In 1974, while my mom was pregnant with me, my family attended the first Gerard Family Camp. The Gerards were humble servants of God who started this camp for family and friends to get away for a week to pray and reflect. Various campers were asked to speak on a topic for the week. Sunrise services were every morning at 7. When my brothers were little, they’d practically hang onto the rope to ring the breakfast bell. For thirty years off and on, our family would get together once a year to fellowship. My dad would grow his hair and fish and make everyone laugh. It was a glorious week each year.

In 2010, the same year I bought my service dog, Eli, I was praying about whether or not to go. I was in prayer and I heard very loudly,

“I am the Lord your God! Go!” Then I shook my head and in disbelief and kept praying. With urgency, I heard God a second time.

“Go!”

So I asked my friend, Joan if she’d take care of me for the week and she said yes. So off I went. My pastor at the time, Fr. Howard Giles, also attended the yearly camp. Fr. Howard and I grew up together in St. Timothy’s Church. He told me he some others were going to pray over me for healing. Go.

He heard my confession and told me to ask God to get past all of the times my healing didn’t come instantly. My expectations get so built up with each prayer, and with no manifestation, I’d sometimes be disappointed. He prayed with me to let all that go. I did.

We went to the chapel which is Holy Ground. Bishop John David Schofeild led the prayer. I heard God’s voice again,

“Walk!” He said just as clearly as I heard Him tell me to go. But I didn’t.

He said it again. I was scared.

They all started to leave the chapel, but I told my friend, Jim to undo my seatbelt. I was going to do it. I was going to walk. This was a year post injury where I had been bedridden.

My friends, Jim Falk and Steve Crocker each supported an elbow and I walked halfway across that chapel and back across to get back to my chair. It was phenomenal! It hurt really bad but I did it. I obeyed. God had shown Fr. Howard that my healing would manifest slowly, like tiny locks unlocking and circulating out of my body.

At Encounter Church a few months ago, I heard God tell me to remove the bar from my chair. I hesitated again because it’s a hassle to get off. But I eventually obeyed. It was a step of obedience and of Faith. Jesus already died for my healing on the cross. So I’m waiting upon the Lord and declaring my healing. And if you’re ever around me and I ask you to remove my wheelchair bar and seatbelt, it’s the big one! It’s a, “Go!” My heart is ready.

Love,

Tisa