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Dr. Stevens' Featured Guest
* Please note: The opinions and viewpoints of our Featured Guests
may not necessarily reflect the opinions and viewpoints of Dr. Stevens.
These are troubling times, of that there is no doubt. Many are lost, searching for answers. The simple example of letting others know what God has done in our lives, individually, can bring tremendous peace and understanding, in a real and meaningful way.
To this end, I have created this special page to provide a stage for caring people to reveal their real-life experiences - experiences where Christ's message of hope, faith and forgiveness, prayer, healing, courage and Christian conviction have changed or impacted their lives.
Let me take this opportunity to present the inspiring story of . . . . . .
Nicole R. Rowe, Springfield, OH
Aspiring Writer
Life begins to spiral out of control. Money spent too fast; updates on the house seem to be a never ending task; side jobs add up quicker than time allows to do them; family and friends battling over our time with them; and work is more boring than ever. We could think of a million things we'd rather be doing. Before my husband and I knew it, we were at each other's throats, never relaxed, and not a second of time was well spent together.
I was working two jobs - one was not going anywhere, just causing more debt than anything. My husband was working everywhere - work, home and whatever anyone would ask of him. Having supper was even a task, fighting over what we were going to eat. Soon, I began to lose interest and appreciation for the things I've always loved. Sitting, staring and thinking of what I should be doing or would like to do, but never having enough energy or drive to get it done. Doctors tested me, didn't find anything and I ended up on anti-depressants.
Sound familiar? It should, because it's common. Most people just fail to realize it before it's too late. It seemed too late for us when I found Dr. Stevens. There was no attraction, no communication, just me at home alone, while my husband left every opportunity he could escape. Anticipation, anxiousness and fear kept boiling up. However, the pot started overflowing. The arguments had heightened, and I said, "I've had it," along with other choice words. My husband that I loved left, just like everything else I loved.
I had what I wanted, at peace with no drama, but I knew it wasn't right. Thoughts and questions started running wild, but I held true to my choice. My husband had to continue to see Dr. Stevens before he could come home. Of course, he refused and a few weeks later divorce papers arrived in the mail. I felt that I had failed, and our vows we had exchanged were breaking and so was my heart.
For support, I continued to see Dr. Stevens and he taught me to be strong and not fear. He made me aware that my Father, God, would never want me to be afraid. Sincere prayer swept over me, for the first time in a long time. There wasn't anything to be afraid of with God at my side, and before my very eyes a miracle took place. The prayers and hopes brought him back to me. He cancelled the divorce and started seeking out Dr. Stevens again. He told me later that God had spoken to him during prayer and our life has taken a totally different route. A few months later, I'm sitting here writing this article, as we are nearing the completion of our therapy. Attraction and respect have returned and God is part of our lives every second of the day.
This is the choice we have made. We now know that our beliefs and desires are what strengthen us. A life without God struggles. All we have to do is love one another and believe. How easy is that? Our Father would never have created us with so much despair. Make your choice, accept your mission to love unconditionally as Jesus did. If we can't see that God put us here to enjoy living, why would He have put us here to begin with? Wouldn't it have been easier to keep us at His side? Be aware that we have been given this gift for a reason and it's our choices that make it so important. We make or break ourselves.
Jesus was proof of that. A human being that followed through His mission, proving His love for all of us. Imagine what would've happened if Jesus had declined His destiny, but He didn't because He didn't doubt. Jesus is our evidence, our example, that anything is possible with God. All we have to do is just believe, without doubt or fear.
Thank you, Dr. Stevens, for teaching me that. It was no accident that I found you. It was part of God's plan to awaken me. For the rest of you reading this article "seek and you shall find."
Nicole R. Rowe
2009
Thank you, Nicole, for sharing your story with us.
If you have any comments for our guest, you can write to her in care of this ministry.
