Day 19

April Gordon | Re:Hope Southside

A few days before his school nativity play, Eli (who was 4 at the time) started complaining about a tummy ache. We were convinced it was anxiety as he had complained in the past similarly. The pain didn't go and the complaining persisted so he went to the GP who insisted it was a virus. However, his school nativity came and went, and his tummy pain then subsided. We thought that was it, until two weeks later, he was sent home from school with a tummy ache again. I took him to the GP who insisted it was one of the multitude of viruses that were circulating. 

That night, Eli didn't sleep from pain, and by the morning he was pale with blue lips. At A&E his blood showed his infection markers were sky high and after a couple of different scans it was confirmed that his appendix ruptured which led to various complications including sepsis. 

Eli's surgeon came to see him and said he didn't want to take his appendix out. It would be too high risk for major complications, and we understood that survival wasn't guaranteed. There was no other option but to wait and see with antibiotics. His surgeon also remarked that Eli was not behaving as a child who was incredibly sick should be behaving. He was up, colouring, playing and wanted to chat. His biggest annoyance was the cannula on his hand.

We waited and prayed and were covered in prayer by the Re:Hope community. Miraculously, Eli's infection markers went down fast. Within a week, he was able to go home and in May this year it was confirmed that his appendix has healed without being removed and he doesn't need any surgery unless it happens again. It's as if it never happened.

We praise God for his miraculous healing and peace over a difficult time and know that with Him, all is possible.

Janice McCulloch | Re:Hope West End

Last year our daughter sold her flat. When her move out date came she hadn't found anywhere to move and so as a last resort moved back home. We initially thought this would be for a few months, but it turned into a year-long search. This proved to be very challenging for her and for us!

As an adult you can't move back to live with your parents for an extended period of time. The world views you as an independent adult, but your parents still view you as their child! Although we tried our best this proved to add to the stress of her house search.

I prayed that God would guide her to a new home, but nothing seemed to suit her. My BRT group prayed with me and were so supportive during this time. I would definitely recommend you join a small group if you're not already part of one.

As time went on I realised that God must have a reason for this situation, there must be a lesson for me to learn in this. I asked my BRT group to pray for tolerance for me to cope with the situation.

I continued to pray, but my attitude towards the situation changed. One of my favourite verses when I am feeling stressed is “Be still and know that I Am GOD" (Psalm 46:10). I stepped back, accepted the situation and waited on God to act.

I then changed my prayer asking God to find her a home soon. Still she didn't find anything.

In June, I asked God to find her a house as soon as possible and within a week of that prayer she found a house, and her offer was accepted within two days of viewing. (Brian teaches that we have to make our prayers specific!)

We sometimes tell ourselves that God isn't listening, but we have to remember God has a plan. He is always in control, He guides our steps. All praise and glory to God. "We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps". (Proverbs 16:1)

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Community is an essential part of the Christian life and, often, answered prayer.  If you’re not already, prayerfully consider joining a BRT today!