By Brea Lewis
On May 1, 2008, when I was five, there was a storm going through my town. At the time, I was visiting my grandparents. About thirty minutes before we left, we heard the tornado sirens going off, and then we started getting nervous. So promptly after hearing the sirens, my dad wanted us to get on our shoes. We waited for the storm to become a little lighter before we went back home (thankfully we live only a few minutes away from my grandparents). Anyway, when we got home we all headed nervously to bed.
In the middle of the night, I woke up crying. I had dreamed of my family being swept up in a tornado! My mom heard me crying, so she came in to try to calm me down. We sang a few camp songs, then we prayed that the storm would pass peacefully. Meanwhile, my dad went to the back door and tried to see if anything in the backyard had been damaged. Unfortunately, it was so dark (and the storm didn't help) that he couldn't see anything.
When my mom had calmed me down, she went back into her room. I could hear them talking about the storm and what had just happened with me. In the morning, my dad went to go check everything to see if anything had been damaged, and what he found was the biggest surprise! He called for my mom, but in a firm voice,
"Brenda, you've GOT to see this!" (Brenda is my mom's name). When my mom had gone in the backyard, she saw our tree laying perfectly on its side, parallel with the fence so that it didn't disturb any of the neighbors' property. Shortly after stepping outside to survey the situation, our neighbor came out and said,
"Yeah, I watched your tree as it rocked back and forth." He had mentioned the time he saw it happen and it was about the same time my dad had looked out the door. So when I woke up, my parents showed us that what the wind/storm/God had done to the tree. We took a photo of all of us kids on the tree that was down. It was apparently a "pleasant" surprise for my parents, because they had actually wanted the tree down, but didn't want to pay someone to take it down. It was a blessing in that regard, but we kids didn't want it down. Later, after my grandparents had assessed that nothing had been damaged by the tree, they called my grandpa because he wanted some firewood. He brought his chainsaw, cut up the entire tree, and took it with him. I don't personally remember looking at the tree. All I remember the best was the dream, which I can still remember clear to this day. Later, we found out that the storm had "skipped" across town, downing some trees and wiping out an Arby's!
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
True Testimonies of God's Love and Care
Friday, April 14, 2017
Sunday, March 12, 2017
Healed In Administration
By Hannah Edwards
For the past year or so, I've been dealing with a certain health issue. Since November of 2016, that issue has been growing worse to the point where I deal with it every single day. If you've ever been through trials, and I am sure you have, you know how much they wear you down emotionally.
In March of 2017, I had decided to attend the Central Missouri Restoration Branches Senior High Retreat at Odessa Hills Campground, Odessa, Missouri. The retreat was set to run from 7:00 P.M. on Friday to 12:00 P.M. on Sunday.
On this particular Friday, I knew the health problem I had been dealing with would be a great hindrance to me at the retreat. I approached the Lord with the problem, but no answer was given.
That evening at campfire, this problem was giving me significant trouble, so the camp director allowed me to leave campfire and return to my cabin in order to take care of myself. As I walked down the pathway towards the cabins, I began to cry for the physical and emotional pain I was suffering. All at once, the Spirit of the Lord came to me and I felt pressed with a gentle whisper --
"Why do you weep, My child?"
"Oh, Father," I returned softly. "It is not because You are not good. It is not because I feel as though You have wronged me or I deserve something I have not been given. I am just so lonely, tired, and worn out. I have been struggling for months now with this, with no relief." I continued to reason with Him why I felt as I did.
"Come with Me, My child, and I will take you to places you have never been," the Spirit whispered in return, and I remember looking upward.
"What kind of places, Father?" I asked.
"Places where you will never fear again," came the whispered answer.
While the conversation gave me comfort, I continued feeling badly. That night, after everyone else had gone to bed, I fell ill again with the issue. This time was so bad that I felt lightheaded. My counselor, a friend, the camp director, and I went to the nurse. The nurse listened to my situation and nodded her head. "It's not uncommon," she said, "and I don't want this to sound rude or mean, but there isn't really anything we can do to help you. The best thing right now is to go to bed and see if you feel better in the morning."
I took her advice and went back to bed. I slept well once I got to sleep, but in the morning, I was feeling poorly again. The camp director arranged for me to be administered to.
During the administration, the elder and the seventy prayed that I would be healed of my affliction, that I might have a testimony to share with those who needed to hear it, and that I would be blessed with the return of joy and hope. They also prayed that my joy and hope would be witnesses to others about the Gospel and about Christ.
