Miracles: How do we explain them or should we even try?

Bruce Larson after the October 28 surgery

Today is October 29, 2014. I had surgery yesterday to remove 2 nodules left behind from the previous surgery in March, 2014 and to remove a lymph node that had grown in size from the previous CT Scan. A biopsy will also be taken from inside the mouth along the gums.

In the course of the surgery, the doctor came out to discuss the progress with Vida. He said he could not find the lymph node! The very lymph node that appeared on the CT Scan and referenced on the scan results report. There is a story behind this I want to share.

When Vida's daughter, Jessie, first learned of my cancer several months ago, she wanted me to go to a revival service with David E. Taylor. He is referred to as an "Apostle" and travels throughout the country and to various other countries to spread the word of Jesus Christ. He is also known as a "healer" and has evidently cured many of their cancer. Jessie is in the US Army stationed in Texas. She told me she has been to several of David E. Taylor's revivals and that he can heal my cancer. All of the revivals were in cities far away until October when he came to Orlando. I decided I would go, but Vida was not interested. I was disappointed, but told Jessie I would go even if Vida did not. The night of the revival, Vida decided to go with me.

We were the first guests to arrive at Victorious Living Church in Orlando where we were warmly greeted by a member of the church staff. He asked why we came and I told him about the cancer situation. Once the service started, we saw him sitting on the stage with other church “dignitaries.” Everyone we met was extremely nice and most went out of their way to greet us and welcome us into their church. That was very impressive and sadly that is not seen very often.

The congregation was predominantly Black and it was quite a lively Gospel-in-motion explosion that kicked off the event. It was a very active and animated congregation that was dancing in the aisles and waving their hands giving thanks to Jesus Christ. The feelings and emotions generated in that sanctuary were contagious. And when a member of the congregation yelled out “Amen,” we could tell they meant it. There was no acting out or pretense. It was, and remains, fascinating.

Once Apostle David entered into the service, it became a revival. One definition

David E. Taylor Revival in Orlando

of revival is “restoration to life, consciousness, vigor, etc.” The term, revival, I think, has a bad name. I used to hear the word and I would immediately think of a tent set up with false prophets out to make a quick and easy buck. My perception has changed. At least when it comes to David E. Taylor. He said that he felt there were five people present that had cancer.

A long and complex process took place when Apostle David cast out any sicknesses that may have been in the congregation. Then, one by one, people lined up at the stage to explain what aliment they had such as back pain, migraine headache, bum knee, fibromyalgia, etc. I stood in line to tell my story, but it seemed most said that they had felt a sensation come over them when Apostle David cast the illnesses out. I did not feel any sensation and I didn't want to ruin the atmosphere, so I walked back to my seat with Vida. As the professions continued, I started to hear others say they didn't feel some spiritual sensation either. It was also interesting that four people had come up and said cancer was their ailment.

It was getting close to the end of the line in front of the stage and the gentleman from the church we met when we first walked put his arm around me and asked if I was going to go up. I expressed my concern and he said it would be fine. I proceeded back to the front.

When it was my turn, I walked up onto the stage and explained to Kathleen about the cancer I have. I also whispered that we know someone in common – Jessie. She smiled and nodded that she knew who I was referring to. I then proceeded up to Apostle David. We discussed the cancer, the radiation and chemotherapy treatments and the lymph node that had to be removed. Apostle David also pointed out that I was the fifth cancer patient there that night. He assured me that the lymph node was removed and that there would be no cancer. He also emphasized that I confirm this with the doctors. Apostle David asked me to raise my hands while he said a special prayer for me. I learned later that the entire congregation stood and raised their hands with me, joining into the prayer on my behalf.

I thanked him, then we hugged and I started back to my seat. Before I made it back, he asked Vida and I to both come up. Apostle David commented on Vida's “flowing white hair,” and how much he liked it and she and I walked up the stage. The three of us held hands and Apostle David said God had instructed him to say a prayer for her since she was my caregiver throughout my journey with cancer. He said that was a big responsibility and that she needed the assurance that God is watching over her too.

So, jumping back to October 28, we can only believe that a miracle took place. The doctor told Vida he could not find the lymph node in question and Vida told the doctor she had a feeling something like that would happen. He asked why she felt that way. “Prayer?” he asked. Vida affirmed the question.

Now we are just waiting on the results of the biopsy that was taken from the floor of my mouth. These results will be in next week.

Miracles: How do we explain them or should we even try?