LWFC Impact Stories

Do you know that you are going to go to Heaven? Do you know it beyond the shadow of a doubt? Wanda Metzinger asked herself this question time and time again. A whispering voice inside assured her that she was. But Wanda didn't feel that she deserved all that God had for her. This raised suspicion about the internal whispering voice. In time, Wanda realized Satan had been that quiet whisper. She knew that she had to do something to strengthen her faith as a Christian. Wanda had been attending church, off and on, from the time she was a young teen and felt a desire to learn more about her faith. There were periods in her life when she did not feel the need to go to church, for she believed that living right and believing in God were characteristics of being a good Christian. In the past, Wanda had been beaten down by the power of the tongue. Many people in her life had ridiculed her and caused her to feel defeated. Outwardly, Wanda felt strong. She carried around the facade that she had a thick skin; but inwardly, she felt unworthy of God’s promises and unaccepted in church. Wanda knew the spoken words of her friends and family were lies and that those words cut like a knife. One Sunday after attending church at Living Word, Wanda asked Pastor Steve about being saved. Pastor Steve looked Wanda deep in the eyes, and asked, "If the trumpets sounded today, and Heaven's gate opened, do you know without a shadow of a doubt that you are saved?" Wanda started to cry as she opened up to the Pastor about the spoken lies that haunted her. Pastor Steve held Wanda's hands as he began to pray. Wanda closed her eyes and envisioned the crown of thorns on Christ's face. Wanda cried tears of release from the bondage she had been in, cried tears because she, for the first time, had felt deserving, and cried because she no longer questioned the word "saved". At the conclusion of their prayer session Wanda was sweaty, teary-eyed and exhausted, yet she felt so relieved. As Wanda returned home that day, she felt such peace deep inside which replaced the hurt that she had been carrying around with her for many years. Wanda now felt that she had the tools she needed to look at things in her life differently; when negativity started to creep back into her head, she knew that she could hand it over to the Holy Spirit. And with that, Wanda will never be the same again! Wanda knows without a shadow of a doubt that Christ died for her sins. She is a sinner who was saved by Christ and she is not ashamed. When Wanda Metzinger was baptized at Living Word she left her old, defeated self in the baptism waters and emerged a peaceful believer. She knows that she will go to Heaven. She can not recall any other time in her life where she was so happy for herself as she was on the night of her baptism. Wanda has always been drawn towards God, but knowing that she gets to live with Him forever is simply and incredibly awesome!

Sean and Jennifer Spinks redefined their marriage and strengthened their faith simultaneously. Sean lost his job in October of 2010. Thankfully he was able to find work, part-time, in a family friend's business. Although this income was a blessing, it was not enough to cover what Sean had lost from his previous employment. During the next four months however, Sean and Jennifer exhausted both their savings and emergency fund. Concerned about losing their apartment, the Spinks stood on the Word; God had a plan for them.

 

Sean and Jennifer often discussed how they were going to pay their monthly expenses. One of the steepest bills came from their health insurance premium. Jennifer was working, but she felt the burden of the household finances. This put pressure on the marriage and caused Jennifer to feel insecure. Her insecurity stemmed from the depletion of their savings account, doubting Sean's ability to find a job, endless thoughts about money and most of all she held Sean responsible for his employment status. Jennifer trusted that Sean was diligently looking for employment, but the financial burden left her doubting the future of their family. 

 

Sean searched and applied for new work, but did not get any offers. Then he heard about a potential position in the computer industry, which was exciting to him. Sean applied with the company and was called in for two interviews. A week later he received a declination letter. Sean didn't get the job even though he felt this was a door that God was opening for him. The Spinks remained positive, they knew that God was working on something even better. Jennifer faithfully spoke Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." She asked her Living Word church family to uplift them in prayer and trusted that God would provide. 

 

Sean persevered, after two months, he reapplied to the same computer company. He was again called in for two interviews. The company promised Sean that they would call and inform him of their decision to hire by 5:00pm that coming Wednesday. They were concerned that Sean may not be qualified for the position. But at 4:55pm the phone rang and Sean was offered the position; he would be paid more than he had imagined! Additionally, he could sign up for the company's health plan which was very affordable. God blessed them with the right position at the right time. The Spinks learned valuable lessons during those four months Sean was unemployed. Sean and Jennifer believe that by working together and having a strong church family, all things are possible through continued prayer.