New World Ministries
Post Office Box 1711
Springfield, OH 45501-1711
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William L. Jones, Fairborn, OH
Construction Development Engineer, Church Board Member
Back in 1994, my wife and I purchased an older brick house with two acres out in the country. After we moved in, I realized that we had a peach tree on the property. As strange as it might sound, I grew to love that peach tree, if it's possible for a man to love a tree. God taught me some important things through that tree.
Our tree was planted on the south side of the house up close to the brick walls. It got plenty of sun and was protected from the frost at night by the heat radiating from the walls. It flowered in spring and then started producing fruit that summer. I got excited watching the fruit grow. I put a net over it to keep the birds away. I gave it some fertilizer, too. It did really well and the fruits kept growing. They were getting huge. I had to prop up the branches because they were starting to droop under the weight of all the peaches. I was very impressed with the huge load of fruit it was carrying.
Then it happened. I came home from work one evening and there had been a heavy thunderstorm. The tree was an absolute mess. It had suffered a lot of damage. Some of the biggest branches were split and broken from the rain, wind and weight. I had to chop some of the best branches off, even though they still had fruit growing on them. It killed me to do what I had to do. I felt like I hadn't cared for it properly. I was very worried, but the tree lived. I kept it alive.
I learned that it needed pruning every single year, no exceptions. Peach trees always try to grow too many branches and produce too many fruits. It's their natural pattern. They extend themselves too far. They have to be watched and controlled. I worried about its care constantly. The next few years under my care, that tree broke all records. Every year it grew and produced. It never broke another branch and produced fruits that were as big as baseballs. I can't remember ever tasting peaches like it produced. When we ate them, the juice would run off our elbows. we gave lots of peaches away. Our family loved them. Proud gardeners love to brag.
When I cared for my tree, God spoke to me about how some of His very best servants are just like peach trees. We want to grow in all directions. We want to be involved in everything. We want to serve God. We desperately want to please Him, because we love Him. We mistakenly think that we are in charge of our own growth. We want to produce so much fruit and over-extend ourselves so far that we would break down. We want to have it all.
He is so much wiser than we are. In His wisdom, He prunes us back in some areas so we will produce what is important to Him and His plans. This is God's way of getting quality over quantity. He doesn't want 2000 lbs. of small imperfect fruit when He can have 1800 lbs. of gorgeous perfect fruit. He knows what we will be able to handle and He knows what He wants us to do. He wants healthy servants. He knows what burdens we carry. He knows what to prune and what to bless. He knows when our branches are strong enough for the task at hand. As we grow, He'll cause us to bear more fruit.
Often, He will move us out of some perfectly fine and good endeavor and we don't understand and we resent it - until He starts us off into something that's more important to Him. We must realize He has great plans for all of us. Don't waste your time opposing God's will. Don't be bitter over a lost favorite branch. He knows where to prune. He sees your future and all your possibilities. He knows what kind of storms are coming and what you'll have to withstand. He cares for a big orchard and has a lot of experience under His belt. He will make sure you bear fruits of the very highest quality and He will send your growth into the right places.
I loved my peach tree and enjoyed its fruits a lot. He loves you and your fruit much more than that. Remember, your fruit belongs to Him. May God bless your fruitful life.
William L. Jones
2009
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Mary Martha Peterson, Atlanta, GA
Master Herbalist and Community Garden Coordinator
Seven years ago, I was confined to bed for an entire winter, the result of a lengthy life-threatening illness. Thanks to a great doctor and some self-treatment with herbs and homeopathy, I was finally starting to recover. But I was depressed and feeling sort of victimized by the illness. I had always been healthy and full of energy, so it was very difficult to be laid up so long.
I had grown up in church which was a never-missed ritual of Sunday mornings. Reading the Bible had always been a devoted activity that comforted me, especially in trying times. But I was unable to go to church and I was reading the scriptures without feeling the words. Daily prayer sustained me.
When spring finally came, I was able to get up and about a little more. Sitting in the sun of my kitchen window, watching the birds build a new nest and my herbs beginning to grow, I began to feel positive about the future - just seeing God in action I suppose. I was feeling hopeful and energized. Then, my mother died unexpectedly in late April. We were very close and it was a big setback for me. I truly felt vulnerable and depressed again. My husband and I were fighting all the time from the stress of it all. That's when I started seeing Dr. Stevens.
