It all started on 27 JAN 21, when I found out that there was a lump in one of my breasts. I will focus on the events that happened before, during and after the just concluded Deeper Waters retreat which took place on the 20th-23rd December, as this is a very significant turning point for me.
On 01 FEB 21, I had a mammogram done as I was advised to. After that, there was pressure on me from my family to remove the lump which I finally succumbed to on 02 MAR 22. The lump was removed and sent for histological assessment and the result was that it was malignant. I was diagnosed with breast cancer – Invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. After a lot of back and forth, I was advised to go for a second opinion which I did. On 17 OCT 22, it was confirmed once more that I had cancer. I was counselled to do another test called immunohistochemistry which is only done outside the state (Akwa Ibom). The test was carried out after some months, and the conclusion was: Triple negative invasive carcinoma. This was a very bad and hopeless report. It was a very difficult period for me, but I found grace to focus on God alone.
On Sunday, 18 DEC 22, after the 1st service, I met with the pastor’s wife to discuss my situation with her for the very first time. After I finished telling her, she said that while I was still talking before I mentioned the case, she heard a voice bellow with laughter in her ears and it said, “Who told her I can’t cure cancer?” Then she said to me,“God will heal you”. I asked her to pray for me which she did and I left.
When Pastor announced the retreat, my daughter who was in church with me was very excited. She kept telling me “mummy this retreat, don’t miss it. Plan very well to attend, you will see what God will do.” She kept encouraging me and so I was expectant, my faith increased and my expectation was only on one thing, healing.
I went for another mammogram procedure the week before the retreat on 15 DEC 22. I got to the lab, paid and waited for about 2 hours for my turn. When I was about to go in for the procedure, their generator developed a fault suddenly, and before we knew it, it packed up. After waiting for another 30 minutes or thereabout, one of the attendants came to apologise and said they will contact me to book another appointment on another day. I found myself being very happy, thanking God. “Let me just go to the retreat first” I said to myself. The incident increased my hope that God was about to do something great towards my healing.
During the retreat…
Since it was my first, it was really hard for me at first as I wasn’t used to sitting long listening to the Bible taught. We could sit down for about 6 hours listening to Pastor teach the word of God, and then go for a 1 or 2 hour break. After which we’d return for another session, just listening to the word of God. It was not boring at all! Even the worship songs were prayers on their own, it was a very exciting period for me. Though I did not lodge in the hostels like most people did, I would stream online whenever I got home at night. And when I returned the next day, Pastor would go on firing from all angles. I would sit there saying in my mind, “Is he an angel? Looking so alert spiritually and physically.” I also thought that his children, the young people in church were also small angels! I would thank God for making me a part of what was going on. There was orderliness, discipline, no loitering around, everyone was focused. I was really encouraged to see young people so excited about things of the kingdom and loving the Lord. The word came powerfully every day, I was saturated with it.
Pastor led us in specific short prayers now and then as he would touch on specific conditions. Each time I would key in and kept believing God for my healing. God wrought mighty miracles, there were many testimonies. I also noticed that I had so much energy to cope with going to and fro the venue. Before then, it would not have been possible for me to do. I was no longer feeling the usual weakness and fatigue I used to.
So fast forward, after the retreat, I wasn’t still called by the lab for the test that was postponed. Recall their generator had packed up, so if not that I had already paid them, I would not have bothered as I believed that God had healed me already. But another mind said “You need the evidence, you will have to go and get the report for proof. Some doubters may still ask for a report.” Then one day, I visited my pastor’s wife and while with her, the lab attendant called and fixed an appointment. What a coincidence! I told her about it and she said “God has healed you, just go get the proof since you already paid them money.”
To cut the long story short, I went, undertook the mammogram procedure and even did an additional scan. I got my evidence! BI-RADS category 1. I was declared completely free, with no trace of cancer found! I am saying a big thank you to the Lord God of Hosts. The God of the armies of Israel, The Ancient of days, The only Potentate, Merciful God, Compassionate God, The Great High Physician – Jehovah Rapha, The all-wise God.
I am also saying thank you to Pastor Ita and his lovely wife, and those who specifically prayed for me, I appreciate your labour of love. I am also grateful to the church and to all my family members and friends for standing in faith with me. May the Lord God almighty show you all mercy as He has shown me mercy. Amen!
Sis E.EK
27th Jan 2023
© God’s Lighthouse 2023