 

It was 1972 when Monica Shreve was born. The location was Stockton, California. She, and five of her six siblings, lived with their mother in a big white house with lots of rooms and space to play. All was well in her life, until that one day. The day that her mother loaded Monica and her siblings into the family car and drove them to the police station. Her mother placed her into foster care. At the young and tender age of seven, Monica was faced with being separated from not only her siblings, but from her mother. And she lived like this until she was sixteen, when her mother would attempt to reunite her family.

From the time Monica entered into the foster care system, she lived with eight different families. She was always trying to find the place where she fit in. As the years went by Monica often wondered why her mother left. But, her questions went unanswered. When relocating from family to family, Monica had feelings of abandonment and rejection. She remembers wondering if, "that car" would ever be waiting for her when she got home to take her to the next family. As a young girl, the relocating left Monica thinking, "Doesn't anyone love me enough to keep me?" It wounded her deeply, so much it affected her as she grew up and into her adulthood.

At age sixteen, Monica's mother removed her from the foster care system and brought her to Jacksonville, to reside with her and her four sisters. I asked Monica how she felt when her mom came to pick her up; she said, "I felt excited to be with my biological family. I could be myself without having to put on an act or a show." Monica’s life scarred her to the point that she no longer smiled. But, when reunited with her family, she started to smile again. Her father had been another missing part of her life. She had never met him. But at eighteen, Monica finally met the man she never knew. Woken up from a deep sleep by her mother one night, Monica was handed the telephone receiver. Her mother said, "Here, it's your father." From that moment on, Monica grew very close to her dad.

Monica says between the ages of twenty and thirty she tried to, "find herself." Unfortunately her efforts left her hurt by her so-called friends. The only stable area of her life during this time was her job. Monica worked with a large hotel chain. The hotel offered to transfer her to Raleigh, North Carolina if she was interested. She jumped at the opportunity to move. It was the perfect time to start a new life. She was ready to leave the hurt behind.

Relying on the stability of her job, Monica started to rebuild her life. Two years after the move, Monica attended a business meeting. She met a lady who asked her to be a business partner in a new venture. Monica, starved for friendship, jumped at the chance. Monica kept her day job at the hotel, but she spent time in the evenings and on weekends working on her new business. While attending a weekend conference, Monica attended a church service with her new friend. At the end of the service, Monica was invited to accept Christ. She was not completely sure what this meant, but having such a deep desire to be part of something larger than herself, she accepted the offer. Monica prayed a prayer that allowed her to ask Jesus to come and live in her heart. Her business partner, two weeks after Monica prayed that prayer, invited her to Living Word.

Monica really wanted to visit this church because of her desire to make new friends and be part of a family, one that she never felt she had. She became a regular at Living Word and began to build friendships. There was a fairly large group of singles that would get together after Sunday night services. Little did Monica know that she would soon meet the man that she would marry!

During her first year attending Living Word, Monica recalls being cleansed. "I let all of the feelings of being unloved and unwanted go!" God took all of those feelings away from her, He healed her. Monica finally felt like she had the family she always wanted. The closer she grew in her relationship with God, the more she wanted to be part of a church family and have a family of her own. Not too long after she was healed, God brought Chris Shreve into her life. Chris and Monica were introduced during one of the Sunday night's singles outing. They clicked right away and began to date. After nine months they were married in November 2006. Chris, his fourteen year old son Chad, and Monica became a family. The family Monica always desired to have. Though, a few months later, they found out that she was pregnant. Just when she thought life could not get any better, it did!

Twenty weeks into the pregnancy, Monica and Chris' faith was put to the test. A routine ultra sound revealed there was an issue with Monica's placenta; Zoe, the baby, would not survive. After getting the news, Monica and Chris headed straight to Living Word for prayer. The church staff united and prayed with them. Monica remembers feeling complete peace after praying with her church family. Have such a strong church family to rely on caused Monica to remember the way that her Pastors, Steve and Connie stepped in as the parents she never had and stood by her side through everything during this trying time in her life. "I don't know where I would be today without Living Word", Monica shares with a smile through her tears. For a few days, Monica's mind tried to bring her down a road of doubt, but she stood firm on faith in the Word. Monica read healing scriptures daily. Every time she did, she felt even closer to God. One of Monica's favorite scriptures to read and meditate on was, Psalm 37:4 - Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.  

