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.

Wellspring
Wellspring Healing Center

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

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

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

we arre listening
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
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To take a virtual tour of the healing center go to

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

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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

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

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

 

gods hand

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

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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

mass bevs

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

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

Anissa’s Story – Post #17 – Mystery Mail & A Miracle In Massachusetts…

Having attended healing services at the Worcester Memorial
Auditorium from noon to evening on Saturday and Sunday, we
were ready for an extra day of rest before going on to Canada.
Also, it gave us an opportunity to meet other guests staying at
the hotel. One couple from the Midwest who had attended the
services, but did not receive healing, asked us to pray for them.
They spoke of their desire to go see Fr. DiOrio’s ministry
headquarters in Leicester, MA. Since it was only a ten minute
drive from our hotel and they had no car, we offered to take them
to visit the place.
Upon our arrival at the ministry offices, we were asked our reason
for being there. After briefly sharing our testimony, they wanted
a summary of Anissa’s seizures for their files. Then, if she showed
definite results of healing from the services we attended, Fr.
DiOrio would be notified.
The secretary related that because of his busy schedule and being
in conference with the Bishop at that moment, it would not be
possible for Fr. DiOrio to meet personally with us. She suggested
that we all go into the Chapel for a time of prayer.
In the Chapel, a Sister of the Order wanted to know more about
the seizures that Anissa experienced. She was interested
because her niece and nephew suffered with tonic-clonic seizures.
The Sister went on to say that if Fr. DiOrio was led by the Holy
Spirit to come into the Chapel, he would. Just then, the door
opened and to our surprise, Fr. DiOrio entered. Upon seeing
Anissa, he said, “I touched her twice at the service on
Saturday.” We shared with him about her seizures. He sat
beside her, placed his hands upon her and prayed silently for
about ten minutes, then said, “She’ll be all right – in time.”
While he was in prayer, a vision appeared before me of a brain
with an “S” shaped form in the midst which suddenly shifted in
the opposite direction.

To our amazement, Anissa never complained while Fr. DiOrio’s
hands lay on her head during the lengthy prayer. Afterwards, he
asked how we knew about the healing services that we had just
attended in Worcester. I related how a brochure of the scheduled
meetings showed up in our mailbox. He quickly responded,
But we don’t send out such pamphlets!” He then questioned the
Sister for a confirmation. She stated that the only way a schedule
was sent would be upon special request and that maybe someone
had asked them to send it. In the following year, we did meet
several persons who had attended Fr. DiOrio’s miracle services –
but the mystery of the pamphlet still remains!

    IMG_1111[3029] Anissa 2 before

                   Anissa before healing services ( above) and then after the services.

IMG_1109[3027] Anissa - after3

The change in Anissa’s countenance and strength of body was so
evident. Once again, seizures were less frequent, she was able to
feed herself and eat a greater variety of food. In God’s mercy,
we were given the boost of faith needed to continue our journey –
sustained by His Excellent Grace.

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

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

Anissa’s Story – Post #24 – Victorious Survivors & A First Lady’s Favor…

waiting on God 3

While driving home from Tulsa, my thoughts turned to eight years earlier in 1978, when I had been impressed to write Anissa’s story, or at least compile the facts —   suddenly, I heard:  “Shelve Anissa’s book for a time and put together a book of victorious survivors you’ve met along the way with situations similar to your own.”  

When the Almighty God wants something accomplished, He also provides!  One of our neighbors had a daughter-in-law who often visited them and we became close friends.  Previously, she was on an editorial staff of Christian Life Magazine and had written three books.  Then one day, she felt a “nudge” to write Anissa’s story.  In 1985, the words, “Victorious Survivors Along the Way” became indelibly imprinted across her mind.  Since a year had elapsed, during which time I met other victors along the way, and by the confirming word that I heard, we had a better understanding of how to pursue the project.

“For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.”  Proverbs 2:6

We were instructed to use Anissa’s story as the lead, followed by 15 families who accepted our invitation to contribute their own stories.  It was to be a handbook of hope and encouragement for parents and other concerned individuals. We rejoiced the day when a renowned artist offered to sketch portraits from snapshots the parents had sent of their afflicted children.   

Members of Logos Life and Light Foundation prayed with us regarding a publisher and helped with the final editing.  The Board of Directors unanimously agreed that LLL Foundation should be the publishers of the book. The first printing of Victorious Survivors took place in August, 1988, and was given as a “first fruits offering” to individuals, medical centers and organizations connected with various handicaps and afflictions.  The leader for a Pastor’s Conference that took place in Washington, D. C., requested 800 copies to be given each attendee.  Believing every Pastor could benefit from the stories, the leader planned on using the book as a reading assignment during the conference.

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One year later on August 3, 1989, I answered the LLL ministry phone and was taken by surprise when I heard the voice on the other end of the line say:  “The White House.” It was “First Lady” Barbara Bush’s secretary, Cathy, calling to say that she and Barbara were both “favorably impressed” with the copy of Victorious Survivors sent to them.  They recommended for us to contact Dr. June Jordan of the Council for Exceptional Children, who then requested several copies of the book.   I could hardly believe that really happened, because the night before, I had a dream in which Barbara Bush was talking to me on the phone, saying, “I just want to let you know that you’ll be receiving a favorable report regarding your book.”

“What is faith?  It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen.  It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead.”  Hebrews 11:1 TLB

Here we are, 30 years later, still sharing Anissa’s journey, as well as stories of others who have experienced His Excellent Grace, in an outreach to the world that at one time seemed impossible.

