"Healing Testimony"

At this time last year I was going through a very bad time regarding chronic pain and I was going to the pain clinic for 12 to 15 injections a week. I was also on a lot of meds to help with the pain but none of them worked. Tha pain clinic doctor had put me on a drug that I had an extremely adverse reaction to. It caused me to have severe tremors and weakness in my body and my ears solidly clogged as if I was on a plane all of the time. My face started going numb and then the numb sensation spread to my throat. As I visited the emergency room, I was told that I may have permanent nerve damage as a result of a drug interaction. I was frenzied at the thought! The doctor had spoken something over me that day that stuck with me for a long time. I bought into a lie.

I had gone for tests including an MRI which showed that everything was normal. My hearing test was perfect and yet my head felt congested all of the time and my ears were clogged. The numbness continued as I resigned myself to having to live with it. I prayed into my situation but I have to confess that I didn't really believe that this would entirely heal and that I should just be grateful that the tests were normal. I kept a log for my doctors so that they could monitor the situation should a change occur. I noticed a few weeks ago that the numbness and clogged ears weren't as bad and that there was times when my ears would somewhat clear and the numbness would lessen. I thanked God for that but bought into another lie that this is probably as good as it would get.

I was leading our small group a couple of weeks ago and the topic was the "Power of Words". God spoke to me and said "I have healed you". I stopped talking and said to the group, it just occured to me that I can't remember when the last time wa that I had the numb sensation or clogged ears. I said God just told me that He healed me. I spoke health and life over myself in the days to follow and checked my calendarto see when I had posted the last "big" episode with the numbness and glogging sensation. It had been 6 weeks prior to my small group! I could not believe that I didn't notice something that huge!!! My ears feel completely normal and I have full feeling in my face and throat. I talked to my doctor who said that the drug finally must have worked it's way out of my system. I reminded her of the half life of the drug and that if it was going to work it's way out it would have done so last year some time shortly after I went off it. I know I have been healed.

I wanted to share this with you to glorify God of course, as I am healed because of the shed blood of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Secondly, I wanted to point out that we can get so used to our condition and we settle for less that what God wants for us that we don't even realize that we've been healed. The third thing is, that our words have power. We tend to get comfortable with our affliciton and resign ourselves to is and that's not what God wants for us. I got so used to having the sensation in my body that I didn't even realize that I had received a healing. We need to be always seeking and believeing for a healing of miracle. My healing took almost a year and I thank God for all the lessons I learned while going through the trials. Our God Reigns... He has plans to prosper us and not to harm us... plans to give us a hope and future... that includes healing. Now that's something to get excited about!

Thanks!

Bev Gaudet

"Increase Testimony"

We've already had a huge year of increase. We really felt like we spent all of 2009 just setting up empty jars everywhere, trying to be obedient even when it didn't seem to make sense. But God is faithful - and He is beginning to fill up each jar to overflowing!
During 2009 - Year to Advance

Jar - Found a beautiful, bright and sunny apartment which eliminated the cost of utilities and maintenance for our family (we had to make the decision to give up our house in 2008 due to cutbacks with Greg's employment - which devastated us at the time but now we can see that it set us up for huge blessing).

Jar - Mindy landed a full time contract in a management position which doubled her salary

Jar - Our son's school told us they were already fully prepared and ready to help when Josh was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome (High functioning Autism). The school is already equipped with a lot of the things he needs including a sensory room and a wonderful occupational therapist - and his kindergarten teacher who used to be an educational assistant moved into teaching grade one - which meant he was able to be in her class again this year! We know God placed us at this school for a purpose - for this time and for this season.

Jar - Greg applied to Niagara College in hopes of training for a second career. A big leap of faith considering all that we've been through. This would have been impossible without each one of the other "jars" (Mindy's employment, Joshua's program, drastically reduced living expenses).

2010 - Year of Increase!