Six months after Zoe went on to heaven, Monica and Chris were pregnant again! Monica recalls feelings of elation when she found out she was going to have a baby. There are really no words to explain how happy she was. She was in awe of the Lord. On May 8, 2009, Hannah Grace Shreve was born, just two days after big brother Chad's birthday. Monica shares, "God not only gave me my new family, but an entire church family."

When asked if she had anything left to say, at the end of our interview, Monica boldly stated, "Life throws everyone different curve balls. It's how you overcome them that makes you who you are!”

 

Darlene Dunn knew that even during tough times, God would stick by her side. She believed the words spoken at every Sunday service "when I give, it will be given back to me." She and her husband James were tithers. They believe that God will help them through any financial struggle. They were making it all work, despite James’ recent career change. James had invested in a new massage therapy business and Darlene focused on eliminating debt. Despite some financial hardships, she grew stronger in faith. Together the couple tithed faithfully and always managed to have enough money to make it. 

Darlene and James presented their financial problems to God. When they sat down to discuss the situation, James asked Darlene to check into her disability severance. If it had been paid off, she would receive a monthly check from the government. She put in a call to the VA and scheduled an appointment at the regional office. Eager to get the process started, Darlene showed up early for her appointment. But to her dismay, the representative had left early. How could they forget her appointment? Determined, Darlene called the VA main office and rescheduled her appointment.

When Darlene did meet with her VA representative she learned that her back pay was held up in Texas; all she had to do was update her information and the money would be sent! Unfortunately, working with the government would elongate the process; so she was eager to get started. She rushed home, filled out her change of address form and filled out a direct deposit check. Immediately she went to the post office and sent her documents by certified mail.

When she received a confirmation letter from the VA, she was disappointed to find out that they were not sure when they could get started processing her claim. Repeated phone calls with automatic hang-ups, voice automated systems and not being able to speak with a human frustrated Darlene. “I would get conflicting answers, but I was no closer to getting it resolved.” Darlene and James learned at Living Word that in order to overcome any obstacle they had to continue to pray and speak God’s Word over it. In this case that required them to speak that her paperwork would be completed. She continued to follow up with the Texas VA office despite being told constantly that she would have to call back in 5-7 days for a status update. After being forwarded to a “coach” (who is a step above a regular claims processor) she became frustrated with the woman’s rude attitude and could only hang up the phone and cry. “I kept praying and believing that I would get the full amount owed to me over all these years.” 

Just after Christmas 2010, Darlene received a call from the VA. Her paperwork had been finalized. Her persistence had paid off! They verified some details with Darlene and direct deposited her disability back pay. Despite months of calls, misleading or no answers from the VA; God answered! “God exceeded our expectations. There was enough to pay off Hannah’s tuition, establish an emergency fund, pay off my car and several bills.” Darlene and James’ first check was for God's tithe. “He is faithful, especially when we need it.” Living Word Family Church showed her that faith--by encouraging her to speak the Word over her finances and her situation with the VA, she was able to trust God to deliver her financial needs.

Darlene and James are excited to continue their focus on shattering their debt and are eagerly awaiting to attend the next Financial Peace University at Living Word. After 4 months of frustrations, God delivered!

 

Jason and Yvonne Wynn had been married for almost four years. God had blessed them with an awesome house and Yvonne had recently gotten a great new job. With everything going so well, in March 2002 they decided it was the perfect time to start a family. What sounded like a simple and natural progression in life tested their faith far beyond their expectation.

