This Psalm is beloved by many and is often recited at funerals and in Sunday school. Yet, do we truly embrace the idea of God as our Shepherd, who loves, provides, heals, and cares for us? We all struggle with this belief at times.
Supernatural miracles
A month ago, a member of our small group shared that she would be picking up a friend from the airport, a friend battling stage 3 ovarian cancer. I suggested that she bring her friend to us so we could all join in prayer for her. As we gathered around her, there was a palpable sense of hope and belief that God was at work in her healing.
A week later, she shared with us the doctor’s report from a PET scan and blood tests. Her doctor, who typically wasn’t in the office, made a special effort to come in because Andrea kept insisting that she was healed. As her doctor read out the report through tears, she informed her that she didn’t have a single cancer cell in her body.
Despite our reduced presence at the Farmer’s market this year due to a location change and subsequently fewer visitors, we had a significant encounter during our recent outreach. We met a vendor using a cane who had sustained a fractured knee and was enduring considerable pain. Upon asking for permission, Linda placed her hand on the injured area and felt a surge of tremendous heat. More surprisingly, her husband, standing nearby said he also experienced God’s amazing touch.
Olga and her daughter
We enjoy going to the YMCA a few times a week to stay fit. Our low-income membership allows us to access their facilities without worry. Linda loves participating in line dancing and fitness classes, while Chris prefers using the weight machines. We are also always looking for creative ways to give back to our community.
One day, Linda prayed, confident that there must be a door Jesus wanted to open for us. An idea came to her: what if we could ask the YMCA for a room to pray for people? She approached the manageress, who loved the idea and offered Linda the use of any room she wanted, even her own office.
This has given us another wonderful opportunity to contribute to the community, in addition to
maintaining our health at the YMCA.
Friends,
First and foremost, we give all glory and honour to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who has been our constant guide and source of strength. We are deeply grateful for the many ways He has blessed us through your generous support—whether financially or through your faithful prayers.
We thank God for each of you, for the many years you’ve walked alongside us in both the good times and the challenging ones. Your friendship, love, and encouragement are true blessings, and we see Christ’s love reflected in your actions.
May Jesus continue to bless and sustain you as we journey together in His name.
With heartfelt thanks and love,
Linda and Chris
A Journey of Fear, Faith, and Healing
Last month, I (Linda) faced a series of gut issues that led me to seek medical attention. Due to our low income, we were blessed to find a clinic offering free healthcare—a real provision in a difficult time. Despite this relief, I found myself struggling with fear and anxiety. When the doctor recommended a cancer screening, my mind began to spiral, fearing the worst.
This anxiety even affected my physical health; every time I saw a doctor, my blood pressure would skyrocket. It became a vicious cycle—hearing that my pressure was high would make it go up even more. Yet, during this season, I turned to the 23rd Psalm. For the past couple of months, I’ve camped out in its promises. The words, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want…He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies,” became my daily meditation.
I began to truly believe that God is for me, not against me. I ingested these truths, and they started to change me from the inside out. By the time my hospital appointment arrived, I felt lighter, more peaceful, and confident that God was in control.
To my surprise and great comfort, the medical team who attended to me was not only professional but filled with compassion and faith. They were all believers, and their care was such a sweet reminder of God’s love for me. I’m so grateful to say that my blood pressure remained normal throughout the process, and the result of the colonoscopy was ‘clear’. Praise God, the only issue found was a few pockets of diverticulosis. I can’t express how thankful I am for this outcome.
Thank you, Jesus, for carrying me through this journey.