With his help, I was able to recover from my grief and put things in perspective. He taught me how to contemplate on God and to meditate. This has truly changed my life. I have come to new terms with life and feel closer to God than I ever have. I see Him in everyone and find hope in the midst of any difficulties. DR. Stevens' diet also helped me lose the 40 lbs. I had gained during my illness. Eventually, I fully recovered and now I feel alive again.
I know I will face more challenges in life - we all do. But I know God will guide me through them. I meditate everyday and maintain a close connection with Him. I know God in a very personal way. I am well now and lead a Bible study group at church and teach meditation to my group members. I also spread God's love through my volunteer work at the Red Cross and when I assist others in their healing with herbs. The most important thing I have learned over the last few years is that it is in the little things that God makes Himself known the most and no matter how alone you feel, God is always with you. I know He is with you, too.
Mary Martha Peterson
2009
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Elton L. Moose, PhD, Springfield, OH
Psychologist
From my earliest memories, I felt different from other guys. Prior to the age of ten, I was introduced to homosexuality by a neighbor friend. Even though our family was not Christians, I felt shame and guilt. Up through the age of ten, there was a lot of sexual activity. After that, I did not experience as much shame and guilt, but neither did I tell anyone.
When I was ten, our family was converted to Christ. For awhile, things seemed to be normal, but as I approached puberty, I became attracted to men. From the age of thirteen until fifteen, I was sexually involved with an older man and also had a sexual encounter with a relative. All this time, I felt different from others. "Who am I?" "What is my identity?"
At the age of fourteen, I felt called into active church ministry. During the college years, I tagged myself "homosexual" (which) filled me with shame, yet the longings for attachment to men was great. I talked to two pastors and a couple of fellow students, but no one had any answers. Everyone thought marriage was the answer. How wrong they were!
I met a beautiful girl during college and married. Yet, I struggled letting go of my emotional attachment toward men. When I finished college, I entered church ministry. The first eight years were great - these desires laid dormant. But to my chagrin, these desires began to haunt me again. I discovered adult bookstores and pornography. My homosexual desires increased.
I loved my wife and children and had a successful marriage, but homosexuality had a strong grip on me. I developed a public and private image. One was good, the other was sinful! This thing inside me screamed to be fulfilled. I tried to live in both a secret world and a public world. An impossible task! One day, my two worlds came together. In my fourth pastorate, I met a a young man with whom I developed a strong friendship and eventually a strong attraction. One weekend, we went to a retreat and my behavior toward him exposed me for who I was. He was devastated and told his wife and the secret was out. I resigned the pastorate. It was difficult changing careers. It seemed my life was over. Fortunately, my wife and children stood by me, for which I was thankful.
During the next few years, deep depression overcame me. I tried twice to commit suicide. I remained faithful to the church and tried to rebuild my spiritual life. I finally entered into "prayer counseling" which helped me some. As I grew spiritually, I felt the Lord leading me to begin a ministry to others in homosexuality. I entered specialized training. At the same time, I found a Christian counselor who understood homosexual development. I came to understand the cause of homosexuality.
Today, I am free of those desires. Am I ever tempted? Certainly, I am human and can be tempted. But, today I know who I am - a heterosexual man who had a homosexual problem. When any attraction rears its ugly head, I search my soul for what the real issues are and I can solve those issues through Christ. Jesus is my Savior, friend and the Holy Spirit fills me with the power to overcome any temptation! My life has been redeemed through the Lord and through good counseling. Today, I know who I am!
