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

praying stick

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

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

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

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

WalkingB&V Beach for email

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

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

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

anissa2

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

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

grace 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

gods healing grace

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

faith stronger than fear

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

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

Mark 11:22-24 NKJV

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

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

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

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

Gods invitation

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

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

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

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

Deuteronomy 18:10-13 NKJV

Mr. Tom & “Little Bits”/ Anissa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anissa’s Story – # 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 #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 – 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’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.

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

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