You can read more of our testimony here: From beginning to beginning series here
This post is actually a reminder to me, and hopefully to you, of how very much God loves each of us. It goes back to 2008/09 when we were back in the States and one of the issues Chuck and I needed to discuss was the need for a CT or MRI (according to my oncologist I should have one every 6 months for 5 years after cancer surgery) but because we no longer had health insurance we would have to come up with the funds ourselves. Chuck talked to some friends who offered to help us with the cost, but I told him I would pray on it and let him know. Well, I did pray on it but basically put my trust in what Chuck had told me earlier – God has taken care of the cancer and it is no longer an issue. I told Chuck not to worry about it, I wouldn’t need the procedure (but I didn’t tell him I still had the reminder card from the doctor for the CT/MRI because I just wasn’t sure). When will I learn to put my total faith in God not man, even my husband? That was a question God would help me answer in 2009.
During the first few months of 2009 God began opening doors and opportunities for us to speak with different churches, groups and clubs around the United States, one of which was Agape Christian Center in New York City. They gave us a place to sleep (in one of the basement Sunday school classrooms!) and we spent a week evangelizing with them in various parks in the area. Now, I could tell you some interesting stories but that would take me off topic (besides you can read those here in previous blog posts). But one thing that occurred at Agape was a personal experience, once again, with the Living God – the God who loves each of us so intimately it’s hard to comprehend.
It was an exciting week of evangelism but we didn’t have an opportunity until the end of the week to sit down and talk with two of the pastors (Pastor Jesus and Pastor Guno). During dinner Pastor Guno sat next to Chuck and before they had a chance to get to know each other Pastor said he had a word for us from the Lord. At this time I hadn’t met Pastor Guno and he had not heard our testimony (cancer, living by faith, going to Kenya – you know, that testimony). He told Chuck whatever it was with the bowel area that she (me, Tammy) is concerned about tell her it’s over. The Lord has healed her and it is no longer an issue. Chuck was a bit confused because he thought since I had told him I didn’t need the procedure (CT or MRI) that it really was over, but he kept that to himself until we could talk about it further.
And talk we did! Chuck first asked me if I felt it really was over (before telling me what Pastor Guno said). I told him I thought it was but it seemed to be a nagging thought in the back of my mind. I was assuming it was over merely on the fact Chuck said it was, not on all the miracles God had performed during that 9 day ordeal and hadn’t quite come to the belief stage yet. I told him of the reminder card and that I just wasn’t sure…until now. It took a stranger to reveal to me God’s healing power, faithfulness and love and I knew without a shadow of a doubt God had healed me – me, He healed me!
After Chuck told me what Pastor Guno said I started to cry. How could I have doubted God? How could I have doubted God had told Chuck it was over? How could I not see how very much God loved me? How could I not accept His healing and give Him my life? How could I continue doubting His faithfulness?
I felt a weight lift off me and an acceptance of what had happened in my life – God had allowed cancer to be a part of our lives in order to get our attention, He gave us a choice and the grace to accept His offer and He gave us the encouragement and affirmation we needed in His perfect timing. After returning home the first thing I did was get the reminder cards for the CT/MRI and shred them. God had spoken and my ears were finally open to hear His whisper.