Disappointment grew as the months passed and they had not yet conceived. Although doctors advised that this was not uncommon, one month of waiting turned into two, two became three, and then their wait was being measured not in months but in years. What started as concern and frustration turned into great discouragement. Yvonne had been to four OBGYN doctors. The first found no reason why they could not conceive. The second ran tests and suspected she had fibroids, but deemed further treatment unnecessary. Disheartened, Yvonne left this medical practice a couple years later to seek another opinion. Upon taking her records, she learned that the doctor had withheld important information about the fibroids. One was considerably larger than the others and she was not sure if they had grown more since then. This became the most difficult part of the journey. Yvonne was very angry and even spoke with lawyers about the possibility of taking her doctor to court for negligence. Eventually, God helped her to realize that it was not worth pursuing. Instead, she continued to pray and ask God for abundant strength, wisdom and direction. Yvonne’s third doctor simply gave up on her. Many doctors and staff thought she was ‘crazy’, but Yvonne and Jason knew that God had given them insight and showed them that they would one day conceive. As Yvonne visited a 4th OBGYN  she was beginning to feel desperate but she was determined to seek God’s direction. “I remember that day when I first walked into the doctor’s office and I had prayed for God to lead me in what doctor to choose. The receptionist actually gave me a hint about one particular doctor. This doctor did not even seem to be accepting many new patients at the time. This was God’s favor." Finally, Yvonne had found a doctor who would not give up on her or dismiss her as ‘crazy’.  By this time her fibroid had grown to about 5 inches in diameter and the doctor insisted Yvonne have surgery to remove it. Yvonne underwent the myomectomy in 2007.  As the Wynn’s continued to anxiously await pregnancy, the doctor gently suggested they go to an infertility specialist. Even when Jason and Yvonne did this, every option the specialist brought to them was prayed over and they did not let this other doctor rush them into anything.  

Yvonne and Jason learned that they had to continually act on their faith and exercise it, rather than expecting God to do all of the work. They worked their faith (James 2:26). Many times throughout the years they bought baby clothes, baby toys, subscribed to baby magazines, and looked up information about pregnancy online. They had to focus on God and what He was showing them and not on what they could (or could not) see (Matthew 14:27-32).  “We needed to find ways to encourage ourselves in the Lord (1 Samuel 30:6) and NOT allow our faith to waiver" (James 1:5-8). Some days were easier than others, but it was always worth it. There were many times when adoption and other options had crossed their minds, but God had never led them to pursue any of it. “I even remember some conversations that Jason and I had, where I would be talking through tears and suggesting for us to look into adoption anyway; knowing that we had not been led by God to do it. I just wanted to make the pain go away. Jason stood his ground and firmly reminded me about  ‘what God told us...’. So in an effort to be obedient to God, I wiped my tears, did not give up and kept going, kept praying and kept doing what God was leading me to do.”  God spoke to them in so many ways directly and indirectly through people, dreams, songs, and timely circumstances that they knew these were not 'coincidences', or simply through His indescribable peace which surpasses all understanding. Yvonne wrote of these things in her journal, which later served as a reminder of God’s promises and His faithfulness, even during the most challenging times.  As the years passed, Yvonne felt confirmation from God that the wait for pregnancy was not going to be much longer.  In the meantime, she continued to trust God and do what He told her to do; she confessed, proclaimed, declared and spoke pregnancy in Jesus' Name.  "Our faith continued to increase even more, throughout the journey... so much to the point where we were even testifying to people ‘in the midst’ of going through it.  We told them how God 'will' bless us with being able to conceive and give birth to our children. Some believed with us and some did not. Once we did our part as God lead us, any negativity and lack of faith that others ‘tried’ to influence us with... we dismissed it.  We then distanced ourselves from it and also from them, in order to protect our hearts and the visions that God gave to us (Proverbs 4:23)." This is why one of the most important elements was the support system they found in other people. God had strategically placed people in their lives who prayed with them and for them concerning their impending pregnancy. “There were times when these people had more faith with us in our circumstance, than we did. They encouraged us to be patient and to wait on the Lord (Psalm 27:14). These people were and still are very much of a blessing to us.” The Lord especially used Pastors Steve and Connie at Living Word during very challenging seasons of discouragement. There were sermons that they preached in April 2009, during the ‘One Prayer’ Series, when various Pastors were trading sermons online. The one stipulation was that they had to use the phrase “God Is”. Pastor Steve’s sermon was “God is Strategic”.  Around that time, Pastor Connie preached a sermon called “Navigating Through the Darkness”.  Yvonne found these messages extremely encouraging and timely. God was strategic in her situation; when she was going through a dark time, which the devil tried to use to defeat her. But what the devil meant for bad, God turned into good (Genesis 50:20). At times Yvonne was amazed that she still had joy and peace during such a prolonged season. She knew it was sustained by nothing but the power of God in her life and she thanks God that it gave her an opportunity to encourage others through her experience.  

