Lori's Testimony

Making the decision to answer God's call to missions came naturally and easily. When I decided to date Richard I already knew his call to serve as a missionary behind the iron curtain. Saying, "Yes!" on our first date was surrendering to God's call. With many years of ministry behind us, we finally knew where God had called us. Writing the application for missionary appointment seemed like an easy task.

Shortly after we submitted our application to the missions board, I woke up in the morning as usual. Nothing had happened previously – no falls, etc. However, as my feet touched the floor it felt anything but usual. I immediately feel to the floor and was unable to support any weight of my body whatsoever. After slowly inching my way across the room the pain was so intense I couldn't move. My first thought was, "There goes any chance for approval for missions - my body is broken." For an entire week, I could not walk, sit, or crawl. Laying on the floor with ice packs under my lower back seemed to be the only tolerable position.

During the week, Richard was able to drive me to the local chiropractic clinic in the town we were pastoring. The chiropractor there was a Christian. Every day he would adjust the bones in my back and tell me to continue with the ice therapy. After five days, he said he had no idea what was causing my bones to shift every day but without any change he would have to refer me to a surgeon.

A dear friend and prayer warrior had called me during the week and shared what God had put on her heart for me. Namely, that the Word of God was my defense and shield and was more powerful than any weapon the enemy could use against me. I began reading and quoting scripture with the realization that this was a spiritual attack against our decision to enter missions.

The Holy Spirit revealed to me that this was a spiritual attack and also confirmed that I would be healed. It took the next several months for my body to be "normal" again. The final x-rays taken by the chiropractor showed that the damage had been completely healed! Our health clearance was given for us to leave the country for Poland. Praise the Lord!