“TAKE UP YOUR CANE AND WALK!”
On Friday March 4, the Michigan Chapter of WFWP hosted the CWU, (Church Women United), for their local celebration of the annual World Day of Prayer. According to the CWU website, Church Women United was formed in 1941 and is a “racially, culturally, theologically inclusive Christian women’s movement, celebrating unity in diversity and working for a world of peace and justice.” There are more than 1,200 local and state units active in the United States and Puerto Rico and they are recognized by the United Nations as an NGO (Non-Governmental Organization).
Mrs. Michelle Lindsay, Michigan WFWP chairwoman and her assistant, Mrs. Valerie Parham, had attended two CWU meetings during the past year and Mrs. Lindsay volunteered and found a venue to host the local CWU’s Day of Prayer on March 4.
After securing a venue for the Day of Prayer, Mrs. Lindsay set to work scheduling meetings to delegate responsibility for the luncheon, music, and testimonials to different women who volunteered for those duties. She also chose trinities to pray for a successful outcome on the day.
The women of CWU are all well-educated, mature women of faith. On the day of the event the WFWP members arrived early and touched up all the beautiful decorations donated by a wonderful pastor, Pastor Erika Dorazio. Right on time the CWU ladies arrived at 10 o’clock. They were welcomed and embraced by all the women of WFWP.
Before the luncheon there was a service that included rousing uplifting singing that was led by the beloved elder pastor Mother Mosie Lee Smith. That more than amply prepared the audience for the three testimonials that followed.
First, Pastor Erika spoke about her truly miraculous healing by Jesus of her brain and body damage, due to an assault. The doctors had given up hope for her; but, her ‘Doctor Jesus' wrote her a spiritual prescription, saying: “take up your cane and walk!” The doctors and nurses were so surprised and impressed by her quick progress that they all became believers and, some, even became priests and deacons!
The second testimonial was given by Cordette Newsome. She fell backward down her stairs and broke her neck. Through her great faith, prayer, and relationship with God, she also shocked her doctors with a quick healing. She also had to have a heart pacemaker implanted and through it all, she continues to serve God with every breath.
Finally Valerie Parham testified about her first and most recent direct answers to prayers. She was raised in an agnostic home, taught not to believe in God. When she was fifteen she went through an experience of being opened spiritually, where she clearly felt God's existence, power, and love. She found herself talking directly to God, able to really perceive God's response. All night she prayed, asking, 'How is it possible that people say You don't exist? It is so OBVIOUS that You are omnipresent!!' Then in her most recent dramatic answer to a prayer, she told how she prayed with a prayer partner for her teenage son.
The direct answer to those prayers came when her son was protected from going to prison, for a crime plotted by some new acquaintances with whom he had been spending time. It was truly dramatic in how close a call it was and in how he realized his close call.
The atmosphere was filled with the Spirit and the guests were so very impressed and grateful they had attended and for the warm welcome they felt. After that great event, WFWP volunteered to host another CWU event!
Mrs. Lindsay and Mrs. Parham also attended the recent statewide reunion of CWU in Michigan. At that reunion, members of CWU told WFWP members again how wonderful the Day of Prayer was and that they are looking forward to the next one! Thanks to all for every offering made, which, when put together, created such a great, uplifting experience for all present!