After eight years and one month, in May 2010, the long awaited day finally arrived. While preparing for a week-long vacation in Virginia Beach, Yvonne learned that she was pregnant! When they came back in town the OBGYN staff asked how she became pregnant (assuming she went through one of the infertility procedures). Yvonne simply told everyone that "God did it!" Even the infertility specialist did not know how she could have gotten pregnant considering her history! Yvonne did not rush into any procedures with this doctor. Ironically, in the last year before getting pregnant she stumbled onto other possibilities. She followed her primary doctor's advice and took vitamin D. Later she found out through research how the lack of this can contribute to infertility. She also took other vitamin supplements, such as phosphorus (phosfood) and even Geritol. Lastly, she went to a chiropractor and was educated about how every part of the spine controls and aids each part of the body, including the reproductive organs. Yvonne read a book called Supernatural Childbirth, where she found many confessions and scriptures that helped her a great deal. God abundantly blessed her throughout the months of her pregnancy.

Previously, Yvonne had done similar work in the corporate world, but during the years they were waiting on God for their family, she was building her own website/graphic design business. This accompanied by recent changes in her husband's work schedule had put them in a better position to be at home once their baby arrived. In December 2010, David was born. God gave them the name David years before he was even conceived.  He is a healthy and happy physical manifestation from God! Ironically, also in December, Jason’s father and brother had died. It was a terrible shock to the entire family, especially during this time of the year. Yvonne also had an aunt that had died during that month, too. Their families were even more thankful for their son David during such a difficult time.  Some relatives even expressed how David helped them to have hope and even gave them something to look forward to. These were some of the ‘same’ people who did not even believe with them during all of the years Jason and Yvonne were declaring pregnancy by faith. It gave them both a very precious opportunity to talk to them about their faith in God and how they trust Him. They admit that their son was definitely worth the wait as they waited on the Lord! (Isaiah 40:31)  Jason and Yvonne are now dressing little David with pride, in those clothes they bought by faith during their long journey to pregnancy. They give God all of the glory... as they continue to tell people about all of the wonderful things that the Lord has done!

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Rob Kelly is one of those people who always gets ‘pumped’ around the holidays. One holiday season brought something even more special than normal. At the time, Rob’s employer had selected him for a promotion. It was a tremendous opportunity to be given the chance to manage a $50 million project. Not only would the financial benefits increase substantially for him, he would get the chance to work with some new technology. He was so excited!

Rob is a quiet, hard working, faithful and steady guy. He is one of those people who when given a task, will quietly and efficiently accomplish it with great results. Whether at home, church, or work Rob knows the source of his strength. He seemed to be on the threshold of something big happening in his life. But it appeared that a few things around him sought to jeopardize these promising opportunities. Despite this amazing prospect, his immediate supervisor at the time said, “Sorry Rob. I know that is a great opportunity and I would love to approve the move, but our group has too many strategic projects I need to you to run." After a few rounds of discussions, the situation was changing.

As 2011 began to take shape, Rob became even more disenchanted with the organization. The strategic projects turned out to be 'less than challenging' and organizational changes were not headed in a positive direction. Rob recalled, “I began to pray...'Lord, you brought me this job in the first place. Either something needs to happen here or I need to move on'". Week after week he would continue the same prayer, but nothing seemed to change!

Months have gone by. It is now Monday night, May 8th. During bedtime prayers Rob’s son Lucas prayed, "God, can you give my mommy and daddy more money? I want cool stuff like Mr. _____", who happens to be a member at LWFC. That Wednesday Rob received a phone call from a recruiting firm. The gentleman he talked to said, “We haven't spoken in some time, but I came across your resume and would like to talk to you about a position we have open." Rob and the recruiter scheduled a meeting for that afternoon where Rob learned about a consulting job at one of the three fastest growing and profitable companies in the US. Rob shared that after that meeting, the recruiter added, "I would like to try and line up a phone interview with our client in the next week to ten days". Well, that Thursday morning the recruiter called and asked if Rob could do a phone interview that Friday. Rob quickly and excitedly said, “Sure!” Ten minutes later he called and asked if Rob could do an in-person interview instead. The answer was the same, “Sure!” He happily replied, “9:00 a.m. it is!” Rob recalls that in nearly 11 years of consulting, he has never seen a hiring move this quickly; especially for a position he didn't even apply for. So Friday 9:00 a.m. came, the interview went well, Rob left the big new company’s offices at 10:00 a.m. and by 11:00 a.m. he was offered the new job!

