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 #11 – “Listening For God’s Instructions”

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

form, my understanding needed to be enlightened, because I

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

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

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

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

and the gifts of the Holy Spirit working through anointed

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

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

One method that greatly benefited Anissa’s mental capabilities

was the Montessori School of Education – a program that was

originally developed for the mentally retarded, based on the

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

who had just established a new Montessori school nearby, offered

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

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

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

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

full time students.

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

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

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

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

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

abrupt halt in November.

In all the busy-ness of the school

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

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

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

sickness, multiple seizures returned and regression became a

continuous battle in the days and years that followed.

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

We recognized that Anissa’s immune system was not strong

enough to tolerate being in an environment where communicable

diseases were so commonplace. As one door closed, another

would open! God directed appropriate tutors to help me with

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

Many times, God offers opportunities that transcends trials and

tribulation encountered on earth -just so someone can taste of

His Excellent Grace!

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

To take a virtual tour of the healing center go to

http://www.wellspringhealingretreat.org

Anissa’s Story – # 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 #23 – The Power Of A Praying Doctor…

Again and again, it appears to be an unending venture in seeking a cure for my daughter. Through the search, it is my hope that others who suffer with uncontrollable seizure activity, or are diagnosed with Lennox Gastaut Syndrome, such as Anissa, will receive helpful information.

“But in our trouble God has comforted us—and this, too, to help you: to show you from our personal experience how God will tenderly comfort you when you undergo these same sufferings. He will give you the strength to endure.”

2 Corinthians 1:7 TLB

Upon our arrival in Tulsa, Oklahoma and the City of Faith Medical Center, we thought it best to transport Anissa to and from scheduled appointments in a wheelchair because of seizures being so unpredictable. She enjoyed the rides and was especially happy to be outdoors in the beautiful weather. Sometimes God answers prayers in areas we least expect, but need the most. While many were suffering from severe allergies due to an abnormally high pollen count that season in Tulsa, Anissa showed no sensitivity to the outdoor air.

The faith-filled atmosphere that encompassed the City of Faith complex was so peaceful. We were especially impressed with our first appointment when the neurologist, Dr. Liphard D’Souza, asked Pastor Joel Vesaner to come into his office and pray for Anissa. Surrounding her, we all reverently joined hands in prayer.

IMG_1127[3389]Anissa & Doctors -Tulsa

The honest concern that Dr. D’Souza had toward Anissa and our situation showed his heart of compassion. For several months, her digestive tract had been upset and was making grinding noises. He recommended an enzyme tablet with everything in it. I realized, then, this doctor knew the benefits of good nutrition. After two days of enzyme therapy, the noises subsided. It was then we learned the medical name given for Anissa’s condition is Lennox Gastaut Syndrome.

After getting the results of Anissa’s blood tests, there were several drugs that Dr. D’Souza wanted to try. He handed me his 1986 Physician’s Desk Reference Manual so I could read the description of Depakote (divalproex sodium), the drug he was considering. Since that drug is equivalent to the Sodium Valporate given to Anissa in the past, we hesitated in our decision to give Depakote a try. But after learning the tablets were enteric-coated with less chance for gastrointestinal upsets, we gave our approval.

While it controlled the absence seizures, after Anissa ate any mildly spiced foods, she would vomit, so her diet was very limited. It took high dosages of a combination of the drugs, Depakote, Valium, Tegretol and Tranzene to keep her seizure-free for three months. After that time, however, reactions set in: multi-seizures returned and in addition, her hair began to fall out, sores appeared in her mouth and blood in her stools.

Upon hearing this, Dr. D’Souza was very disheartened and said, “I’ll keep praying for her and we’ll come up with something!” True to his word, he has phoned me throughout the years to check on Anissa and discuss various drugs that may be helpful. Several years ago, while on a business trip to Florida, he and his wife came to our home – not as a visiting doctor but as good friends. The following quote by Nobel Prize winner, Francois Mauriac, describes our time in Tulsa:

“No love, no friendship can cross the path of our destiny without leaving some mark on it forever.”

When taking Anissa outdoors, Dr. D’Souza prescribed a wheelchair for her protection against injury. We followed his advice and for several years were able to enjoy the sunshine blessings of living in Florida. I have learned that when God places someone special in our lives, then no one can separate what has been joined together by 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