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 – # 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

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

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

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

Anissa’s Story – Post #19 – “Pressing In Prayer For A Cure…”

It was after a period of time when our daughter, Anissa, was free of seizures and doing especially well that we felt encouraged, then things would change rather abruptly. Due to an unexpected attack upon her physical body, such as a sinus affliction or other communicable diseases — instead of improvements, seizures would begin to manifest.

Anissa – when unexpected affliction was present (above)

Anissa – when free of any unexpected affliction (above)

During one of these trying seasons of Anissa’s life, I was seeking God for an answer. While reading Psalm 80, verse 12 was quickened as an inward witness to my spirit. “Why hast thou then broken down her hedges, so that all they which pass by the way do pluck her?” Immediately, I thought of the Biblical account of how Satan, wanting to prove Job a hypocrite rather than a faithful man, questioned God for having made a hedge of protection around Job, his household and everything he owned.

Understanding the purposes of God can guard us against destructive attacks upon our faith. Job didn’t understand what was happening to him, but we have the advantage to recognize from his story that while God may allow one’s faith to be put to the test, there comes a time of restoration. I have learned that what we don’t understand, we are not to discard but should continue to ask for wisdom, seek for insight and understanding, and to knock for knowledge of the truth until victory comes.

“So the Lord blessed Job at the end of his life more than at the beginning.”

Job 42:12 TLB

God encourages us to demonstrate confidence in Him no matter whether we are in the midst of the broken hedge or a time of protection surrounded by the hedge. People may look towards a handicapped individual, searching for signs of improvement to build up one’s own faith as a result of their prayers for such a person. According to James 5:16, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” It may not always be the healing at the time we want, but much can be availed in our own spiritual growth through obedience and commitment to pray.

“Pray about everything; tell God your needs and don’t forget to thank Him for His answers. If you do this you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 TLB

While attending a Camp Meeting in 1983, I had an opportunity to question a worldwide evangelist gifted with discerning of spirits, Dr. Lester Sumrall, about our faith and Anissa’s condition. He said, “This has to do with more than just your faith! God is working something out of this whole thing. This is physical and spiritual. Your daughter needs deliverance and healing, physically and mentally.”

That quickened word was instilled in my spirit and has been a sustaining force in my walk of faith as I seek a cure for Anissa of all types of seizures – another facet of

HIS EXCELLENT GRACE!

*Please submit your testimonies of God’s excellent grace in your life! We would love to share it with everyone. Send posts to blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

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 #22 – “Signs,Wonders & Waiting For Answers…

Anissa – “Sweet 16”

IMG_1124[3383] Anissa - Sweet 16

07/06/83

Since Anissa was free of the severe personality change from the negative side effect of the anti-epileptic drug Tegretol, she still contended with various types of seizures for several years. In 1984, we learned that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland, was using a PET scan to measure brain activity and to aid their epilepsy research program. An appointment was scheduled for August 2nd and at that moment, her seizure activity stopped. Was that a sign from God to let us know we were in His perfect will?

Anissa endured the 1,000 mile round trip to NIH, blood tests, EEG, long waits and visits with doctors, plus many other adjustments from her normal routine. Yet, she had no seizures throughout a four-week span, even though her daily dosage of Tegretol was cut in half to reduce tremors. No drugs were administered to her for 24 hours preceding the tests. It was a shock to us, therefore, when the results of the EEG indicated Anissa’s brain activity was in constant seizures, classified as absence or petit mal. Since this was a drastic change from her other two recent EEG tests, it made us wonder if the anti-seizure medications had brought about the return of the petit mal seizures.

After these tests, however, the doctors felt that Anissa would not be a good candidate for the PET scan, because of her inability to undergo the scan while awake, and the required lengthy stay in the hospital. The doctors agreed that it would take a real miracle to correct her condition. Shortly thereafter, NIH acquired the MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanner. The neurologist felt it would be wise to have an MRI scan done on Anissa to determine whether the corpus callosum was thickened, damaged or non-functioning before considering a split-brain operation.

A scan was scheduled for Anissa on June 14, 1985. The radiology results reported: The examination shows the lateral, third, and fourth ventricles to be of normal size and in normal position. No evidence of abnormally increased or decreased signal is recognized in the brain. Since there was no evidence of structural damage, the doctors suggested that her seizures originated from a chemical malfunction in the brain. I still wonder if the medication (Phenergan) prescribed for Anissa at 6 months of age caused a chemical imbalance. Phenergan contains the antipsychotic component phenothiazine, which should never be given to a child under the age of two, or before the brain has fully matured.

Being constantly aware that God holds the key to Anissa’s ultimate victory, we continued to pray and seek for a breakthrough. One day, during the summer of 1986, while ironing clothes, these words came into my mind: “Make an appointment at the City of Faith for the second week in September!” I questioned this, knowing that according to a letter dated 4/1/85 from CEO, Dr. James Winslow, Jr., the City of Faith Medical Center did not yet have a neurologist on staff. Also, the trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma would take several days, so a final test would be if my husband was willing to go.

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

1 John 4:1 NKJV

My first thought, then, was to check and see if they had a neurologist on staff. To my delight, they reported that a pediatric neurologist, Dr. Liphard D’Souza, was joining their staff on August 1st. Although Anissa was now 19 years old and considered to be an adult, Dr. D’Souza felt he could be of help and wanted to see her. The first available appointment was the second week in September! This confirming word caused our hopes to soar! With expectant faith, we planned our trip, trusting in His Excellent Grace to bless our going and coming.