Elton L. Moose, PhD
www.newpathwaysohio.org
2008
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Alfred A. Barrios, PhD, Los Angeles, CA
Dr. Alfred A. Barrios is an internationally known authority in the stress and behavioral health fields, lecturer, and author of numerous articles and books including The Stress Control Handbook (AKA STRESS TEST) which in 1984 rose to the top of several bestseller lists, including The Times, B. Dalton and Waldenbooks. He has done pioneering work in psychoneuroimmunology and cancer, writing his first paper on the possibility of curing cancer using hypnosis in 1960, receiving the first annual Cancer Federation Award in 1996, as well as being nominated for the Norman Cousins Award in Mind-Body Health the same year. We are pleased to present his point of view on the power of faith and belief:
I first became acquainted with Rev. Dr. David W. Stevens when I came across his well-taken criticism of the much publicized 2006 scientific study of Dr. Herbert Benson on the effect of prayer on healing (see World Issues, April 2006). I most wholeheartedly agreed with Dr. Stevens' comments that a major problem with this study was that Dr. Benson had failed to measure the all-important belief factor - the belief of both patients and the people doing the praying and the part it might have played in affecting the effectiveness of the healing prayers and therefore the outcome of the experiment. There are many who believe that science and religion are antithetical, at opposite ends, that one contradicts the other. This paper is presented to show not only that this need not be so, but that in fact, science can actually be used to support many religious beliefs and phenomena that have heretofore been scoffed at by many . . . As a result, it is hoped not only that many former atheists and agnostics will now be able to derive the benefits of religion, but that religion too will, as a result, learn additional ways of being more effective.
Is Faith Healing Real?
Many studies in recent years have shown that a person's state of mind and lifestyle can definitely play a key role in determining his or her state of health. We know that excess stress (or more correctly, one's inability to deal with excess stress) can eventually lead to such diseases as stroke and heart disease by causing high blood pressure and cholesterol buildup in the arteries. Certain negative lifestyle habits, such as excessive drinking, eating, smoking, etc. can eventually lead to disease and death. We know that certain negative mental factors (such as hopelessness and inability to express one's feelings and needs) can suppress the immune system sufficiently to make a person more susceptible to such diseases as cancer.
If we accept the fact that a person's state of mind and lifestyle can play a significant role in affecting the body, then it should be obvious that anything that can play a major role in affecting the mind, such as belief and faith, could be a major factor in affecting health and wellbeing.
However, there is something that needs to be made clear. Although strong belief of being healed can be very effective in producing at least temporary improvement in one's health (by allowing for a stronger immune response and creating greater peace of mind at least for the moment) in order for this temporary improvement to remain permanent, the belief factor must also be used to help fully absorb the guidance factor so that the immunosuppressive psychological factors can be more likely to be permanently removed. Thus we can see that one way of differentiating between the concept of belief and the concept of faith is to point out that faith usually means "guided" belief or belief in a certain way of life. When we say that a person's faith healed him, we are saying more than just that the belief he would get well was what got and kept him well. It was his belief plus the positive permanent changes in his state of mind and lifestyle produced by following the new guidelines for living which he incorporated through his new found or restrengthened faith. [In the Christian faith this would mean incorporating Christ's teachings.]
( *Please note: Dr. Barrios next presents several case histories that illustrate the much greater effectiveness of this more complete faith-based approach. You can go to his website to read his full article "Science in Support of Religion: From the Perpsective of a Behavioral Scientist". )
Alfred A. Barrios, PhD
www.stresscards.com
2007
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Rick L. James, Springfield, OH
Christian Singer, Songwriter & Recording Artist
I am an ordained minister, a tenured youth pastor, an experienced performer, a registered CCLI songwriter, a guitar teacher, a studio musician and an impassioned worship leader. My goal in ministry is to offer a quality music program while being a servant to God and His people. I am increasingly inspired by the infinite love of God and great music, and I desire to share that inspiration everywhere I go.
I began my musical journey at the age of 5, singing as the youngest member of my traveling family of evangelists. At age 15, I began learning to play the guitar and, by age 17, I was performing on the stage of the world-famous Ryman Auditorium and working as an assistant guitar teacher in the Doc Stone School of Music in Dickson, Tennessee.