Before the administration, the health issue had been bothering me and causing me great sorrow. Immediately following the administration, there was no sign that I had ever had this affliction; nor did I grieve anymore. Instead, my sorrow was replaced with an unmistakable joy, and it has stayed with me.
All of this took place on Saturday at the retreat; it is Sunday afternoon as I am writing this. I am so blessed. The issue has so far not returned and I strongly doubt it will ever return, or at least in as strong a way as it was.
I am so blessed! The Voice I heard on Friday was true; I went to Him, and He led me to a place where I no longer fear because of this problem.
The King of Glory reigns, and He is good!
Saturday, December 3, 2016
"His Glory Will Be Revealed"
By Hannah Edwards
One man who has had a great impact on my life the last few years has been Steve Ruoff. Well-known throughout the Restoration community, he has touched many lives.
Those that knew Steve knew that he struggled with cancer. It ravaged his body shortly before his death and was ultimately the thing that sent him Home to his Redeemer.
But, those that really knew Steve knew that he didn't let it get in the way of serving God, even towards the end of his life. Some of Steve's most painful days were spent witnessing on the back pew of the sanctuary as Church members came to worship, noticing Steve's presence. He always smiled and always knew everyone by name, no matter how sick he became.
One Sunday in October 2016, I remembered an experience I had had the previous August. I wanted to share it with Steve, so when he, accompanied by his wife Dee, came into the sanctuary and settled into the farthest back pew, I went to speak to him. The first thing he did was ask for a hug, and then, as if he already knew the comfort I needed, he spoke these words:
"Whatever happens, His glory will be revealed."
He said many other things to me that day about Christ; that He wanted me to follow Him, that He had a work for me to do, that He had given me the gift of music and intended for me to use it. Steve told me that eternal life was worth striving for and that God wanted me there with Him. All of these things were things I had been praying about for about a year, which Steve didn't know. But the simple sentence he said at first had me in awe.
"His glory will be revealed."
This man, full of humbleness and love for Christ, wanted only to do the will of God, even a mere five weeks before his death. And he wanted only to bring glory to God.
I thought a lot about that through the next weeks, especially when I found out on the evening of November 20th, 2016, that Steve had died earlier that day. Through my tears for this man's life which had seemingly ended much too early, I heard his voice echoing in my heart, "Whatever happens, His glory will be revealed."
I didn't think much of it until the memorial service, which took place today, December 3rd. I don't think there ever was a more fitting memorial service for a more wonderful soldier of Christ. I remembered over and over his words, and I remember whispering, "You're right, Steve. His glory is revealed, even in your earthly death." I guess I didn't think that anything more was going to happen, but I was proved wrong. Steve was more right than I could have imagined at that point.
At the end of the service, after the benediction, the presider arose and said, "Will you turn in your hymnals to hymn number 77?" (God Be With You 'Till We Meet Again). Tears streamed down my face as I began to sing the words. And then I heard the most beautiful thing I have ever heard.
My choir, YAC, had sung for the service, and I was in the second row, just in front of the basses. Only the men were behind me, but it was from behind them that I heard a chorus of perfect high tenor voices rising above the melody. It was the purest, most heavenly sound I have ever encountered in my life.
The fact that I heard them singing the words, "God be with you till we meet again" had an impact on me and made me smile and weep for joy (that we would meet again) and for sorrow (that there would have to be a time between). And then I heard Steve's voice again in my heart:
"His glory will be revealed."
One man who has had a great impact on my life the last few years has been Steve Ruoff. Well-known throughout the Restoration community, he has touched many lives.
Those that knew Steve knew that he struggled with cancer. It ravaged his body shortly before his death and was ultimately the thing that sent him Home to his Redeemer.
But, those that really knew Steve knew that he didn't let it get in the way of serving God, even towards the end of his life. Some of Steve's most painful days were spent witnessing on the back pew of the sanctuary as Church members came to worship, noticing Steve's presence. He always smiled and always knew everyone by name, no matter how sick he became.
One Sunday in October 2016, I remembered an experience I had had the previous August. I wanted to share it with Steve, so when he, accompanied by his wife Dee, came into the sanctuary and settled into the farthest back pew, I went to speak to him. The first thing he did was ask for a hug, and then, as if he already knew the comfort I needed, he spoke these words:
"Whatever happens, His glory will be revealed."
He said many other things to me that day about Christ; that He wanted me to follow Him, that He had a work for me to do, that He had given me the gift of music and intended for me to use it. Steve told me that eternal life was worth striving for and that God wanted me there with Him. All of these things were things I had been praying about for about a year, which Steve didn't know. But the simple sentence he said at first had me in awe.
"His glory will be revealed."
