The reason we have these testimonies is to be an encouragement to you.  There was one statement my Dad said to me when I was very young that guided me and continues to direct me today.  He said "James, if it is in the Bible, believe it".  That may sound simplistic but when we go through trials and face sickness it is great comfort to know that God's Word is for us. 

     The Word of God is His thoughts, His purpose and plan for us.  We at First Assembly believe when God says something in His Word He means it.  So when we read in Psalm 103 to not forget all His benefits who forgives all yours sins and Heals all your diseases.  When He says in Mark 16 we shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover, we believe it.  Other scriptures where He tells us He wants us to be healed is James 5, 3 John 2, Isaiah 53, John 14:12-14, Mark 9:23, Matthew 7:7-11, 1 Peter 2:24. 

     The following testimonies are from real people just like you.  The Bible tells us nothing is impossible with God.  We will be posting more in a few days.  Be encouraged and let you faith be strengthened.

Keep Reaching Higher,

     Pastor James

November 2007 

     My experience of being healed by the Hand of God was one of the most incredible things I have ever been a part of in my life.  I was afflicted with some form of cystic acne and became unbelievably uncomfortable with the situation.  For several months I had to endure some pretty severe pain.  All the while we had been visiting First Assembly Church and just fell in love with everyone and everything about it.  One Sunday morning in November the Pastor asked the congregation if anyone would like to come forward to the altar to have a prayer for healing.  Of course I did not hesitate to be a part of something so special so I went up.  The Pastor and his wife laid their hands on me and began to pray healing for my body.  A feeling I have never experienced before rushed over me. I felt like I was being lifted off of the floor and a rush of air ran through me from my feet to my head.  About a week later after the service, I began to notice that my acne was fading away as if it had never been there.  My skin is almost completely healed and I cannot tell you how blessed and thankful I am that I went to the altar that day.

 August 22, 2007

     Last year my husband and I took my son to the emergency room because he said that his side and private hurt.  While there, they did an ultrasound of his side and testicles.  We were told that day that it appeared that he had a testicular tumor and a twisted epididymus.  We were referred to a specialist at Children's Hospital where we went the next day.  They wanted to treat the twisted epididymus first which meant that we had to wait for three weeks before finding out about the tumor. 

     Of course these were very worrisome weeks filled with prayer, even though we were assured by the doctor not to worry.  During that three week period we attended First Assembly.  Pastor James and the congregation prayed for my son's healing.  At the end of the three weeks the specialist did another ultrasound and found that the tumor was gone.  It was explained to us that perhaps the angle of the probe in the original scan made a shadow that looked like a tumor.  They could not really give an answer, just that the tumor was not there.  I feel that in my heart God healed my son or presented us with a situation that brought my family closer to Him.  My life will be forever changed by God's mercy.

L.B.

     In May of 2006, an ultrasound confirmed that I had a large hydroseal, and I was scheduled for surgery at the local hospital.  We had just started attending First Assembly, and in the evening service Pastor Spicer asked if anyone needed prayer.  I went forward, believing that God was able to heal me.

     I reported to the hospital the following week and was prepped for surgery.  Thirty minutes later, the surgeon spoke with my wife and told her that he was unable to operate because there was nothing there.  God had healed me.

                                                          E.H.

     I injured my left knee 6 years ago.  The doctors refused to do surgery back then because of my age and my weight.  They said I was too young to have it done that knee replacements were only good for 7 - 10 years.  I was in so much pain not only in my knee, but with my right hip from "favoring" the left knee.  I knew God could heal me, but I didn't know why He hadn't.  I finally gave up and decided to make my appointment to have the total knee replaced.  (Oh, the week before I had gotten a new license plate - "Handicap").  My appointment was for Wednesday.  While listening to our Pastor, the Lord began to work on my heart.  When the alter call came, I was the last one in line.  The Pastor laid hands on me and I knew I was healed!  I sure didn't feel like it, I was still in so much pain.  When I woke up the next morning though, I was totally free from all pain!!!  I ran through my house praising God and thanking Him for His promise of healing.

                                                H.R. (2007)

                         July 31, 2007

     Three Sundays ago, during the morning service, a Word of Knowledge was given to Pastor Spicer.  It was that someone had an injury to their arm.  I had injured my right arm working out.  The Pastor laid hands on me and prayed and the Lord healed my arm.  I have not had any pain even during workouts.  Praise the Lord!

                              G.C.