While attending Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, I recorded my first CD of all-original music titled Workin' On Commission. In 2001, shortly after moving to Ohio, I also released my second CD titled With Empty Hands. I am currently in the process of recording a third CD with producer Joshua Hamilton (to be released in 2007) titled A Little Lower Than The Angels. I believe the music on this newest project is going to be the most authentic showing of who I am musically and spiritually.
I have known since I was in high school that I have a calling upon my life to be a minister, but not necessarily to be a senior pastor. Through my time at Springfield Christian Counseling with Dr. David Stevens, I have gained new insight from the Lord and His calling upon my life. I know that God has not called me to be a square peg in a round hole. Starting this summer, I am beginning a new life focusing (solely) on the music God has given me, proclaiming His message - not from a pulpit - but from a microphone with a guitar in my hands.
To me, songwriting is turning your heart inside-out and letting the world hear the words and meditations of your heart. If a song is truly authentic, it is a "Christ event" - a giving of your life for the benefit of those who have ears to hear. I am a songwriter. Sometimes, I write for the Church, sometimes I write for other purposes - but I always write in the presence of God. God is a creative God and I believe when we create we become more like Him.
Worship of the living God is my main focus and I customize my stylings based upon the needs of a particular venue or congregation. Few things give me the joy and fulfillment that playing music and singing to the Lord does. To me, music is a form of prayer. I believe prayer should be our number one focus. I think of leading worship as leading prayers of praise, adoration, thanksgiving and repentance unto the Lord. Even the humorous songs I write have this goal in mind. I can't think of a higher privilege.
Rick L. James
www.rickjamesmusic.net
2007
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Merilou Kay Williamson Bishop, Bluford, IL
Nationally-known Artist, Teacher & Performer
I went with a group of seniors to Grundy, Virginia to work in a school and chldren's home. Over half of the children there were Ethiopian. We were to be there one week to share our personal gifts with the children, such as painting, sewing, cooking and gardening, and also, to help out with cleaning and repairs.
While there, we took them out for dinner and developed personal relationships. The children showed their appreciation to us with thanks and handmade cards. I wished I lived nearer to the school to be able to help on a regular basis.
During my week there, I tutored, taught art classes and performed as a clown for various age groups. One girl, a seventh grade soccer player, had problems with spelling. I shared ideas with her to improve her skills. (She was also in my art class.) At week's end, I mentioned we would be leaving the next day. She was so disappointed, but was thankful we had come to Grundy to share our time with them. She said she wished we could stay and that I had helped her greatly. She hugged me and laid her head on my shoulder for a long time. God had put me right there at that right moment to share love and caring thoughts. I was able to help her look toward her future. I had a deep feeling that God would use this young lady to make a difference in this world. We are here to pass on knowledge and make a difference to others. That is what it is all about. One small loving act can hold eternal significance. Sharing my love for God, for art and for clowning has, I pray, given children a way to learn something new, and more about themselves. I know it has taught me. We all benefit by the times we share together.
Psalms 115:14: May the Lord give you increase more and more, you and your children.
I also served on a mission trip to New York City, sponsored by the Salem South Association in Southern Illinois. We put together a block party, cleaned and helped dedicate the new quarters for the Brooklyn Mission and Medical Center. Distinguished guests and officials helped to honor the day during the community dedication. Music played while visitors shared in the joy of the opening of the long-awaited medical center.
During the block party, dressed as a clown, I provided art projects for children of different cultures. While there, we helped remember the losses of the 9-11 attack. Children feel free to talk with clowns, sharing important aspects of their lives they might not ordinarily share with other adults. I was able to share God's love with these children while they completed their art projects. I believe that God has shown me that clowning and art can be wonderful ways to spread His message to children, and communicate in a language that crosses cultural barriers.
Merilou Kay Williamson Bishop
2007
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Dan Kremer, Owner, Organic Farm
Yorkshire, Ohio
E.A.T. Food for Life Farm is home for me, Dan, my supportive wife, Nancy, and our five children. A 140-acre, certified-organic, family farm located in northern Darke County, our family mission is to grow and distribute nutritious, safe foods that support life and to help people experience the connection between quality of food and quality of life.
