Prayer of Faith - Did it Work?

The year continues racing by, and Husband and I would like to share four items: 1) Bible Training, 2) Anointing, 3) Praise report and 4) Prayer requests.

At the beginning of the year (2021), we shared some of our goals here, and a big prayer has been answered - bible training. About a year ago, Husband researched, applied for and was admitted to the Training Center at Faith Bible Church in Murrieta (the "TC"), even after the deadline was closed. However, one requirement is to be a member of a church for 2 years and monthly attendance by a pastor or elder - at the time, we had only been attending Cornerstone for about 6 months. After reviewing the application with our missions pastor, Husband was told to wait, and he withdrew his application to the TC. I remember how conflicted his spirit and flesh were - discouraged yet remembering God's perfect plans and timing. Shortly after, we met and befriended the missions pastor and his wife from Foothill Bible Church in Upland - one of our sister churches. We shared testimonies and what had happened with the TC. The pastor shared that he had attended it and that their church was planning on replicating it in the fall of 2021. In April, he emailed asking if Husband would be applying. In May, Husband and I were in our regular check-in with our missions pastor, and we were advised to be faithful with current opportunities and to take advantage of future ones at our church. On Thursday, June 10, we were getting ready for dinner, and I said, "The pastors and elders are about to meet," and I began to pray silently. Upon finishing, I saw that our missions pastor was calling my husband. "Maybe it was an accident, he does not typically call," Husband responded. (Me) "I think you should call him back, just in case," and he did. He left the room and did not return. I began to pray and was curious what the call was about. I could hear goodbyes. I entered our bedroom and closed the door behind me. With a huge smile on his face, Husband shared, "He asked, 'Are you still interested in attending the TC in Upland?' " I asked, "What did you tell him?" "Yes, of course! I've been praying for this for over a year." Unanimous approval to apply was given, he revised and submitted his application Friday, June 11 and was admitted by Monday, June 14. Books are provided, and scholarships may be available. God's timing is always perfect, and His plans are so much better!

My health has continued to be up and down, and we have still been unable to conceive. Thankfully, Husband went through the book of James with the Men's Bible Study, and chapter 5 offers how to practically approach sickness. As such, we asked our church to anoint and pray for us, and were scheduled for Sunday, June 13 at 9:00AM. Four elders and one of our pastors participated, and the boys also joined. We read James 5:13-16. Husband was asked to share an application from the passage to explain why we were there. He expressed the command to approach our church for corporate prayer and anointing for sickness. An elder then asked if there was any sin that needed to be confessed, as there can be a connection between the two (verse 16). Husband shared patience and anger, and I shared self-sufficiency and pride. We were in a little conference room, but each brother gathered around and began to pray. As the oil came down my scalp to the back of my neck, I thought of Aaron when the oil dripped down to his beard. A resounding, "Amen!" Husband and I exited and sat down on a couch in the foyer. We were both in agreement with each petition. Monday morning (June 14), Jacob asked me, "Did it work?" I responded, "If you are asking me if I am physically healed, I do not think so. But in the context of what is laid out in scripture, yes. We have done and continue following practical instruction laid out in the bible. I am also very encouraged, knowing there are others joining in prayer, bearing our burdens. And if the answer to healing remains a no, God has plans for good. And stay tuned for pregnancy." We are at rest in the forgiveness of our sins, ongoing refinement and complete physical healing, on the other side of heaven, if not sooner.

Praise Reports:

1. Husband was invited to apply and was accepted into Foothill Bible Church's Bible Training Center
2. We were both anointed and prayed over by most of our church elders and pastors on Sunday, June 13 for my physical healing and our ability to conceive
3. Jacob became a member of Cornerstone, completed his first year at CBU studying music education and has been working as a student assistant with IT
4. Zachary completed his sophomore year at Norco High, and he also attended a Youth Retreat on June 11-12
5. The Lord has faithfully brought men and women to study God's word on Wednesday evenings in our home

Prayer Requests:

1. Continued direction/balance with ministry (+ faith, patience, wisdom & obedience), especially as Husband starts bible training August 30
2. Faithfulness in our current season
3. Unity in marriage & family (we celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary May 23rd)
4. Physical healing for me & our ability to conceive
5. Continued provision &/or direction for me with work
6. Zachary's salvation
7. The Italian Theological Academy's "Shepherd's Conference" in Rome, January 2022 - how we can support & attend