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

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

 

Anissa’s Story – Post #27 – Discerning Doctors…

god full of care

Reaching the age of 25 was a victory for Anissa, especially considering how seizures had increased in volume and velocity.  “Red tape” had blocked the release of Felbatol (felbamate), an anti-seizure drug for which she had been approved the previous year.  Her neurologist hoped to obtain it as a “compassionate drug” rather than experimental, to avoid the strenuous testing otherwise required by the FDA, which could worsen Anissa’s frail condition.

Starting felbamate therapy was further delayed when it became apparent Anissa needed her wisdom teeth removed.  This required general anesthesia with monitoring of seizures during the operation (x-rays, cleaning, extractions, etc.), which had to be done at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida.  Throughout the summer of 1992, we met with the four doctors in charge – an oral surgeon, pediatric dentist, anesthetist and neurologist. In order to keep Anissa strong enough to survive the operation, we took extra precautions, protecting her from colds and viruses.  The timing of the operation was uncertain, due to coordinating the schedules of the doctors, but finally the date was set for November 18th.

Evidence of answered prayers occurred the day before surgery when all the preoperative tests were done from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.  Anissa had blood work, urinalysis, chest x-rays, several mouth exams, blood pressure and pulse rate, a general exam and lots of waiting, while sitting in a wheel chair the entire time.  She did not have her regular naps, or receive her food and medication on schedule, yet only experienced one mild tonic seizure. She was very happy, peaceful and cooperative – truly a miracle!

angel over house

We knew Anissa was in good hands when Charlotte White, the oral surgeon, came out from the operating room to discuss with us what the x-rays and exam revealed:  Anissa’s mouth was very healthy with no cavities, abscesses or gingivitis, but two of the wisdom teeth were impacted and the other two were shoving some teeth and could present future problems.  Then, looking straight at us, Dr. White asked, “Are you Spirit-filled?”  After receiving our affirmative answer, she replied, “So am I.”  Another reason for the peace that passeth all understanding we were experiencing!

 “For He [Christ Jesus] Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of division between us.”  

Ephesians 2:14 NKJV

After the operation was over, Dr. White explained that gauze was placed in Anissa’s throat to prevent the blood from going into her stomach, as well as a special type of disintegrating sutures and gauze-like packing to alleviate dry sockets.  She hoped it would keep Anissa from vomiting – and it did! Even with the strong anesthetic, her EEG showed seizure activity in the brain but she did not outwardly convulse.

During the following week, Anissa required one-on-one supervision night and day to restrain her hands from digging at her sore lips and gums.  Puree foods were a steady diet for a season. At the final checkup, she was given a clean bill of health!

We survived the great challenge due to the many faithful intercessors keeping us in prayer before the Lord and overshadowed with His Excellent Grace.

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

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

 

Anissa’s Story – Post #38 – The Silver Lining In God’s Plans…

silver lining

The beginning of 2006 was off to a very bumpy start for Anissa.  After taking the prescribed medication, Lyrica (pregabalin), she could only tolerate a 50mg dosage due to stomach distress.  The higher doses caused her greater mental confusion besides having a very negative effect in controlling seizures.

Upon hearing a speaker say, “A survivor is one who finds meaning in the suffering,” the following scripture describes a meaning for Anissa’s survival . . .

“We are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord.  For we walk by faith not by sight. We are confident, I say, and well-pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.  Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well-pleasing to Him.” 

2 Corinthians 5:6-9 NKJV

Since Anissa enjoyed and prospered during many sleepless nights from special scenic videos with calming music, our ministry began a project to create a one-hour video geared for the profound, mentally challenged person.  The acoustics at the retreat center was great for recording a Messianic Psalmist, whose gifted voice can soothe a troubled soul. And with the Lord’s provision of a multi-talented engineer supplying his computer knowledge, as well as audio equipment, the video was completed and has been a blessing to many.

DVD bev

CD bev

At the same time music therapy became recognized by the medical profession as a therapeutic treatment for dementia and other types of mentally challenged patients.  The doctor prescribed such therapy for Anissa, so I video-taped each session. There were some very positive signs but the unpredictable seizures would divert her focus, besides creating an interference of schedules.   As in years past, a positive program had to be suspended due to Lennox Gastaut Syndrome – the multiple seizure saga.

In May, one of Anissa’s teeth abscessed.  Remembering those past grueling experiences in setting up visits with a pediatric dentist, anesthesiologist, neurologist and orthodontist at the University of Florida Hospital, as well as the tremendous expense of such, my prayers were fervent for a reprieve.  After several appointments ended with negative results, finally, a brave and compassionate dental surgeon came to the rescue! He and his staff were so efficient and commendable in giving the IV sedation and extracting two of Anissa’s teeth that took less than one hour.  Also, the fee was very favorable, saving us at least $7,000, which was the cost at UFH ten years earlier each time she was admitted.

Another miracle was how a couple, who worked with disabled persons, just happened to have a day off at their jobs and were going to be in our area.  They were most willing to help and what a blessing it was!! Anissa healed rapidly and maintained excellent health for the remainder of that year – except for seizures.

Several months later, a vision came before me of a picture of Anissa’s face on the cover of her Book of Life  – Revelations: 20:12 – with these words written:

ANISSA

CHILD OF DESTINY

CALLED BY GOD AS HER MOTHER’S HELPER

TO BUILD HIM A HEALING CENTER WITHOUT DRUGS

“For you see your calling, brethren that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.  But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.  But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who was made to us wisdom from God … that, as it is written, ‘He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.’”

1 Corinthians 1:26-31 NKJV

I have seen just how much God can achieve in using such weak things, according to His Word and by His Excellent Grace, so that He alone receives the Glory!

 

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

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