Do you remember the offer from his former employer?  A senior executive slot, managing new technology, a $50 million dollar project, all adding up to a substantial raise. Well, check this out! Now we have a senior level position, managing 2 new “cutting edge” technologies with an entirely new business process, in what is a $500 million dollar project, which now amounts to a 30% raise! Rob adds jokingly, “I had been praying since January and Lucas nailed it in 1 night!”

The blessings don't end here! Rob was a bit nervous about the timing of leaving his present employer. They had not paid any bonuses yet and he was told if he left he may have to forfeit that money. He and his wife, Jasmin, prayed together and claimed it in the name of Jesus. He had done the work so they thought he should receive the bonus. Rob recalls that during this prayer Jasmine had spoken a dollar figure that was two times what he received the year before. Shortly after, Rob’s supervisor confirmed that he would be receiving his bonus! Rob remembered, “I was so excited and started thinking of some modest dollar numbers!” Rob explained the way his former employer worked their bonuses; basing them on a number of factors. When you ran the formula, the team's members got paid accordingly. He also thought that with a team of three, he would be grateful to just get a bonus and he assumed he would get the normal 80%. After all, he was leaving the company soon. As it turned out, Rob was informed that he was the one to be given the 120%. A bonus, a good one, should be coming! Two weeks after leaving this company, Rob’s former employer announced the corporate earnings figures and his former manager sent him the new numbers along with the bonus payout. The amount was exactly what Jasmin had claimed; two times what he had received the year before! They could hardly contain themselves! Though God had tremendously blessed them and answered their prayers so dramatically, Rob was still questioning his leaving a full time opportunity for a consulting job. But again, God showed off. The Monday Rob started at the new company, his old team contacted him to inform him that his former manager was no longer managing their team. Two teams were being consolidated under management of a new person. Rob thought, “In 11 years of consulting at a dozen firms and with well over 100 team members around the world, this guy was only 1 of 2 people I simply could not work with. Money and opportunity aside, had I stayed, I would have been miserable.” God knew that and He let Rob know that he had  made the right decision to move on, at the right time. 

Pastor Steve and LWFC have taught us so much about speaking to our mountain, standing in faith (sometimes standing still) and doing our part. Rob says, “When you put it all together and your family (even the children) are coming together to pray and speak it, then there is nothing that can get in your way of overflow!”

 

Leon and Linda Troutman have been attending Living Word Family Church since 2000.  They have been married for 17 years and have five beautiful children; Leon Jr, 27; Tyler, 20; Lance, 19; Trevor,14; and Alexis, 13.  On the morning of Aug. 14, 2010, Leon and Linda purchased a washer and dryer for their son, Tyler.  Later that same day, the Troutmans delivered the appliances, along with additional necessities, to Tyler's apartment at East Carolina University.  Tyler lived on the second floor of his building, so Leon and his son had to maneuver their way up the narrow staircase.  Due to the tight fit, Leon had to lift the heavy appliances over parts of the banister, which required a lot of physical exertion.  Leon desperately wanted to keep up with his 19 year old son, so he ignored the pain that began in his arms.  Leon had felt similar discomfort before but this pain radiated in his veins, pulsing outward.  He assumed that he had strained his arm muscles lifting the heavy appliances.  After the washer and dryer were properly installed, Leon moved on to the next task; he changed all the light bulbs to fluorescent ones.  As he did so, the pain in his arms continued.  Finally, Leon decided to relax.  Tyler graciously offered his father a bottle of water which Leon gladly consumed.  As he rested nearby, he suddenly began to belch.  He assumed that he had indigestion even though he had never experienced indigestion before.  Leon blamed the burning in his chest on the veggie pizza that he had eaten earlier that morning.  The longer Leon sat, the worse he felt.  Linda, having witnessed Leon's discomfort, gave him some peppermint oil tablets saying that it would alleviate his indigestion.  After taking the tablets, Leon felt nauseous and expressed this to his wife.  Immediately, Linda said "you are having a heart attack".

