invitation To A Divine Appointment …

Gods invitation

During those difficult seasons for Anissa in the years of 1977 to 1979, there were also joyous times that kept us uplifted in spirit. Our son graduated from college with high honors (summa cum laude), joined an excellent accounting firm, and then married his high school sweetheart. Their visits in our home were especially uplifting times for Anissa.

Since our ministry of Logos Life and Light Foundation was legally established as a charitable 501(c)(3) organization on May 2, 1979, it was important for the public to have access to our meetings. This was good training for Anissa in learning to be quiet during meetings, besides giving her more social interaction.

As there was still no medical answer for the uncontrollable seizures Anissa experienced and was causing her health to noticeably deteriorate, my husband’s boss, Mr. Tom, showed up at our house one day with an Enquirer newspaper in his hand. (He had always held a special place in his heart for Anissa, who he called “Little Bits.” In earlier years, Mr. Tom received prayer with the laying-on-of-hands by several of us for his injured rotator cuff and was miraculously healed.) As I opened the door, to my surprise, in broken Italian-English, he, while pointing to the newspaper article, boldly said, “I pay — you take ‘Little Bits’ — this place for healing!” The place happened to be in Portugal, Spain and was about a woman claiming to be a psychic-healer. I was touched by the sincerity and kindness of his heart, but at the same time I knew it was contrary to the Word of God.

“There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord and because of these abominations the Lord your God drives them out from before you. You shall be blameless before the Lord your God.”

Deuteronomy 18:10-13 NKJV

Mr. Tom & “Little Bits”/ Anissa

In the evening, after Mr. Tom’s visit that day, we attended a Full Gospel Men’s Fellowship Meeting where the leader asked everyone to write down his/her need for a word of guidance and place it on the prayer-offering plate being passed around. The moment I did so, a vision came before me of the United States “New England” area. I knew it was in answer to what I had written concerning the guidance needed pertaining to the Portugal trip, yet I had not a clue to what it meant.

The following morning while in prayer, the vision again appeared and I heard these words: “Go to New England this year – attend a healing service in that area – drive the car – blessings shall be yours – take this time away from others, but on a mission to save the lost, the weary and the sick – you shall conquer and your child shall bless this ministry of healing.”

The next day a brochure from the Apostolate of Healing, Father/Rev. Ralph A. DiOrio, Director, Leicester, MA, came in the mail with a Worcester Outreach Service Schedule (July – December, 1980) in it. After much prayer to discern the will of God and His timing, it came strongly for us to attend a service at the Worcester Memorial Auditorium, 09/13-14/80. This particular service required tickets for guaranteed seats. Since Mr. Tom was of the Catholic faith, I asked what he thought about transferring the trip offer for Portugal, to instead take Anissa to the Fr. DiOrio’s healing service in Massachusetts. He was in agreement, so we ordered tickets and planned our trip.

To this day, we have no idea how that brochure ever got in our mailbox.

How awesome it is when God intervenes with His Excellent Grace!

(The next post will continue the journey — stay tuned!)

To contact Anissa’s mother email blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

To take a virtual tour of the healing center go to http://www.wellspringhealingretreat.org

Anissa’s Story – Post # 14 – The First Blessing Of God’s Appointed Trip…

Looking forward to our God appointed trip to attend a healing

service in Massachusetts, scheduled for September, 1980, we still

had to get through June, July and August. As a result of continual

12 -25 tonic-clonic seizures a night, Anissa’s health went in a

downward spiral. Unless assisted, she was unable to walk and

required someone with her at all times. She seemed very

retarded, not alert, nonverbal, unable to sit up without being

propped or held, kept her arms up in the air and had a very

unstable head.

All food had to be puree, so I made special

nutritious soups and extracted vegetable juices. Our group’s

prayers of intercession, along with the special diet, sustained her.

On September 6, we arrived in Virginia Beach to meet several

times with George Selig, Ed.D., at CBN University. Dr. Selig

related how God called him to teach at the University regarding

administration in conjunction with the mentally retarded and

special education. We shared Anissa’s testimony and how God

called us to establish a healing center – without drugs, for people

when the conventional methods of treatment have been

unsuccessful. (Later, in 1986, Dr. Selig wrote the Forward to our

book Victorious Survivors)

“Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in

the field;

and afterwards build thine house.” Proverbs 24:27

We next visited the information center at CBN to obtain tapes and

pray in the Chapel. Pastor David Jones came out from his office,

looked at me and said, “God loves you – He really loves you.”

He proceeded back to his office, turned around and came back to

ask us some questions. I related that we were unable to attend

the 9 a.m. chapel service because of Anissa. He said, “We have

to pray for her.”

After showing the Pastor her picture, he took her name and went back into the office. Once again, he returned and asked the receptionist to lead a worship song that would bring us into the presence of God. As she sang, the Glory of God covered us, then Pastor Jones prophesied: “Keep your eyes upon Jesus – keep your eyes upon Jesus – His love flows out to you – keep your eyes upon Jesus.”

These words became etched in my spirit and mind to this very day and have kept me from being distracted by worldly views and voices.

The uniqueness of our blessing that day stayed with Pastor Jones. He became a close and beloved friend who helped open many doors for us in the years to come. It was another revelation of how God blessed us with His Excellence Grace.

(The next post will continue the journey – stay tuned.)

