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

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 #18 – A Prayerful Reminder To Keep A Proper Focus…

Upon leaving Worcester, Massachusetts, with many fond memories, we traveled a scenic journey to Valleyfield, Quebec, where we visited with a previous co-worker of my husband and friend of Mr. Tom, his employer. The change of pace was a treat with the several days of rest, sightseeing and wonderful places to eat. Anissa was so good, adapted unusually well to all the changes and would even lay down in the car, which she had not done previously.

In reflection of all that had taken place since leaving our home in Florida just a week before, it was like a dream. We learned how to put denominational differences aside as we met lovely people only wanting to help. Being of the Protestant faith, it was easier for us to “keep our eyes upon Jesus,” as exhorted to do so by Pastor David Jones several days earlier while at the Christian Broadcasting Network in Virginia Beach.

The September healing services we attended in Worcester were centered upon The Feast of The Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Therefore, the Charismatic Catholic priest, Fr. Ralph DiOrio, spoke only about Jesus Christ and the deeper meaning of the cross being a sign of strength and protection. The Communion (Eucharist) was open for all born again believers of Christ to partake. It was definitely more like a Pentecostal/Charismatic type of healing services.

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

It was interesting to hear Fr. DiOrio explain at the beginning of his healing services about people falling out in the Spirit. He stated that if one is truly ‘slain in the Spirit,’ no matter what they hit when falling, there will be no headache or hurt upon arising from such a fall. But knowing how vain the mind can work, he did tell people in the balcony to remain seated. Also, it is good to remember that one needs to be willing to receive signs and wonders through the power of the Holy Spirit, but to try the spirits and not attend any service for signs alone.

There was an incident that took place before the second weekend service began. One of the ushers asked a priest from St. Philip’s Neri Church, Bronx, NY, and a sweet girl who helped in his ministry, to pray for Anissa. His prayer greatly disturbed me when he consecrated Anissa to the Virgin Mary. I immediately interrupted his prayer and said, “She is already consecrated to Jesus Christ!” His kind response came into agreement with my request. Since he was a very young priest, I attributed his actions to lack of wise counsel and experience.

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.”

1 Timothy 2:5-6

In this God-appointed journey, we were given the opportunity to spend quality time with our parents and relatives in West Virginia. My husband attended a business meeting in Washington, D.C., with his boss, Mr. Tom, who was overjoyed to hear the good report of “Little Bits”. Anissa progressed each day, very alert and happy, and able once again to walk by herself. Our families and relatives rejoiced to see the evidence of things hoped for come to pass for us — a result of His Excellent Grace.

(Now, please feel free to send your testimonies of others receiving such Grace so we can post them for others to see! Glorify God — submit your story to blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

Or mail it to:

Logos Life & Light Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box, 1732, Ormond Beach, FL 32175)

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 – #20 – Waiting & Watching…

waiting on God 3

In search of a cure for the seizures experienced by our daughter, Anissa, we would take her to many healing services and medical doctors who prescribed any new anticonvulsive drugs approved by the FDA, in hopes of controlling the seizures. We are now so blessed to have the internet in keeping updated with the latest research data.

Because Anissa was a very active person, the Atonic/Jackknife, Tonic and Myoclonic seizures have always been a constant physical threat. Without warning, her posture is forcefully thrust into anything directly in her path. Her forehead, nose and chin were constant targets of injury. Whenever we tried to put a helmet, bandage or protective apparatus on her body, she would pull and tug at it to the point of self-destruction.

Atonic / Jackknife Seizure (click to view)

Jacknife-Seizure

If out walking and an Atonic/Jackknife seizure struck, her knees would hit hard on the pavement. Once she suffered a torn ligament, damaging the cartilage in her knee, as a result of such a fall. The injury required a medical brace – a real challenge, requiring someone with her at all times to keep her leg immobile. Two days later, Anissa received a miracle when a word of knowledge was given by CBN host, Pat Robertson, for healing of a torn knee ligament – what a blessing!