This man, full of humbleness and love for Christ, wanted only to do the will of God, even a mere five weeks before his death. And he wanted only to bring glory to God.
I thought a lot about that through the next weeks, especially when I found out on the evening of November 20th, 2016, that Steve had died earlier that day. Through my tears for this man's life which had seemingly ended much too early, I heard his voice echoing in my heart, "Whatever happens, His glory will be revealed."
I didn't think much of it until the memorial service, which took place today, December 3rd. I don't think there ever was a more fitting memorial service for a more wonderful soldier of Christ. I remembered over and over his words, and I remember whispering, "You're right, Steve. His glory is revealed, even in your earthly death." I guess I didn't think that anything more was going to happen, but I was proved wrong. Steve was more right than I could have imagined at that point.
At the end of the service, after the benediction, the presider arose and said, "Will you turn in your hymnals to hymn number 77?" (God Be With You 'Till We Meet Again). Tears streamed down my face as I began to sing the words. And then I heard the most beautiful thing I have ever heard.
My choir, YAC, had sung for the service, and I was in the second row, just in front of the basses. Only the men were behind me, but it was from behind them that I heard a chorus of perfect high tenor voices rising above the melody. It was the purest, most heavenly sound I have ever encountered in my life.
The fact that I heard them singing the words, "God be with you till we meet again" had an impact on me and made me smile and weep for joy (that we would meet again) and for sorrow (that there would have to be a time between). And then I heard Steve's voice again in my heart:
"His glory will be revealed."
Monday, October 31, 2016
Powerful Words
By Naomi De Selms
One time, when my grandpa was on his death bed, my family and I went to visit him. The nurses had just given him some medicine to make him sleep, so he couldn't feel his pain, and so he was completely out. Each member of my family went up to him to say goodbye and that they loved him. I intentionally went last because I wanted to get the last time with him. When I went to him, the thought popped into my head, "What if he woke up, despite the fact that he just got medicated, and told me something?"
I thought it was a silly thought, but after I told him that I loved him, we all started heading out of that room, and I heard a faint voice, "Naomi? Naomi?" We all turned around, and Grandpa said, "I love you." Then, he fell asleep. He wasn't supposed to wake up, but he did to tell me that he loved me!
The very next day, he got to meet his Creator. I had always doubted that anyone could actually care about me, but when Grandpa told me that he loved me, it felt more like God's love!
I don't know if that is a testimony, but every time I think back on that day, I always think of how powerful those words were, and how much Grandpa meant to me. He always displayed unconditional love and faithfulness to everyone, and I hope that I can have that kind of love--God's love.
One time, when my grandpa was on his death bed, my family and I went to visit him. The nurses had just given him some medicine to make him sleep, so he couldn't feel his pain, and so he was completely out. Each member of my family went up to him to say goodbye and that they loved him. I intentionally went last because I wanted to get the last time with him. When I went to him, the thought popped into my head, "What if he woke up, despite the fact that he just got medicated, and told me something?"
I thought it was a silly thought, but after I told him that I loved him, we all started heading out of that room, and I heard a faint voice, "Naomi? Naomi?" We all turned around, and Grandpa said, "I love you." Then, he fell asleep. He wasn't supposed to wake up, but he did to tell me that he loved me!
The very next day, he got to meet his Creator. I had always doubted that anyone could actually care about me, but when Grandpa told me that he loved me, it felt more like God's love!
I don't know if that is a testimony, but every time I think back on that day, I always think of how powerful those words were, and how much Grandpa meant to me. He always displayed unconditional love and faithfulness to everyone, and I hope that I can have that kind of love--God's love.
A Miracle Already Performed
By Hannah Edwards
As far as I can remember, the Central Missouri Restoration Branches Senior High Camp at Odessa, Missouri, has always been the same week as the South Crysler Restoration Branch Reunion in Lamoni, Iowa. I have attended SCRB Reunions with my family almost every year since I was eight. Most of my friends, my parents, and I look to Reunion has the highlight of our year. We plan fifty-two weeks around that one week we get to spend with the Saints there at Graceland University. Since that's the case, I was never able to attend the CMRB Senior High Camp. I was never bummed by that, though, because I had been to Junior High camp and retreats, and I wasn't too impressed with the Spirit there.
This fall, I got the email of the CMRB Fall Retreats schedule. As I saw the dates for the Senior High Retreat, I felt impressed that I should go. Reluctantly I signed up, and I became really excited about going! The Friday night finally arrived, and my parents dropped me off at Odessa. As soon as I walked in the door, I was greeted with hugs and happy shouts that I was there. My cousins surprised me by coming, and I got to see many dear friends I hadn't seen in awhile, including some from Nebraska and Iowa.