• January - 3% unexpected raise
• February - Surprised to find a family friend who is a mechanic, who did all of our van repairs at half the cost (altenator, serpentine belt, radiator, stability bar)
• March - Just as Greg's company announced they would be doing another round of layoffs this year, Greg was accepted into the Niagara College Paramedic Program for September. The door is opening for second career and osap funding so that he can follow his dream of becoming a paramedic.
  There are so many other little blessings we could share but it would take to long to list them all! We know one thing: even when the storms are overwhelming and it feels like you're alone... like it doesn't make sense and nothing fits together the way you thought it should... God is there... and His ways are greater than our ways... and He is working all things together for our good!
  
  Thank you Pastor Matt, Pastor Ruth, and Pastor John for the incredible blessing you have been to us over the last six years.
  
  We are so thankful for your loving support and encouragement as we walk this road together.
  
  Huge blessings,
  Greg and Mindy & Family

"Healing Testimony"

Two things happened in Jan ’09 to have me standing up here today. I heard a testimony that I related to and Pastor Matt gave the declaration it was our year to advance. Between the two of them it gave me hope and determination that this was my year to advance in every area of my life. I had dealt with EBV for 18 years which caused quite a few of my organs not to function properly and other physical issue’s that had become debilitating. There was also an emotional thing I needed to deal with that had hung around for about 36 years. On Jan 1st I started a 21 day Prayer and fasting time because I needed some break through. After hearing the testimony and declaration, because I believed all of it I assumed it was going to be a cake walk…I would be healed instantly both physically and emotionally. God has such a sense of humor…and so the journey began. As I am sure you have figured out I did not get healed instantly. You see instant is not good for me because it does not give God the chance to teach me what He needs to, because I just don’t stay still long enough. One by one the Lord brought people into my life to begin the healing process. First it was my chiropractor…within two weeks of seeing him one of the physical issues I had suffered with for 37 years was taken care of and radical surgery avoided. That alone helped me to advance. Then came the Naturopath….that was more of a process but my health issues were identified and the healing process started. There was hope for the first time in quite a few years because I had no quality of life and conventional medicine had no answers. I would still go up for prayer expecting again that instant healing but God was preparing me for what was ahead…I learned patience, to live one day at a time and just keep believing no matter what I saw or experienced.

On July 4th I was in a Jet Ski accident with my youngest daughter and fractured my pelvis in two places which left me virtually bed ridden for three weeks. God had prepared me through the trials I had already dealt with…I never asked God why I just said ok God this is my year to advance, nothing is going to stop that so what next. The day of the accident the neatest thing happened… God swept Joy over me like I never had before. You have to understand I had prayed for this back in January and He gave it to me the day of the accident, His PERFECT timing! My daughters Uncle was driving the Jet Ski so you can only imagine what he was going through. I just kept telling him there is a reason and we need to be thankful that all of us are alive. On July 8th I was scheduled to spend some time with a Pastor friend to deal with the emotional things I had carried around for most of my life. I knew the enemy did not want that to happen because that would radically change my life…broken and all I made it to my appointment and yes there was instant healing at that moment. What I was dealing with was severe self hatred because of much abuse in my childhood. It actually healed some other physical issues I had been dealing with as well. My life radically changed on July 8th instantly. Complete physical healing is taking some time because the accident set me back and there has been some damage I need to deal with BUT this has been the best year of my life. I have had the most trials I have ever had to deal with, but I have grown in faith and trust in the Lord more than any other year. The Lord put a team of His people around me that helped me advance daily, from our awesome Pastor and his wife to some amazing friends, to the two people that God really strengthened and advanced right by my side, my husband and daughter. I thank God that I am not the same person I was back in January of ’09, that despite my past, my future is focused right on Him and I will continue to advance and help others do the same. Having a prayer and fasting bank really does work…PS 18:29 “ With your help I can advance against a troop….with my God I can scale a wall”

Karyn Fenner

"God Has Authority"

Hi Pastor Matt

I wanted to tell you that Sunday was a great service!!! I have felt such power, such presence, in the services.What a powerful word it was and gosh has it had an awesome affect!!!!!Sunday that just passed as you preached about Jesus having ALL authority something shifted in me. I actually felt as we closed in with God, as if I was having labor pains and the urge to push (After having three children I am very familiar with the sensation).

