Testimonies of Pastors' Kidsنموونە

By Isaí Rocha, Iglesia Bethel de Holtville

The closest death has ever come to me was when my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. I was not ready to lose my mother—I still refuse to imagine the possibility. The first person I confided in called it a “death sentence,” based on their own experience with family members who had gone through the same.

I prayed like never before. I fasted in the mornings and prayed in my car during lunch breaks at work. We needed a miracle, so we turned to the Lord, for we know that “by His wounds we are healed” Isaiah 53:5 (NIV).

For three years, my father accompanied my mom to many chemotherapy sessions. Her health declined—her body shriveled, she lost her hair, she was in pain, and she could barely eat. Yet we pushed forward with the church and ministry, leaning on the Lord. There were times of deep discouragement, especially watching her go through such suffering, but trials call us to remain steadfast. Though her body was wasting away, we continued to declare victory, renewal, and healing for her in Jesus’ name.

The first time she became very sick, her skin turned yellow. She was taken to the local ER in the Imperial Valley, but they misdiagnosed her. After being released, my dad drove her to San Diego, where she finally received the correct diagnosis and proper treatment.

With deep gratitude to God, I can say my mom has now been in remission for two and a half years. I can’t see this as anything short of a miracle. I praise God every day for her life and my family, and I look forward to praising Him together in church this Sunday.

Through this trial, I learned that not everyone’s story is the same. The person I first confided in had a negative outlook because of their own experience, but the Lord is not bound by our circumstances. Bad situations don’t always lead to bad outcomes. God is almighty and powerful, and He can use even the most painful circumstances for good.

My mother is now a living testimony to His power and goodness. All praise be to Jehovah Rapha—God, our Healer.