 

Leon, in denial of his wife's medical assessment, walked into the bathroom feeling the need to vomit.  After several unsuccessful attempts, Leon rested on the cool bathroom floor.  Linda was positive that her husband was having a heart attack due to her 20 years of experience in the intensive care cardiac unit.  Leon, being the strong-willed man that he is, lept to his feet, declaring that he was not having a heart attack.  Upset, he hurried downstairs so he could be taken to the hospital.  He attempted to open the driver's side door to his truck but it was locked.  Leon cried out to his wife and son, pleading for them to hurry because the pain in his chest was increasing.  Leon began to understand the severity of his situation and   panic and fear started settling in.  Linda's training was being put to the test as she witnessed her husband collapse to the ground.  As Linda and Tyler gathered around the motionless Leon, they began to pray.  Linda began to declare and remind God of His promises over Leon's lifeless body.  She reminded God that Leon was "prosperous and alive".  Linda confessed that "nothing was broken or missing" and that her husband "was going to live".  By this time, several neighbors noticed the grave situation and gathered right beside the praying duo.

 

As Linda, Tyler and the neighbors all gathered in active prayer, Leon "woke up".  This new place was peaceful, so much so, that Leon desired to stay.  As he continued to look around, he noticed how everything was so pristine and bright.  Suddenly, Leon could see Jesus rapidly approaching and he knew instantly that he was not there to stay.  As Jesus stood before Leon, arms outstretched, He seemed 30 feet tall!!  Leon tried to gaze into Jesus' face but the light from His face was too intense.  As Jesus spoke to Leon, everything around them went pitch black.  Leon clearly remembers Jesus saying, "You are not having a heart attack" and "I am going to keep you".  After hearing this message from Jesus, Leon was back with Linda and Tyler on the sidewalk at East Carolina University.  Leon miraculously stood up, his arms extended.  He was in his prayer language, as well.  Leon also turned to his wife while she was on the phone with the EMT and stated that he was "going to live and not die."

 

A few minutes later, the ambulance arrived. The EMT's asked Leon to sit on the stretcher as they questioned him about his pain.  Linda insisted that her husband go to the hospital for more conclusive tests.  She told the EMT's that she was not going to leave her husband, so an agreement was made that she could ride in the front seat with the driver.  Leon's spirit was revived once again because he knew that Linda would stand in agreement with him, actively praying to God for a miracle.  The EMT's understood the severity of Leon's condition because the EKG machine indicated that, yes indeed, Leon Troutman was having a heart attack.  As the ambulance sped down the streets in Greenville, NC toward Greenville Memorial Hospital, the heart monitor started to bleep, indicating severe heart distress.  Linda realized that Leon was no longer in his prayer language and told him to get back in it.  As he did, the heart monitor began to normalize.  Finally at the hospital, the EMT's wheeled Leon to a private room where he and Linda awaited a cardiologist.

 

Dr. Eric Carlson, the cardiologist on duty, arrived and introductions ensued.  As the cardiologist pushed Leon to the Catheter Lab, Linda quietly told him that "God has put you in this position to work on Leon and you better return with a good report", to which Dr. Carlson responded, "I hope to do right by your husband".  The doctor placed his hand in Linda's and guided her to a small waiting area adjacent to the Catheter Lab.  He then promised to keep her informed.  Tyler joined his mother in the waiting room as the doctor ran diagnostic tests on Leon's heart.  Linda decided to call several prayer warriors and asked that they keep Leon in their prayers.  After several phone calls had been placed, Linda looked up and noticed the cardiologist walking quickly toward her.

The cardiologist seemed very excited and stated that it was a miracle that Leon was alive.  He continued to say that Leon should have had massive heart damage, but no damage was visible.  Linda and Tyler knew that the power of God had been at work that day, and because of Him, her husband's and his dad's life had been saved.  Leon fondly recalls Pastor Steve at Living Word Family Church teaching that "what is in you will come out when the pressure is on".  The Troutman family put into practice all that they have learned as they spoke the Word over their situation that day, believing wholeheartedly that their requests would be granted.  Since that August 14, 2010 day, Leon has had the privilege of sharing his amazing testimony with many people.  He describes his experience as a "spiritual awakening".  Leon also says that he "had an amazing experience with God and He has taken what the devil intended to destroy and turned that into an opportunity to give Him the glory".

 

 

 

     On Father’s Day, June 20th 2010, Maria Cabrera was standing with her eyes closed during an altar call being given by Pastor Bruce Dial. Suddenly an image of her 74 year old  father came to her mind. The vision was so clear she could count the veins in his hands. The color of his hair and eyes were so vivid, tears came unbidden and wouldn’t stop.

