Effects of Healing Prayer from the Matthews Arthritis Study are Far-Reaching

by Marcia Harrington
Spring 1999

Editor's Note: Following is a Jetter from one of the Prayer Recipients of the Arthritis Study in which CHM participated two years ago. Marcia Harrington was one of the patients who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. Through prayer and the work of the Lord, Marcia was completely healed of her illness.

To my friends at CHM:

Our church sermon yesterday was titled "Ceaseless Prayer," and the sight of our experience together such a short time ago kept flashing across my mind. I had to put pen to paper and touch base with my friends.

You'll forever be my friends and an inspiration for a lifetime. I continue to pray for your work and tell anyone who'll' listen about your ministry. I still wait for a time when I can come to Jacksonville and see so many wonderful people again.

In the meantime, I keep my time chock full with lots of endeavors (such as the enclosed newspaper article). Child support issues are a main issue for me, and I try to reach anyone who might be able to "adjust" the system! Right now, my church is going through a rough (period of growth). I spend lots of time with worship committee, choir, and a new couples' group. My youngest son is "almost 18" and a senior! Quite a handful!

But through it all, I know I "just have to ask for it'' (as you all taught me). That's the thing that really gets me now! Ask for it. He will say yes, no, or not right now. But I trust His judgment, and I'm not afraid to ask anymore! Quite a step for an "I can do it myself" kind of girl! As always, you at CHM are on my mind and in my heart. I'm still pain and arthritis free — a miracle in itself!!

I love you all, and I thank God for the day we met.

Yours forever,
Marcia.

Along with her letter, Marcia included an article from the New Port Richey (FL) Times which featured her photo and the following caption: "Marcia Harrington, a New Port Richey mother of three, became an advocate for better enforcement of child support Jaws and job programs for noncustodial parents when her ex–husband missed support payments and left her in a financial crisis." The article itself also featured Marcia's work.