I just allowed whatever was happening to happen without judgment or attachment and this week has been incredible. I have battled with an eating disorder for the majority of my life. I have been in recovery for the last 11 years but still have problems with body distortion quite frequently.

This week, whenever ED thoughts came, I declared that Jesus has ALL authority over me and my thoughts. I stood firm that HE is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah and has declared me, my body, spirit and emotions are HIS territory!! What a powerful word it was and gosh has it had an awesome affect!!!!!

And also, as a side note.........awesome miracle we were also blessed with today.
I was at the park today with our littlest guy, Ashton (17 months old) and we were playing. The playground was wet from all the rain so therefore slippery. Ash was playing and he leaned on the railing of the play equipment as I was standing right behind him. In a second but what seemed like an eternity he went over the railing. I tried to grab him and his leg slipped right out of my hand. We were about four feet above the ground and he fell head first onto the asphalt. I screamed and ran around to get him, obviously he was crying and after holding him for a minute, shaking and panicing I was ready to run him to emergency. And THANK GOD, not a scratch, not a bump or even a bruise on him. He was absolutely fine, in what could have been an absolutely terrible situation.
I know with all of my heart that the Lord caught him and gently landed Ashton on the ground.

So thank you Pastor Matt for all that you give as a servant.
You are very appreciated!!!

Sincerely,
Rachel Jane

“Salvation Testimony”

There has been a lovely couple coming to each of our meetings at Deer Park. The husband was restricted to traveling by electric scooter. Because Sharon Krar was being restricted to traveling by electric scooter or wheel chair, both Allan and Sharon had become very close friends with this couple. In the last several weeks, this couple decided that they should give their lives to our Lord. They had dedicated their life to Jesus. Just a couple of weeks later, the husband became very sick and died of pneumonia. The wife, knowing that they had dedicated their lives to Christ, had a piece in her heart. During our last service, we were able to have a celebration knowing that the husband is now with his Lord.

Submitted by Elizabeth Haines

“Thanksgiving”
After Almost a year of pain and turmoil, God literally picked us up out of our once – comfortable life in Toronto and moved us to Grimsby. Here, He had a home prepared for us on a quiet street with great neighbors. He had a new gentlier lifestyle all laid out. In the midst of transition, He has continued to supply work opportunities. Best of all, He had a new church home and family to embrace us, the wonderful people of Lakemount Worship Center! We are thankful to God for His faithfulness, His provision, and for “making all things work together for our good.”

Wayne & Wendy McArthur


“New Life”
Experienced many miscarriages, and on September 19, 2009 Matthias Paul “God’s Gift” was born!

Gerry & Joanne Vandewetering

“We are Canadian”

Esther and I came to Grimsby 7 years ago to minister at Lakemount, by kind invitation of Pastor Mark Griffin, and recommendations by the board.

Whilst we were in Grimsby the Lord clearly told Clive that He would have us to re-locate to Grimsby. This meant an amazing change in our lives. It meant The Lord ‘showing’ us a house in Grimsby before we even left Canada in that very August. The Lord did indeed do this, and led Clive in a miraculous way to the perfect property for us at that time.

The Lord had given us the following Scripture several times over the years with 4 instructions within it.

Gen 12:1 Now the LORD had said to Abram: (1) "Get out of your country (2) From your family (3) And from your father's house,(4) To a land that I will show you.

This had been a four-fold mandate to deal with. We have had to leave family, and friends behind us and go to a new land, leaving England. It was very hard. We had been asked to (1) renounce the certainties of the past, (2) to face the uncertainties of the future, (3) to look for and to follow the direction of The Lord's will. (4) The need for us both to be acclimatised and to be totally at peace in a land that God has ‘shown us’ - Canada.

After arriving, we began the process of application for Permanent Residency. This took nearly 7 years. We had 2 refusals, and finally an acceptance, through a new 'programme' introduced this February, we believe this was just for us....................

He has done it, we are home.................and have never been happier.

Clive and Ester Pick