I was so impressed by the Spirit on that first night. The staff, especially the camp directors, Stu and Milee Gage, were very nice and wanted to help in any way they could. It was in no way like Junior High had been. Junior High was full of cliques. A lot of the kids had sported a "I just came because my parents made me" attitude, or the "You aren't part of this clique, so don't talk to us" stance.
You could tell the Senior High kids were there by choice. There were no cliques to speak of, and everyone was willing to pray for everyone else. We talked of Zion and prayed together, sang together and laughed and joked with each other.
That night, lying in my bunk, all I could think about was coming to Senior High Camp for the week the next June. But, I reminded myself, camp was always scheduled the same week as Reunion, and my parents would never allow me to skip Reunion. Or would they...? I decided to pray that the Lord would prepare a way for me to either come to camp or be able to attend both Reunion and camp. I knew it would take a miracle already performed for that to happen, but I decided to pray anyways.
The next night, Saturday, I happened to be able to talk to Stu, one of the camp directors. He told me that he wasn't quite for sure, but he was pretty certain that Reunion and camp were not the same week. I couldn't believe my ears! I told him I had just been praying about that, because I wanted to come! As soon as I could after I got home, I went to my grandma to see if she knew anything about Reunion. She told me the dates for Reunion are June 11th through the 17th. I remembered Stu had informed me that Camp dates were June 18th through the 24th! It will be a tight squeeze, but I will be able to attend both this summer! I praise God knowing He has performed this miracle in my life. Like one of my friends reminded me...
That night, lying in my bunk, all I could think about was coming to Senior High Camp for the week the next June. But, I reminded myself, camp was always scheduled the same week as Reunion, and my parents would never allow me to skip Reunion. Or would they...? I decided to pray that the Lord would prepare a way for me to either come to camp or be able to attend both Reunion and camp. I knew it would take a miracle already performed for that to happen, but I decided to pray anyways.
The next night, Saturday, I happened to be able to talk to Stu, one of the camp directors. He told me that he wasn't quite for sure, but he was pretty certain that Reunion and camp were not the same week. I couldn't believe my ears! I told him I had just been praying about that, because I wanted to come! As soon as I could after I got home, I went to my grandma to see if she knew anything about Reunion. She told me the dates for Reunion are June 11th through the 17th. I remembered Stu had informed me that Camp dates were June 18th through the 24th! It will be a tight squeeze, but I will be able to attend both this summer! I praise God knowing He has performed this miracle in my life. Like one of my friends reminded me...
"And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." Isaiah 65:24
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
A Comfort
By A Servant of the One True King
Ever since I was about thirteen years old, I've had the gift of poetry. Often it will come when I am feeling grateful for a blessing or when my heart is yearning for peace. Other times, it will come when I pray for guidance, and sometimes it comes as a message to me from the Holy Spirit.
One day in July of 2015, I was going through a particular trial. I thought I had received guidance from the Lord on an issue, but the fiery darts of Satan were rampant, and I had gotten myself majorly confused. I was heartbroken because of the shattered dream I held in my hands.
I went to bed that night and woke up the next morning. It was a bright and beautiful morning, and sunlight streamed in the window. I got out of bed and began praising God for the beauty around me....when I suddenly remembered what had happened the night before. Tears came to my eyes and poured down my cheeks as I fell to my knees, asking for His help.
It was right after I fell to my knees that words began to come to me. They were in the form of poetry, but they were not from me. They were for me from Something higher than myself.
Ever since I was about thirteen years old, I've had the gift of poetry. Often it will come when I am feeling grateful for a blessing or when my heart is yearning for peace. Other times, it will come when I pray for guidance, and sometimes it comes as a message to me from the Holy Spirit.
One day in July of 2015, I was going through a particular trial. I thought I had received guidance from the Lord on an issue, but the fiery darts of Satan were rampant, and I had gotten myself majorly confused. I was heartbroken because of the shattered dream I held in my hands.
I went to bed that night and woke up the next morning. It was a bright and beautiful morning, and sunlight streamed in the window. I got out of bed and began praising God for the beauty around me....when I suddenly remembered what had happened the night before. Tears came to my eyes and poured down my cheeks as I fell to my knees, asking for His help.
It was right after I fell to my knees that words began to come to me. They were in the form of poetry, but they were not from me. They were for me from Something higher than myself.
"Dry your tears, My child;
Your days are not yet o'er.
Come to Me, My child,
For I am waiting at your door.
