"It's not the method but the effort of prayer."
I want to recount an event that occurred several months back. Forgive me for not informing most of you about it at the time. If not for a faithful friend who emailed a few, I might not have received the prayer covering I did.
December of 2006, I went to the ER suffering from an extremely painful kidney stone that, thankfully, passed the same day. The results of the abdomen CAT scan however revealed anomalies in my lower right lung which required yet another CAT scan for my lungs. Two small, tumor-like spots showed up. After consulting with a specialist, I was quickly scheduled for surgery to remove and biopsy the growths. The surgery went well, though more extensive than expected. Two pieces were removed and the lung stapled shut. The end result: no cancer, no growths whatsoever! Returning home after three, very wearying days in the hospital (and a large scar), I was kindly met with lots of encouraging, prayerful calls.
At one a.m., my second day home, I abruptly woke from a dream, sat up and said out loud to myself: "There's been a prayer breakthrough. I'm well." And well I felt, though wondering whose fervent prayers had pushed it through. Then I heard that still small voice of the Lord inside reply: "It's not the method but the effort of prayer." Quite simple, really, but essential in exercising our faith, because to the Lord, every effort of prayer on one's behalf – warlike, casual mention, pleading or brief – every one of them He acknowledges as a contributing part in healing. In the words of that oft-quoted advertising campaign: "Just do it!" If, as David wrote in Psalm 56 one's tears are "on your scroll…in your record", how much more God's notation of our prayers. To each of you who prayed for me – blessings! My speedy recovery and infection-free results are because of your simple faithfulness.
More Life! Leaders Training: Virginia Beach
In January, we had our first More Life! Leaders' Training in Virginia Beach, VA. It was sponsored by Sought Out Ministries' director, Katherine Allen (in photo w/ EL Anaheim team: Neil and Deb Driscoll). About fifty people attended the full training with at least one new group already resulting from it. We received lots of positive feedback with one leader commenting: "The format of the training [made it] easy for laymen in the church to begin ministry and let the Holy Spirit do the work. The materials were easy to use, not too heavy, not too light." Our heartfelt gratitude to the terrific folks who made our time there so memorable. Special thanks to the VB Vineyard pastors Darren and Jinhee Wiskow, who graciously provided their church and attended the training. It was an anointed time, full of life!
A life remembered: John Marcum
On March 23rd 2007, our dear friend John Marcum went to be with His Lord (in photo w/ wife Gail). I had the privilege of marrying him and Gail back in 1995. Their marriage was the first wedding I performed and what a treat that was. All went beautifully! I had known John from earlier days at our EL support group meetings and Gail as one of our ministry volunteers. They have been staunch and generous supporters of Embracing Life ever since. A hemophiliac who battled debilitating physical problems his whole life, John remained an overcomer, a resolute warrior and, above all else, lover of God. All of us who knew him are grateful to the Lord to have been part of his life. A love and life now utterly fulfilled in Christ.
Closing thoughts:
I thought I'd conclude with a quote from John Piper's latest book, Battling Unbelief. Quoting Jesus in John 6:35, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.", Piper comments: "Belief is not merely an agreement with the facts in the head; it is also an appetite for God in the heart, which fastens on Jesus for satisfaction…The point of theses images of drinking and eating is to make clear the essence of faith. It is more than believing there is such a thing as water and food; and it is more than believing that Jesus is life-giving water and food. Faith is coming to Jesus and drinking the water and eating the food so that we find our hearts satisfied in him." [emphasis, Piper]
May we be fully fed and satisfied in Him.
Bless you all for your wonderful support of Embracing Life; the "effort" of your prayers and your generous giving are a constant source of encouragement.
With God's Grace and Peace,
Jonathan Hunter