As a hemophiliac, some of the most vivid memories I hold of my childhood on the farm is my dad routinely carrying me to the car in the middle of a cold winter night. We were on our way to receive a blood transfusion for an internal joint bleed - a 45 minute ride of throbbing pain. These memories were balanced by the summer days spent raking hay, enjoying the warm sun and smelling the fragrances of rich alfalfa on our dairy farm. However, because of the hemophilia's physical constraints, I thought my vocation was not farming. Off to college I went, where I met Nancy. I received a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and a Master's degree in business, followed by 12 years of corporate work at GE Aircraft Engines and Reynolds & Reynolds.
But for over a decade, I had pretended to be someone whom I was not. God started my journey back to the farm in 1990, when I learned that the blood products that I was using were not as pure as claimed. My condition worsened that next year, as more drugs were prescribed. It was suggested to me that I should not start a family, as it was believed to be irresponsible and risky. This ignited my passion to discover the meaning of my life. In 1991, Nancy and I learned that the Blessed Virgin Mary was appearing to people in Conyers, GA, so we made a trip to seek out the truth for ourselves. In the process, we fell in love with Jesus' Mother and gave our lives unconditionally to her Son. Later, we were introduced to a nutritionist who instructed me in the principles and benefits of eating raw foods for health. Only food has the capacity to rebuild cells and tissues in the body - pharmaceutical drugs leave a toxic residue at the cellular level. We then met someone who introduced me to wild organic food supplements. Within 6 weeks, I experienced a radical transformation in my health. My immune system was being restored, giving me energy like I had never before experienced.
I began to research what the Church had to say about food and farming through National Catholic Rural Life. After much prayer and discernment, Nancy and I decided to move back to my grandfather's farm and start the process of transitioning the farm to organic. We stopped killing the life in the soil and started focusing on proper environmental stewardship of the land - producing safe, life-giving food. I realized that I needed a means to help enlighten people about the consequences of eating foods with chemical residue. By God's grace, I was led to the Live Blood Analysis, entering a whole new world of nutritional consulting. This science illustrates the effects of incomplete digestion resulting from chemicals, radiation, improper diet and negative emotions.
As we enter into the fall of 2006, we are continuing to discover the fullness of our vocation in helping people discover God's plan for healthy food and healthy families. We hope to continue these teachings through our children and customers.
Dan Kremer
www.eatfoodforlife.com
2006
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Brenda Wallace, Author
London, Ohio
One of God's greatest blessings to me was the healing love that was poured out upon my first grandchild.
She was around nine years old when diagnosed with high blood pressure. It continued to get worse and finally reached a point that she had to be taken to Dayton Children's Hospital. They put her on a low dose prescription to control the blood pressure, but it worsened.
After months of testing, she was diagnosed with a form of vasculitis. Takayasu's arteritis cause is unknown, but it narrows the large arteries. She would have to have an operation - not to cure it because there is no cure, but to repair the damage that it had done to her arteries.
We started asking people for prayers. Word spread and it would be hard to even guess at how many people were praying for her.
The mid-aortic arch, part of the abdominal aorta, and renal arteries would be replaced with plastic. There was a possibility of her stroking out during surgery. Before she was taken into the operating room, we gathered around her bed and said a prayer. The doctor finally came out to let us know that everything went great and she was fine.
They had told us that they would keep her in a semicoma because she would be in so much pain. They didn't because she wasn't. They told us she would be in the hospital at least two weeks. She was there five days and was released from ICU. The nurse told us they had never before released anyone to home from ICU.
Today she is sixteen years old. She still has and always will have her challenges from this disease. She knows how to handle them. Don't ever let anyone tell you that prayer doesn't work. It does and she is living proof of it.
