Anissa’s Story # 2 – God Shows Up With Grace As Joy Comes In The Morning.

joy in the am

After a long night of contemplating the what ifs and the whys of our situation, we met with Anissa’s doctor the next day. It was a breath of fresh air and an amazing relief to hear the doctor say :

“It took a hand higher than ours” he admitted. “Your daughter’s kidneys are functioning and her fever is gone. We tried everything we knew to get her kidneys to function. Nothing worked. You can thank the good Lord that you still have a daughter.” Even the nurses were excited over the good news that Anissa had wet in the middle of the night, the first time in several days. Her eyes were open and even her fingernails had returned to a normal color. Everyone acknowledged that Anissa’s improvement was miraculous, there was no other explanation.

We firmly believed that this miracle was the result of the prayers of many. I knew also that my prayer to God in the middle of the night had been answered. I knew in my heart that God had another plan for Anissa’s life which was not to include a lifetime of institutions, but a special agenda that the Lord had for her. On that same day February 27th, 1968 Anissa was baptized in a small out-of-the-way hospital room. What a different outcome for this day than it could have been had God not shown His grace!

We still realized that as the doctor said, Anissa would suffer from the rare form of petit- mal epilepsy called myoclonic seizures. At the time many people suggested we file suit against the doctor but we decided that it was not his fault that Anissa had such a reaction to the drug Phenergan. However, it was found by the FDA a short time later that this drug should never be given to a child under two years old due to the immaturity of the brain.

Next up the doctor recommended to us that we admit Anissa in a research study on this type of epilepsy that was underway. A noted neurologist from New Zealand, Dr. Fritz Dreifuss was at the University of Virginia hospital leading the study. It gave a us a ray of hope we so needed. The next day we drove to the hospital and entered Anissa in the research program.

At that time we owned a motel and had plenty of work to keep us busy, which was probably a good thing because of the long week that Anissa was gone. We were also glad it was not the busy tourist season since the waiting time was unpredictable concerning hospital visits.

We continued on to search out anything we could about myoclonic seizures and even met some parents of a boy who had the same type of epilepsy, in his case requiring institutionalization .

Our trips to see Anissa were not very hopeful. Since various drugs had been tried, along with injections of the hormone ACTH, with no positive results, Dr. Dreifuss gave us a dismal prognosis. As a preventitive treatment against other types of seizures, Gemonil ( metharbital) was prescribed.

As a matter of fact, he suggested we put Anissa in an institution and go on with our lives.

Clinging to my faith that God had a special plan for Anissa’s life since the miracle of her kidneys, I believed the only chance for her survival would be in our home. Dr Dreifuss questioned whether I could handle the continuous 24/7 care necessary for a brain- damaged, hyperactive child. I thought of the many stressful events experienced while balancing family and business. I quickly stated that if I was able to keep my sanity during the 14 years of operating a motel and restaurant, than I could surely handle Anissa.

The doctor then indicated that if we planned on keeping our child at home, it would be best to live where she could be outdoors most of the time. Little did we realize the trials and frustrations that were ahead !But in our times of weakness, our fervent prayers to God enabled us to receive the necessary strength to carry on, experiencing a taste of His excellent grace.

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

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

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 # 5 – The Good Doctor & The Great Physician

anissa5

With Anissa acting so normal and not one hint of a seizure throughout the week of therapy at Spears Hospital in Denver, along with the prayerful visits of Ruby Nikaido, I wondered if God had performed an outright miracle, or if the seizures had stopped as a result of the therapy. My longing was to go home so my family could see the miraculous change in Anissa. Also hospital bills were a great concern – yet, I had a fear of leaving there when she was making such great progress. At that moment my security seemed to be in the therapy she was receiving. Not wanting to make the same mistake I made previously when Anissa was 6 months old, putting too much confidence in a doctors prescribed therapy, I decided it was time to put all my trust in God.

“Oh God,” I prayed, “please give me a sign that I may know whether to stay for another week of therapy or go home.” That sign came immediately after her next skull-molding therapy. Anissa experienced a seizure that was different from any type of spell she’d ever had in the past. I interpreted it as God’s way of telling me that it was not the therapy that had stopped the seizures. I knew it was miraculous and that we were not to stay another week but return home and share everything that had happened to Anissa with my family. This different type of seizure did not disturb me since there was no doubt in my mind that God was in control. I had such peace and didn’t even question Him.

Ruby was so gracious to take us to the airport and even waited while we boarded the plane. She prayed with us, instilling in me the confidence that God would meet our needs. She also brought puzzles and books to keep Anissa occupied on the long flight home. Through Ruby’s example, I learned how important it is to obey the Holy Spirit. One particular point she made had a strong impact on my faith throughout the following years: “Anytime God wants you to do something for Him, He will babysit Anissa.” This has proven to be a true word numerous times!

Anissa was extremly good on the flight home and I felt renewed physically, mentally, and spiritually. Upon our arrival at home, our family, friends and neighbors were surprised and excited to see Anissa looking so normal and healthy. She was now able to run, walk and talk and was free of the lightning seizures.

Shortly thereafter, my husband and our son experienced the power of God while attending a seminar where evangelist Frank Marzullo taught on the Pentecostal movement in the Catholic church. It was a miracle to see Anissa sit quietly for several hours during the entire service. Afterwards, the evangelist and team intercessors prayed over her. She was then set free of all seizures and began adding new words to her vocabulary.

Two months later my husband’s parents visited us and went to Busch Gardens with us. The ride through the animal kingdom in an open tram must have triggered Anissa’s allergies, causing abnormal spastic-like movements. Evidently the extreme heat, high humidity, blooming flowers and animal dander was too much for her immune system. To our dismay she suffered a relapse and soon was having full seizures, which was to become a thorn in the flesh.

In hopes to alleviate negative thoughts regarding Anissa’s healing, I sought the Lord for answers. He answered through an encouraging letter from Ruby, confirming that God was working in our situation. She shared how a fearful thought had crossed her mind:

“What if I had not obeyed God? Would Anissa have missed out on her miracle?” She wrote, “I had such an Anointing come upon me when you started to walk out { of the dress shop } and the Lord said ‘Pray for the little girl’. I thought why do I have to? And He said again ‘Pray for the little girl.’ It scared me when you came back that Friday afternoon when I saw what I saw with my own eyes. Anissa walked in so tall and looked me straight in the face. I looked at her and thought to myself, its the same little face, so alert and so sweet, same hair and same haircut. I looked at you. It’s the same mother. Yes – It’s them. And after you told us all that was happening to her, I don’t have words to explain. A thousand things went through my mind. Now I know what a miracle is. I was seeing one, and God is on the throne, and what Jesus said in the scriptures is true. He is real and alive”

jesus healing hand

Had Anissa been totally cured in Denver, perhaps our family would not have had the spiritual experience of learning who God is and growing in the fruits of the spirit. In the years ahead, whenever ultimate victory seemed out of our grasp, we learned that barriers are obstructions that are not necessarily impassable but can be made possible by God’s excellent grace

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

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

Anissa’s Story – Post #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 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 # 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 – 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