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Giving and receiving

Theo and Maria needed wood for this winter. Theo, at present 74 years young, healthy and strong, had already looked around here and there. One day in beginning of April that year he prayed for it. He remembered God His promise in Malachi 3 where stands “that you can test God when giving tenths and sacrifices”. He prayed frankly: “Lord, I give You faithfully my tenths and sacrifices; You promise that in that case You would open the windows of heaven and pour blessings in abundance over me. I ask this only once: I need wood badly”.

How to bring good news to your neighbors

Ans Timman is a team member of Obed , the late Martie Haaijer’s ministry. She is 77 now and she still regularly sends us prayer requests and news from Holland. Recently we received a mail that we gladly share with you (with her permission).

“I think I told you before about my neighbor boy who was burnt and now he is paralyzed and unable to do anything. I thought I asked prayer for him but I’m not sure about that.

A complicated procedure unnecessary thanks to the prayer box

On the 3rd May Luc sent us this mail:

“Beginning of March I asked the brothers and sisters of my church, the Christian church of Londerzeel, and a few good friends for prayers. One of my friends, Cora, put my prayer request in your prayer box. Today I want to share how the Lord answered our prayer.

Because of cardiac arrhythmias, my cardiologist told me a complicated procedure that could take several hours would be necessary. Without the surgery the condition of my heart would deteriorate and I was at risk for a stroke. However the cardiologist agreed to postpone the surgery a while and put me on medication in the mean time. He thought there was little chance for a healing. I told him I would ask my brothers and sisters to pray for me.

I asked you to pray. Prayer for healing: a heart that is beating normally. Prayer to have joy, peace and quiet that passes understanding. Prayer for wisdom when taking decisions and wisdom for the doctor when analyzing, evaluating and advising. Prayer for Ritje, my dear wife.

God is good. As from 7th March I had no more dizziness, fatigue, palpitations or any other discomfort. I received everything I asked for in prayer. All the time I felt carried and supported by your prayers and I was confident of a good outcome. God would see to that. We know that all things work together for good to them that love God (Romans 8:28). This promise is for me.
It is a certainty that is firmly secured in my heart. My brothers and sisters, and that is each one of you, have stood in the gap for me.

Cora had given us a copy of Hugo Van Leemputten’s book “Genezen van Kanker“ (=Healed of Cancer). A special story, a story about learning to trust God and hold on to His promise. It was very encouraging for me. It is certainly recommendable and not only for those who are ill.

As agreed, Ritje and I went back to the doctor for an examination. When taking the ECG the doctor let slip that my heart was beating calmly. Likewise with the cycling test my heart rate wasn’t too fast. When the tests were finished, the doctor came to discuss the results with us. He was leafing through my medical file, then he turned to us saying: “Mr.Cauwenbergh, it looks like you have healed yourself.” It took a little while before I realized what he just said, then I replied: ”People have been praying for me, doctor.” “You have a lot of support from this Christian community,” the doctor remarked. I could only agree.

The complicated surgery that could take several hours is no longer necessary. In November I have to return for a check up and I still need to take medication, but I already know now that this is not the end of this story.

I want to thank you all for your prayers and your warm heart. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (James 1:17).
I received a wonderful present from Father and your prayers delivered it to my. The LORD is good, His love endures forever, His faithfulness unto all generations.”