Give to Me, My child,
Your burdens and your fears.
I will wipe away
All your hurting are your tears.
I am here, My child,
To give you rest alone.
I am here, My child;
I have claimed you as My own.
Worry not, My child,
For I will guide your days.
Give it all to Me,
And I will light your way."
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Are You Aware of the Danger?
By McKenzie Morash
Several weeks after I turned thirteen, I had a dream that I was in a house that was on fire and filled with smoke. There were many other people in this house as well, and some of them were my church family. Most of the people were busy doing household chores or playing games -- they seemed to be completely ignoring the fact that there was a fire! Only several people seemed to be concerned about the fire, and the began helping me tell people to get out. Most of the people ignored us or acted like they couldn't really comprehend what was going on, but some of the people became aware and started helping us. As we rushed to warn everyone, I remember climbing up a ladder into a large loft-like room that had several children sleeping in it. I immediately ran over to their beds, woke them up, and started helping them out of the loft. When I had gotten all the children down the ladder and to the room that seemed to be the living room of the house, everyone (including the children and those who had been helping me warn people before) had started acting like nothing was wrong and everything was normal. By this time, the smoke was so thick I couldn't see or breathe very well. My eyes were stinging and I was struggling to find the door. When I finally got the door open, no one would follow me out.
After I caught my breath and could see again, I looked up and saw another house burning down. I ran across the street, flung the front door open, and a thick smoke poured out. I called out, "Is anyone in here?!" At first nobody answered, but then I heard someone faintly answer, "Is anyone there?!" I ran inside to find a man, his wife, and their two children standing on a staircase. His wife quickly explained that they were blinded by all the smoke and couldn't find their way out. It was dark, but I was able to see well enough to guide them out to safety. When we had made it outside, they explained that they had been praying to God to send someone to help them, because the smoke was so strong they couldn't find the door. At this point my dream ended, and I woke up very glad that there was not a real fire!
In this dream, the spiritual danger seemed so plainly clear, and the worldly distractions seemed so unappealing to me. God has used this dream many times to remind me that I need to always be aware of the spiritual things going on around me. If you woke up to find your house on fire, your first reaction would probably be to get yourself and your family out of danger. If they ignored the warning, out of love, you would probably become very concerned for their lives. God has also used this to teach me that I don't have enough love for the people around me. If I really loved the people around me, I would be adamantly concerned about their souls and I wouldn't hesitate to share the truth that God has mercifully given me.
Several weeks after I turned thirteen, I had a dream that I was in a house that was on fire and filled with smoke. There were many other people in this house as well, and some of them were my church family. Most of the people were busy doing household chores or playing games -- they seemed to be completely ignoring the fact that there was a fire! Only several people seemed to be concerned about the fire, and the began helping me tell people to get out. Most of the people ignored us or acted like they couldn't really comprehend what was going on, but some of the people became aware and started helping us. As we rushed to warn everyone, I remember climbing up a ladder into a large loft-like room that had several children sleeping in it. I immediately ran over to their beds, woke them up, and started helping them out of the loft. When I had gotten all the children down the ladder and to the room that seemed to be the living room of the house, everyone (including the children and those who had been helping me warn people before) had started acting like nothing was wrong and everything was normal. By this time, the smoke was so thick I couldn't see or breathe very well. My eyes were stinging and I was struggling to find the door. When I finally got the door open, no one would follow me out.
After I caught my breath and could see again, I looked up and saw another house burning down. I ran across the street, flung the front door open, and a thick smoke poured out. I called out, "Is anyone in here?!" At first nobody answered, but then I heard someone faintly answer, "Is anyone there?!" I ran inside to find a man, his wife, and their two children standing on a staircase. His wife quickly explained that they were blinded by all the smoke and couldn't find their way out. It was dark, but I was able to see well enough to guide them out to safety. When we had made it outside, they explained that they had been praying to God to send someone to help them, because the smoke was so strong they couldn't find the door. At this point my dream ended, and I woke up very glad that there was not a real fire!
In this dream, the spiritual danger seemed so plainly clear, and the worldly distractions seemed so unappealing to me. God has used this dream many times to remind me that I need to always be aware of the spiritual things going on around me. If you woke up to find your house on fire, your first reaction would probably be to get yourself and your family out of danger. If they ignored the warning, out of love, you would probably become very concerned for their lives. God has also used this to teach me that I don't have enough love for the people around me. If I really loved the people around me, I would be adamantly concerned about their souls and I wouldn't hesitate to share the truth that God has mercifully given me.
"Therefore, forsake the world, and save your souls; for what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?..." Matthew 16:29
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