Heather West is a Passporter in Guatemala. Read her story about how the Lord miraculously healed one of his daughters but not in the way we often desire.
Our team has been working at an orphanage for children with Cerebral Palsy but this week was different. They asked us to come a little earlier so that we could help the nurses bathe the children. It was so hard. I wasn't comfortable at all, but somehow I made it through carrying, washing, dressing, and loving eight precious orphans.
When I went to help undress the last child the nurse stopped me. First, she handed me gloves (which we hadn’t used on any of the other children) and looked at me with a look of sorrow that immediately broke my heart. What could be so wrong with this 15-year-old girl that would cause the nurse to look this way?
Jessica was screaming in pain and when I took off her diaper, I understood. It was filled with blood, and I saw a sight I will never forget. She was no longer absorbing nutrients which was literally causing her body to fall apart.
Caring for her was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life.
The rest of the day I was in a slump. Jessica was in so much pain. So, I started to pray. I prayed all day. Eventually, I realized that even if she was healed this time, eventually her body would fail again….So, I decided to ask Jesus to take her home.
During worship that night I had a vision. It was a glimpse of heaven, something I’ve been praying for since my mom passed away.
It was mostly gold with the most beautiful floors decorated with gorgeous jewels.
I was slow dancing with a bright light that exuded righteousness.
At the end of the room there were a billion King’s thrones that all somehow turned into one throne.
Standing just below those thrones was my mother…and WOW. She looked beautiful.
Then, I saw Jessica. She was more complete than anything I have ever seen.
I wasn’t sure what this vision meant exactly, but I wanted that completeness for Jessica. More than anything I have ever wanted. So through the night I continued to pray for Jesus to take her home.
The following morning, on my 20th birthday, we headed to the orphanage. My heart was heavy, but my faith was big that somehow He would heal His precious child. I headed to her room first thing to check on her, but her crib was empty. I asked the nurse where Jessica was and she said she had gone to the see the doctor up the hall due to inflammation in her throat.
I became angry. Why would God allow her to be in even more pain when I had just begged Him to heal her? Once again I pleaded with Him to take her home. This time not so confident that He would listen. A minute later the nurse came back into the room.
Jessica had just passed away.
WHAT? God did this. I had just see his almighty power. I had just seen a miracle.
I have no doubt where she is. I had just seen her in my vision the night before in Heaven.
Complete. Free. Beautiful. HIS.
I couldn't help but thank Jesus for giving me the best birthday of my life. It was powerful to be part of his plan for ultimate healing and to truly see his goodness and faithfulness.
“You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.” Pslam 77:14
Are you between ages 18-22 and want to be part of the Lord's work around the world?
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