Brenda Wallace
2006
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Diana Bucey, Registered Dietitian
Springfield, Ohio
Missionary to Guatemala
Every morning I am reminded of God's perfection as I run quietly past volcanos with the sun peaking over them, colorful flowers and through tranquil coffee plantations. Yet, also I experience human imperfection as I go through black bus fumes, piles of smelly trash and the smell of alcohol in the park. Three years ago, i arrived in Guatemala, knowing God was calling me there, but thinking it was only to teach others about nutrition. I thought it would be "fun" and only expected to be there for two years before I would move on. But today I see it was for so much more than I could have ever imagined.
Luke 4:18-19 runs through my head and heart as I cry out to God asking "How"! Over these past three years, I have seen a government steal from its own people, a co-worker be shot out of ruthless acts of violence, women being abused by their husbands as their children sit hungry, and the ugliness of racism showing its face way too often. So, I pray daily that God would humble me, open my eyes and use me to bring justice to His people through what He has given me. I think of the proverb "to he whom He gives much, He expects much".
One thing He has given me, is an education in something I love - dietetics - and in my heart, a desire to see unity among His people. Every day, I go to a large Mayan Indian village called Santa Maria de Jesus to try to do just that. Within the village, I see a large amount of alcoholism, poverty and chronic malnutrition. There is also a low rate of education, little water and oppression in many forms. Tito is a Latino health promoter and my partner in where God has sent me. We drive up the volcano every morning with the vision in our hearts to "empower people through people-centered development to live a healthy, holistic life and to impart world vision to others". Our goal is that people find their identity in Christ, our Creator, and not in this world or what others have told them they are. We do this by educating leaders, women and children, not only about nutrition, but also that God has made us with a physical part (which is the temple of the spirit), an emotional part, intellectual part and spiritual part. Each part is important and affects the other part.
There are daily challenges we face battling culture, language and spiritual strongholds, such as idol worship and church division. We grab onto the small changes that we see to keep us moving forward. Some of those are seeing children asking for more vegetables, moms giving milk instead of coffee to their kids, children gaining weight or girls being excited about their cooking class and not wanting to leave. But I have learned more about this world and the awesome God we serve through the people of Santa Maria than they have learned from me. I have learned the most important thing is making genuine relationships and gaining trust - for I am an outsider - before ever being able to educate about nutrition. I have learned that people are more important than the busy schedule that sometimes consumes me. I have learned that our God is a God of justice and one of miracles.
Diana Bucey, RD
www.dianabucey.com
2006
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Angela Dawson, RN
Chicago, Illinois
The greatest trial in my life was living with and recuperating from life with an alcoholic father. It set the stage for the rest of my life. My father was very abusive when he drank - at least a bottle of Jack Daniels every night. Evenings would begin with cutting wisecracks to my mother, two brothers, sister and me. It wouldn't take long to escalate to slapping my mother and oldest brother around. He was so critical and belittling. It would leave us afraid and in tears, often hiding in our rooms, hoping not to draw his attention.
There was little joy in our home, even on holidays. Every day was the same thing. It really wore out my mother. She was often sick in bed through the day. She not only suffered the most, but always tried to keep the family together, telling us to overlook Dad and forgive him. We hated him though, for the fear and pain he caused us all and none of us could understand how we could ever forgive him.
He died at age 42 (I was 17) and for a long time I was happy about it - until I found Christ and became a devoted Christian at age 25. My whole life began to change. Through a lot of prayer, frustration and introspection, with Christ's help, I slowly began to see my father as a human being and a child of God who had lost his way. I realized in time that my hatred was causing me pain, not my father. After mother died, we found out his own father was an alcoholic and abusive to him. He was probably depressed and in a great deal of pain. Only through God's love, patience and mercy have I been able to overcome my pain. I wish he could have known Christ.
My brothers, sister and I are all Christians today. I volunteer at a homeless shelter where I see how alcohol has destroyed so many others. I share my story with them every day and I see it spark hope in some of them. I pray every day that they find Christ and let Him work miracles in their lives, just like He has done in me and my family.