     It had been eleven years since Maria had made a trip to visit her parents in Puerto Rico. “When I got home I told my husband what happened, and started crying again. I said to him that I needed to go to Puerto Rico. I have to see my father.”  Maria purchased her ticket and flew to Puerto Rico in July. Her father was recently retired, and had been working to receive his Veteran's pension. There was a series of tests which needed to be taken before that could take place; one of which had been scheduled during the time of her stay. After a treatment called the bronchodilator, he began feeling very ill. In the days following his pulse was too slow and he had heart palpitations. “My father seemed to be very distracted and tired. He took naps often, but was still not as functional as he should have been.” On Monday he told Maria that he still had the palpitations from the test taken the previous Wednesday. They went for another visit to the doctor at the Veteran's Hospital, where her father was told that his asthma and pulse were not looking good. After checking his blood pressure twice, as well as his pulse, they immediately asked him to open his shirt so that they could do an EKG. As the first print out came, the nurse quickly shared it with the doctor and proceeded to ask her if she wanted her to call the ambulance now? Maria’s father had a blockage in his heart that needed to be monitored. They were sent to Urgent Care in the same building. Once at Urgent Care they connected him to another EKG machine and oxygen. They also connected him to a provisional pacemaker, and opened an IV line. “During this whole time I thought it was asthma, but it wasn’t until I called my sister Lourdes in NC and she started questioning me, that I realized it was his heart.”

     The doctor at the Urgent Care said that Maria's father needed a pacemaker but it was up to the cardiologist to make that decision. Her father was soon transported by ambulance to another hospital. “When I saw that the doctor and one of the nurses got in the ambulance with him I realized that my father was in bad shape and that this was something serious."  Maria started crying, and a 10 minute drive to the hospital felt like an eternity. She quickly tried to calm herself down before her father could see her. 

     Maria knew that God was present. He had guided her steps from the moment she envisioned her father that Sunday morning, to this time right now. Everything was going to be alright because God was in control. It was hard to see her father connected to machines when he had been active his whole life. She could hardly remember a time when he had been sick or even complained about being sick. This was a man who walked away from terrible car accidents and went to work the next day. Maria’s father was given a provisional pacemaker because they could not find a surgeon to operate that night. The next day emergency surgery was scheduled and by 4:00 PM he was out of surgery with a pacemaker. He came out of the surgery smiling and joking with the doctor and nurse. Maria’s sister flew in the same day of his surgery and met them at the hospital. Later that afternoon Maria understood that everything was orchestrated by God almighty. “I had always asked God that if an emergency situation ever happened with my parents, that He would allow me to be there with them and He did. He gave me that vision of my father on Father's Day in church, and He even showed me what my father would be wearing on that day. God had everything orchestrated everywhere we went. My father had the best treatment and all the equipment was ready for him. God gave me strength, guidance, wisdom and peace of mind and soul in order to make decisions without doubting myself. God is Awesome!"

 

In 2003, Betsey Alexander was hired as an Advanced Research Technician for a lab at NC State University. She worked there for seven years as a part-time employee, to which she received no employee benefits. Betsey loved her job, and remained faithful not only to her work, but to her church as well, by continuing to tithe and give while believing for favor and increase. She has always believed that some people say they can't afford to tithe, she can't afford not to. Betsey knows that by tithing, God will pour out favor and blessings upon the tither.

 

Betsey witnessed God's promises manifesting in her life in July of 2010. She had completed as many hours as she could as a part-time employee and was laid off for six weeks during the summer. Some people might have complained and worried, wondering why this had happened when they faithfully tithed and gave to God's house, but Betsey viewed it as a blessing. She and her son were able to use that time to travel and visit with family. Her faith in God's promises did not waver. She knew He would provide, and that His plans were for her to prosper.

 

 

Six weeks came to an end and Betsey was rehired as a full-time employee with a 33% pay increase and employee benefits. She was still able to do what she loved and was given the same job as before, only now she was a full-time employee. When asked, Betsey will tell you, without a doubt, that it was all because she tithes and gives into the house of God. She knows that she is reaping a harvest for the diligence that was sown both tithing and in her job. "You can't expect an instantaneous return," she quotes, "You have to believe and stand." Betsey also encourages fellow believers to stay strong and be obedient to God in tithing. "I am a tither and a giver and I live under the open window of heaven! If you're not tithing now, I strongly urge you to do so! God's Word is true and it works!"