To contact Anissa’s mother email blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

To take a virtual tour of the retreat center go to http://www.wellspringhealingretreat.org

Anissa’s Story – # 15 -“A Holy Stopover – in Dover…”

On our way to Worcester, after leaving Virginia Beach, we stopped

in Dover, Delaware, to see a friend who wanted me to go with her

to the nursing home and pray for her husband. He was in a

severely weakened state, not wanting to eat and could only

whisper a few words. He did not remember me but as I was

silently praying, a past experience came to mind: “He’ll

remember the foot therapy you did on him in Florida.” When I

related that to him, he smiled and shook a yes with his head.

Shortly thereafter, he became very irritable towards his wife and I

thought, “Oh Lord God, You’ve sent me here and I don’t know

what to say or how to minister to him that would be good for he

seems so disagreeable.” I heard the word, “Sing!”

While praying quietly to know what songs would edify him the

most, I anointed his forehead, throat and each hand with holy oil

and began to sing. When I came to the part of any song that had

words of commitment to Jesus, he became very upset, yelling,

“No! No!” He tried to wrestle his right hand from being held.

I told him of the great love I felt flowing from Jesus for him. After

binding the spirit of antichrist and commanding Satan to loose

him from all bondage, he looked straight at me and said, “I love

You, Jesus.” I felt strongly that it was not me that he saw, but a

vision of Jesus overshadowing me. I had never before

experienced such an overwhelming love toward another human

being. It seemed as though I was engulfed in Jesus.

In relating this experience later to a friend, the following poem

came to mind:

I Behold The Christ In You

by Frank Wittany

“I behold the Christ in you, here the life of God I see. I can see a great peace too, I can see you whole and free. I behold the Christ in you, I can see this as you walk. I see this in all you do, I can see this as you talk. I behold God’s love expressed, I can see you filled with power. I can see you ever-blessed, see the Christ In you, I can see the perfect One, led by God in all you do, I can see God’s work is done.”

Since the weather was beautiful, Anissa and her dad were happy

to wait in the car while I was at the nursing home. It was great to

hear on the following day of the improvement of my friend’s

husband. He had a peaceful night’s sleep, ate his breakfast and

his countenance was changed and uplifted. One week later, he

departed this earth to spend eternity in the Heavenly Kingdom

with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

“How thankful I am to Christ Jesus our Lord for choosing

me as one of his messengers, and giving me the strength

to be faithful to Him, even though I used to scoff at the

name of Christ … But God had mercy on me because I

didn’t know what I was doing, for I didn’t know Christ at

that time.”

1 Timothy 1:12 TLB

This opportunity of ministry fulfilled a portion of the word

given to me several months prior to our trip: “… drive the car –

blessings shall be yours – take this time away from others, but on

a mission to save the lost, the weary and the sick –

you shall conquer.”

It was His Excellent Grace that made the victory possible!

(My next Post — the Miracle Service at Worcester, MA – stay tuned)

To contact Anissa’s mother email her at blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

To take a virtual tour of the retreat center go to http://www.wellspringhealingretreat.org

Anissa’s Story – Post #16 – “Following His Leading & Feeling His Healing…”

Upon our arrival at the Worcester Memorial Auditorium, there were so many busloads of people, as well as numerous concrete steps that Anissa had to walk up. With God’s help and the kindness of others, we made it inside. An usher tried to find us three seats together but from my viewpoint, it didn’t look like there was even one seat available, so I prayed quietly: “Jesus, I know You didn’t have us come all this way without having a place prepared for us.” The usher returned saying, “Looks like you’ll have to go to the balcony.” At that exact moment, a man spoke from behind us, “If you like, you can have these three seats that we were saving for some friends. They found seats on the other side they liked better.” Our seats were right at the intersection of aisles next to the main section.

bevs post 16

Worcester Auditorium — Healing Service

As we waited for the service to begin, we learned that Fr. DiOrio walked the aisles, touching people as the Holy Spirit would lead him. After several hours, he began his first walk, passing by everyone on the previous aisles, then came right to Anissa. He touched her head and by the Spirit spoke a word of knowledge: “Mental Retardation!” Anissa was the only person he touched on that walk. During that service she sat for over five hours spinning a stick on her lap desk, being fed at intervals, one bite at a time, to keep her happy if she began to fuss.

“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant … there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of ministries, but the same Lord … for to one is given the word of wisdom by the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit … to another faith … to another gifts of healings … to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, dividing to each one individually as He wills.”

1 Corinthians 12:1, 4-11 NKJV

The next day, Anissa was having a most difficult time going up the auditorium steps. Wondering why there was such a struggle, I happened to look down and noticed that her panty and diaper had slid down below her knees. A Security Guard saw the trouble I was having and gave assistance while assuring us there would be seats available. He then escorted us to the front of the auditorium and told the usher to put us in the “Reserved Seats” section. When my husband came from parking the car, a place was also made for him.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

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Fr. Ralph DiOrio & soloist Maria

At this service, Fr. DiOrio touched many people, including each of us. Following the Eucharist and his message on love and healing, a strong presence of God filled that auditorium. During the time of praise and worship, people began to fall back into their seats and onto the floor. Suddenly, the power of the Spirit came upon me as I heard the words: “Let God have His way.” I had no recall of hitting the floor, but was aware of everything being spoken and experienced a great peace. It was a surprise to hear, from my inner most being, the strong voice of the Spirit say: “Arise!” That was my first experience of having been overcome by the Holy Spirit.

After the healing services, we decided to spend an extra day resting before going on to Canada. That decision opened the gateway for us to receive even more of His Excellent Grace.

(Stay tuned for my next Post of the surprise blessings received!)

To contact Anissa’s mother email blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

To take a virtual tour of the healing center go to http://www.wellspringhealingretreat.org