When I, personally, first visited Emmanuel Temple, I didn't really notice the beautiful building or that the Sanctuary had a special name because I was suffering from a brain tumor and desperately needed a miracle.

I was in constant pain and battling illness of the endocrine (immune) system. I was about 30 and supposedly in the prime of my life. I had vision disturbance because the tumor was pressing on the optic nerve. It was necessary to take a medication, Bromocriptine, which I especially hated. It made me vomit constantly. Needless to say, I was in pretty bad shape with the vomiting, Migraines, photosensitivity, hair loss, and endless complications. I couldn't even stay awake long enough to care for my (then) infant son.

About 2 years after the initial diagnosis my endocrinologist suggested that I "get my house in order" as I might have to undergo an emergency operation, which they were trying to avoid all along. I was told they would try to remove the pituitary tumor through the front of my face (through the nose) but I would also probably lose my entire pituitary gland. (You need your pituitary because it's your "master gland" which resides in your brain!)  The sad news was that even if the operation was successful, the chance of the brain tumor  regrowing into a malignancy and causing severe problems was very good.  I was beginning to have adverse reactions to the bromocriptine and my endocrinologist wanted to hospitalize me. Well, I had had enough of emergency rooms and dragging my kidlet along to doctors offices. I was physically exhausted and I begged my doctor to please just shoot me full of cortisone and let me go home to my baby. My son was the joy of my life and my literal reason for living.

During this time I went through much soul-searching and decided I would approach G-d and ask him to please heal me, not for myself  because I didn't deserve it, but for my son and my parents, who were G-dly people. I felt they didn't deserve to see their daughter live (or die) like this. So I decided I needed a miracle as I was very tired of living in this condition. Once, I did think of taking my own life as the pain was becoming unbearable, but I knew that wasn't an option, as I would just end up in Hell. I could barely care for my son and I knew I was becoming a burden to my husband, and unfortunately, eventually he did leave us. I didn't think I would ever smile or laugh again because I was filled with so much physical pain.

One day, I came across a brass key chain that had the words inscribed,
"I NEED A MIRACLE". 
I bought it. It helped remind me to continue hoping and praying for that miracle.

While driving by Emmanuel Temple, I noticed it's name and remembered that "Emmanu-El" meant "G-d with us". I realized that G-d could be found there.

...I felt if  I could just get there and ask the Elders to pray for me, I would be healed. The weekend finally arrived and with the little strength I could muster, I got ready and asked my husband to drive me to Emmanu-el. He did, reluctantly.

When I entered the Sanctuary  I realized I had been running away from G-d most of my adult life... I was the grand-daughter of an Apostolic pastor. My parents followed in their parents' footsteps... As a child, I remember awakening late at night to the aroma of coffee, dessert, and sounds of good-spirited scriptural debate and discussion going on in our home with my parents and their friends...

I didn't hear a word that was preached that day... but I definitely recall when (then) Suffragan Bishop Stewart asked if anyone needed prayer. I immediately made my way to the altar. Someone asked what was my need and I told them (nearly choking on the words), as it hurt my very being to say "I have a brain tumor,"...
I needed G-d in a very real way.

Bishop Stewart and Elder Johnson, anointed me with Holy Oil, laid hands on me and prayed the prayer of faith.
Well, I didn't feel anything earth shaking, nor did I hear a voice from heaven. But I felt a calmness come over me.
I felt if I had to undergo surgery, at least I had obeyed G-d's Word of asking the Church Elders to pray for me.

It happened that I was scheduled for an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of my brain that following Tuesday, as at this point my endocrinologist was closely monitoring me...

Well, the MRI came back negative that Friday!
The brain tumor had disappeared!

Jesus granted me that miracle the very first day I walked into Emmanuel Temple, and I have been there ever since! I have recuperated, earned a Bachelor's Degree, am raising my son, and am eternally grateful...

Praise be to the Most High G-d, Jesus!

My life has changed radically.
Not only does He heal bodies and change lives, but He gives Eternal Salvation to those who approach His Throne of Grace.
This is the greatest miracle of all.

I would like to welcome you in joining us in worship this Sunday. And if you need a miracle, Bishop Stewart and the Elders will pray for you too...

BarSharona
Directions to Emmanuel Temple