Whenever Anissa is plagued with numerous seizures, the defense of her immune system against allergens is also lowered, causing additional problems. We had to install an electronic filter in our air conditioning system because of mold spores. Within two days, the seizures stopped and her health was restored, but this still didn’t alleviate chemical pollutants in the atmosphere. The minute Anissa would come into contact with strong fumes, cologne or hair spray aromas, etc., she would become mentally confused and seizure frequently. The same thing occurred when she was exposed to high-pitched sounds of a violin, piano, as well as flashing lights.

It was in 1986 when we learned the frequent, daily multiple intractable seizures with intellectual impairment had a name: Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) – for which there is currently no known medical cure. But with prayer and faith in the Great Physician, Jesus Christ, we have expectant hope for a breakthrough because of His Excellent Grace!

“Jesus said… If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes. This kind can come out by nothing except by prayer and fasting.” Mark 9:23, 29 NKJV

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 #21 – Seeking Answers: The Tests And Trials Of Medicine…

praying stick

The unpredictable effects of seizures in Anissa requires someone to be with her at all times, whether awake or asleep. Inserted bedrails help to a degree, but she can also get wound up in them if no one is around. Seat belts serve a similar purpose when she sits in a chair.

When she was 12+ years old, seizure activity increased daily in an alarming number, manifesting various types of convulsions. Most likely, the cause was due to hormonal and chemical changes that occurred at the onset of Anissa’s monthly menstrual cycle. Since she had been given all the anti-epileptic drugs (AED) available at that time, the neurologist ordered an electro-encephalogram (EEG) of her brain. To be absolutely certain the report would be a true picture of her brain wave activity, we felt it best to keep her off all drugs, vitamins and supplements of any kind. (I’d once heard a doctor say it takes three months for the body’s system to rid itself completely of such drugs.)

During those 90 long days, I often found myself reaching for the anti-seizure meds, but each time would catch myself and remember that the drugs had not helped before so why hinder the opportunity to obtain a flawless evaluation by giving her such in one of my weak moments. The results of the tests eventually confirmed that we made the right decision.

After reading the EEG, the neurologist reported that it was quite good, with only a few spikes of seizure activity visible. Considering that she’d had 16 jerky type spells during the night before the test and another cluster afterwards, we were amazed at this favorable report. Wanting a verification of the miracle Anissa received seven years earlier in Denver, I then asked if petit mal or myoclonic seizures were indicated on the EEG? He responded, “Only the general type > tonic-clonic.” WOW! We finally had a confirmation!

www.epilepsy.com/learn/types-seizures/tonic-clonic-seizures

Since anxiety seemed to trigger this type of seizures, the neurologist prescribed Tranxene (clorazepate) and told us if the seizures were not controlled by it, then his choice of drug would be Sodium Valporate/Valproic Acid. After several weeks of Tranxene therapy, Anissa improved in all ways with no evidence of seizure activity. We thought a miracle drug had been found and for the first time in years, our lives had a period of normalcy. However, after one month she experienced a severe drug reaction: hyperventilation, swollen glands, profuse urination and soon a return of seizures.

Anissa was then put on Sodium Valporate, but to our dismay, it did not even lessen the seizure activity. In fact, the higher the dosage, the greater the seizures. Within a short time, she developed blood in her stools, as well as ulcers in the mouth and on the lips, causing a drastic setback to her health. Again, we had run the gamut of drugs and the various avenues of healing therapy.

Two years later, 1982, another EEG was done with the results about the same as the previous test. The doctor then prescribed Tegretol (carbamazepine), which she has now been taking for the past 36 years. It controlled the tonic-clonic seizures but caused bodily tremors and drastically changed Anissa’s personality. Her voice became very loud with uncontrollable yelling, preventing our taking her into public places. She seemed fearful, possibly hallucinating.

“And all things, whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” Matthew 21:22 NKJV

When all of our prayers seemed to go unanswered regarding this dilemma, the thought occurred to me that the O. R. City of Faith Medical Center had been given a special anointing for the combining of prayer and medicine, so I called their Prayer Tower. Immediately, Anissa’s personality changes reversed that can only be attributed to 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 #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