(Stay tuned as the search for a cure continues on my next Post!)

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

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

Anissa’a Story #26 – Road Trip & Awaiting The Anointing…

god is my healer

By the year of 1988, we had once again pursued all avenues of medical help in search of healing for the uncontrollable seizures that 21-year-old Anissa battled against. Since surgery was not recommended, we knew it would take a miracle breakthrough supernaturally or discovery of new anti-seizure remedies.

The following three years greatly challenged our faith but prayerful warriors helped us to keep a proper focus. The only positive value I have seen from a violent seizure is an altering of Anissa’s brain chemicals when no medication works. One time, I prayed she might have the kind of seizure that would change things when she was so out of control with a loud voice and very little sleep. Our nerves were worn thin and I cried out desperately to the Lord for an answer. A vision appeared before me of two arms with outstretched hands surrounded by a glorious light coming out of heaven toward me.

Several hours later a Pastor’s wife called me regarding a meeting they were attending in Crystal River, directly across the state of Florida from our home. She explained that while in their time of prayer that morning, a vision of our family kept coming before them. The Pastor asked if we could bring Anissa to the meeting to have the minister, Dave Roberson, pray for her as there was a strong healing Anointing upon him. In desperate need of a breakthrough, my husband and I put everything on hold, pushing past the speed limit to make the evening meeting. To this day, I can still hear Anissa’s non-stop loud voice during the 2 ½ hour drive.

Once there, I stayed in the car with her while my husband attended the meeting until the time was right for me to go in alone when people would be going forth for prayer. As I waited in line with others, the minister was going to everyone but me, until finally I was standing alone. Then coming to me he said: “You probably wonder why I kept passing by you, but the Spirit of Prophecy was upon me and all I could see over you was Healing.” After explaining our situation and Anissa’s diagnosis of Lennox Gastaut Syndrome, he looked over to our Pastor and his wife asking them if this was the girl they had mentioned to him. After nodding ‘yes’, Dave Roberson then began to prophesy: “The Lord has shown me that you have taken your daughter to all the best medical doctors, as well as noted healing ministries, but the Anointing has yet to be given for this kind and it isn’t that far off!” He then wanted me to bring Anissa into the meeting for the elders to pray over her.

“But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose. And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, ‘Why could not we cast him out?’ And he said unto them, ‘This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.’” Mark 9:27-29

Afterwards, the loudness of voice stopped and we had a peaceful drive home with quietness in Anissa during the weeks that followed – another experience of His Excellent Grace!

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

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

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

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

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

Anissa’s Story – Post #28 – Medicine Shift – Watching All Things Work Together…

grace bridge

After the removal of Anissa’s wisdom teeth, the following year in June of 1993, she was approved for the experimental program to begin Felbatol (felbamate) therapy. She ended up having to go the least desirable way rather than embarking on the “compassionate” program, which we had preferred.

Then began the ordeal of withdrawal from her previous medications of Phenobarbitol, Valium, Tegretol and Tagamet. However, within a short period of time, the mental alertness that Anissa exhibited encouraged us to persevere through the rough times of “addictive” withdrawal symptoms. During a two-week period, she experienced 90 multi-type seizures that could easily have ended her life if left to fend for herself.

For accurate evaluation, the neurologist had also prescribed our purchase of a camcorder to video tape all the types of seizures manifested during a two-month period. Shortly thereafter, the videos were used in helping others to recognize various types of seizures, especially for caregivers who worked with such individuals. This, of course, was before people had access to the Internet — WOW! What a blessing it is!!!

After one month of only Felbatol therapy, Anissa was seizure-free for a consecutive period of 21 days – the first time in seven years to be free for more than one or two days per month. Since Felbatol was experimental, the drug company set regulations that required frequent blood tests and a specific dosage, stronger than was best for Anissa. Her digestive system became very irritated, unable to keep food or medicine down. Seizures returned and on October 4th, the neurologist said to get her immediately to the hospital.

After a five-hour wait in the hospital emergency room, she was given an injection of Reglan (metoclopramide) to counteract her violent upchucking and nausea. A positive side effect of Reglan was that shaking-palsy symptoms of Anissa’s head and upper torso stopped! (Normally, this drug can cause a side effect of tremors and lower the threshold for seizure activity, exactly the opposite of the effect it had on her.) She was then prescribed a very small dose of Reglan which gave her an excellent appetite and due to the cessation of the shaking, Anissa was once again able to feed herself. By the time of her next checkup, she had gained seven pounds within two months. Still, seizures were manifesting daily which required additional therapy.

Shortly after Anissa’s flare-up, Felbatol was approved by the FDA and became available through prescriptions. The neurologist was no longer required to comply with the “experimental drug” restriction and could reduce her dosage. Prior to Thanksgiving, at the onset of a family trip to West Virginia, a new regimen of drug therapy was begun, adding Valium (diazepam) to the Felbatol and Reglan.

“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

The medication change caused Anissa to be in a more docile state that enabled some quality time with her grandparents. It had been over two years since we could visit with our family and grandchildren. A rare treat was being able to have Anissa join with us at a restaurant. We enjoyed first hand how things work together for good through the power of His Excellent Grace.

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

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