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Fasting days: a unique event

From 24 to 26 January we had again a few fasting days, this time in “de Boerekreek” in St.-Jan-in-Eremo (East-Flanders). It was the first time we went to this location and that always gives some extra tension. Will the rooms be ok? Will it be warm enough over there? Last year in the Ardennes it was very cold the first day since the heating was not up in time…
We were warmly welcomed by the staff of “de Boerekreek” and we got the restaurant for our meetings. The rooms were very clean and all rooms had a separate bathroom with a shower and a toilet and it was nicely warm everywhere, which is very nice when fasting a few days.

We enjoyed times of marvelous worship, powerful studies, many moments of silences – In which we could soak or go for a walk in the beautiful nature surrounding the center – and times of prayer for each other, the country, our churches and many other subjects.
As Tamara put it nicely: “We have been fed very well once again!”

I'm doing well!

OUR PRAYER BOX AND THE MIRACLES GOD DOES

As many of you know, we have a prayer box which is placed in front of the church, in which people can put prayer items. Besides that we also have an "electronic prayer box": through e-mail people can send us their prayer requests. Also these requests are put into the box. After each church meeting the entire church as a whole prays together for every item in the box, so it is a communal faithful prayer!
Recently we heard that also other churches are adopting this tradition...

A complicated procedure unnecessary thanks to the prayer box

On the 3rd May Luc sent us this mail:

“Beginning of March I asked the brothers and sisters of my church, the Christian church of Londerzeel, and a few good friends for prayers. One of my friends, Cora, put my prayer request in your prayer box. Today I want to share how the Lord answered our prayer.

Because of cardiac arrhythmias, my cardiologist told me a complicated procedure that could take several hours would be necessary. Without the surgery the condition of my heart would deteriorate and I was at risk for a stroke. However the cardiologist agreed to postpone the surgery a while and put me on medication in the mean time. He thought there was little chance for a healing. I told him I would ask my brothers and sisters to pray for me.

I asked you to pray. Prayer for healing: a heart that is beating normally. Prayer to have joy, peace and quiet that passes understanding. Prayer for wisdom when taking decisions and wisdom for the doctor when analyzing, evaluating and advising. Prayer for Ritje, my dear wife.

God is good. As from 7th March I had no more dizziness, fatigue, palpitations or any other discomfort. I received everything I asked for in prayer. All the time I felt carried and supported by your prayers and I was confident of a good outcome. God would see to that. We know that all things work together for good to them that love God (Romans 8:28). This promise is for me.
It is a certainty that is firmly secured in my heart. My brothers and sisters, and that is each one of you, have stood in the gap for me.

Cora had given us a copy of Hugo Van Leemputten’s book “Genezen van Kanker“ (=Healed of Cancer). A special story, a story about learning to trust God and hold on to His promise. It was very encouraging for me. It is certainly recommendable and not only for those who are ill.

As agreed, Ritje and I went back to the doctor for an examination. When taking the ECG the doctor let slip that my heart was beating calmly. Likewise with the cycling test my heart rate wasn’t too fast. When the tests were finished, the doctor came to discuss the results with us. He was leafing through my medical file, then he turned to us saying: “Mr.Cauwenbergh, it looks like you have healed yourself.” It took a little while before I realized what he just said, then I replied: ”People have been praying for me, doctor.” “You have a lot of support from this Christian community,” the doctor remarked. I could only agree.

The complicated surgery that could take several hours is no longer necessary. In November I have to return for a check up and I still need to take medication, but I already know now that this is not the end of this story.

I want to thank you all for your prayers and your warm heart. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (James 1:17).
I received a wonderful present from Father and your prayers delivered it to my. The LORD is good, His love endures forever, His faithfulness unto all generations.”