Lisa Ficker
Ann ThomasBy Chris Meehan
Hip pain woke Ann Thomas (South Bend) at 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 2, and kept her awake until daylight. Her right hip has troubled her for years—an orthopedic surgeon and X-rays confirm a diagnosis of arthritis, a condition aggravated by bearing nine children and by chemotherapy treatments for cancer.
Just after 3:00 p.m. that day, when Ann stood for the first song at the branch community meeting, her hip was still throbbing. She knew she would have to change positions often to manage the pain.
Lisa Ficker was standing near Ann, at the front of the same section of chairs. A few weeks before, at a gathering of branch women, the Lord had given Lisa a word of knowledge—he wanted to heal someone’s right hip. She’d never given a word in front of such a large group and she didn’t know that Ann had a hip condition.
Lisa didn’t give the word at the women’s meeting, but she thought of it often in the days that followed. She remembered how her own lower back pain had been healed when someone gave a word of knowledge at a branch community meeting.
“As the May 2 meeting started,” she says, “I felt the Lord remind me of the word.” She walked over to the chairs by the microphone and soon delivered her short message, “I think the Lord wants to heal someone’s right hip today.”
Then Chris Rowland led the branch in a prayer for the healing.
A few seconds later, Ann felt the pain leave her hip. She shared about the healing later in the meeting. The next morning she spent two hours on her hands and knees gardening at a friend’s house, without experiencing the throbbing pain. One month later, the pain is still gone.
In May, Ann attended the graduations of two of her children, the First Communion of a third, and the wedding of her oldest son Ricky. “It was really merciful of the Father to heal my hip,” she says.
Responses
Whit Au says:
June 1st, 2010 at 5:33 PM
Great!!
Did Ann get another x-ray since being healed? That would provide some good documentation of God's healing power.
Carmen Fraga says:
June 1st, 2010 at 6:02 PM
Hooray!
Ann Thomas was in my household in the late 70's and 80's and was a wonderful friend. I remember how hard she worked on behalf of everyone-always cheerful and ready to serve.
I'm so happy the Lord healed Ann from her ailment. It makes my day! I know what that kind of pain involves and it's extremely limiting.
Also, what a great gift to have that Word of Knowledge from Lisa. Way to go, Lisa; that word led to the prayers of the entire Body meeting together. Glory to God!
Love,
Carmen
Tom Shriver says:
June 1st, 2010 at 6:05 PM
What a great story of God's mercy! Also very encouraging to those who think they hear the Lord, but are reticent to speak out. You should know that the Lord wants to bless others with the gift he gives you. Be obedient & speak out in faith!
Patrick Mooney says:
June 1st, 2010 at 6:37 PM
Lisa,
Thanks for completing Our Lords mercy for our sister, Ann.
Pat
Donald Busekrus says:
June 1st, 2010 at 8:09 PM
Thank you Lord for the healing of my sister Ann Thomas. This story is encouraging to me because it reminds me of how God cares about every detail and concern in our lives. Whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual healing, or providing for us financially, God always provides the best for his faithful followers! Come Lord Jesus, Come!
Joan Meeks says:
June 1st, 2010 at 10:18 PM
We believe the lord wants to heal many of our pains from "human conditions", like we have been experiencing such as headaches, toothaches, back pains, arthritis, aging etc. We have experienced that in Florida. When someone expresses a condition that is keeping them from ministering for the Lord, we immediately ask if they would like us to pray for them. If they want us to pray with them, we do, no matter where we are. The Lord has often honored those prayers. We need to be more bold and more open to praying with others.
Mary Lou Carey says:
June 1st, 2010 at 11:58 PM
Glory to God! I'm so happy for you, Ann, and so glad for how you let the Lord use you, Lisa. And it's wonderful to see the pictures of your happy,glowing faces. Love and blessings, Mary Lou
Maria Elliott says:
June 2nd, 2010 at 6:14 AM
WHAT A WONDERFUL SHARING! I was just thinking recently that we have not been using the gifts as much as before! As we pray daily we really must listen to the voice of the Lord who has so many ways He wishes to show his love for us!
Praise God!
~Maria Elliott (NoVA)
John Carnick says:
June 2nd, 2010 at 7:30 AM
Glory! thank you, Lord, for your kindness! And for your timing and your words of knowledge!
Kim Doffing says:
June 2nd, 2010 at 10:03 AM
Glory to God! Praise him for this loving gift given to Ann!
julie walters says:
June 2nd, 2010 at 12:36 PM
Ann and Lisa,
What a blessing for me, for all of us, to hear how you followed the Lord's word. You, Ann,for being open to the Lord's healing power and telling all of us about it. And you, Lisa, for the courage and trust in the Lord for giving the word of knowledge.
Thank you, Lord,
Julie
MIke Zusi says:
June 2nd, 2010 at 1:52 PM
Glory! Thank you, Lord!
mert minto says:
June 3rd, 2010 at 11:18 AM
How like the Lord to include us in his works. When I hear witnesses like this, it encourages me to step out boldly to carry his love and healing wherever it is needed
Marcia Kam says:
June 5th, 2010 at 3:32 PM
Aloha Ann,
Praise God for healing you and I hope he will continue to reduce your pain. I sufferer with arthritis and know what is like to be wake up in pain in the middle of the night. We are so blessed for the Lord to hear and answer are prayers. God Bless you, Marcia
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