Angela Dawson
2006
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Rev. Ron Schiering, Minister
First Rainbow Church, London, Ohio
God has blessed me richly with many experiences in this life and I am very thankful for every one of them. The experience I feel I want to share with you is one that has the potential of making your life much easier if you believe it; but what are Christians if not people who are able to believe. So here it is.
In the 60's, I had moved to Akron, Ohio for work. I missed the church I had gone to, so I started listening to church radio programs. One program stood out from all the others. The preacher was an ordained Baptist minister, and she had a healing ministry with her services. I was amazed by all the healing she talked about. This is something I had not grown up with. So I decided to go on a modern day pilgrimage and see for myself. I found this huge building where she had her services and went in. I was really surprised. The building was full of people of every color, background and accent you could imagine, and they were all talking and enjoying themselves. This was really different from anything I had ever been to. There was a men's chorus and a mixed choir of men and women that sounded like angels. I was impressed.
Then the services started. The preacher gave her sermon, then she went into healing service. The people that had come were healed of all sorts of things. The preacher told them it was not her, it was the power of the Holy Spirit, and to go home and give thanks. The atmosphere in that building lifted your consciousness to a higher level. When I left the building, I felt different and the feeling stayed with me. I know it was the Holy Spirit I was feeling for the first time.
I went to sleep that night. In the middle of the night, I was awakened. My body and soul were both vibrating the same way a tuning fork vibrates when you strike it against something. I felt myself separated from my body. All of a sudden, I was aware of feeling better than I had ever felt - a new level of health. I felt incredible power like nothing I had ever dreamed of. All of my senses were heightened what seemed like a thousand times. I suddenly knew, without a doubt, what it was like to be out of my physical body. I lay there like a little mouse, wondering if anything else was going to happen to me. But, that was it. Then I went back to sleep.
From that time on, I have never worried about what people call death. I know for a fact that our lives here are much worse than what awaits us. I know we are here for a purpose, sometimes many purposes. This isn't a bad world. There is much beauty and opportunity here and we should take advantage of it and enjoy it. But, when it comes time to leave this world, it only gets much much better.
Rev. Ron Schiering
2006
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Dr. Charles Gordon, Retired Physician
Columbus, Ohio
I was raised in a traditional Christian family, attended church regularly, prayed and read my Bible and lived a pretty stable life. I worked hard to do well in school and earned a scholarship to a good college on the West Coast. i was pretty set to earn a degree in business administration, but I kept my options open. It looked like my future was heading in the right direction.
Late one autumn evening, some of my friends and I were happily celebrating our first win over a rival football team. They were a great group of guys, and we were having a grand time, eating burgers, drinking beer and boasting. In a split instant, everything changed - my friend and roommate Gavin was violently choking, desperately gasping for air, turning blue. Our celebrating quickly shifted to sheer panic. We were more than a little stunned. Time seemed to stand still and we were at a loss as to what to do. My friend was suffering and we couldn't help him!
Something inside me kept saying "you can do it, you can help him, if you will"! I knew time was running out, so I grabbed him, pounded on his back, then placed my arms around him from behind and tried the Heimlich maneuver I had learned in a first aid course a year before. I'm still not sure what happened, it still seems surreal. But I found myself praying - out loud - almost shouting "please God help him, please!" In the next moment, I realized that Gavin was breathing again, no longer choking. He was hugging me, with tears in his eyes. But it was I who was most thankful.
I truly believe that God gave me the courage and good judgment to come to my friend's aid, in spite of the confusion of the moment and my lack of experience in such a situation. That night affected me deeply and it proved to be a turning point for me. Over the next few months, my belief in God and my dependence upon Him grew. Eventually I came to the good decision of redirecting my studies to that of medicine and it was the best decision I ever made.
I have recently retired from this wonderful profession and have set about to pursue some long put off plans. However, I'm thankful I listened and trusted God when He called me. I hope my story inspires you to do the same.
Dr. Charles Gordon
2006
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