Mary Kelly

I first heard of the Apostolic Faith people through a church paper. My back had been broken and the doctor had said I would never walk again. When I picked up that paper, I thought, ‘This is pertaining to salvation,’ and I went on my crippled way. But when I read the paper, I said, “If God could heal these people, He could heal me.” I wrote to Portland, Oregon, and received an anointed handkerchief. I placed it on my body and the Lord healed me. My back has not pained me for forty-five years. I loved that tract on healing. It said not to put my faith in the handkerchief, but instead, in the living God. I know it was the Lord who healed me.

God saved me from sin—committed sin. Then He sanctified me, through the truth, taking out the inbred sin. Then He baptized me with the Holy Ghost. In that wicked city of Washington, D.C., I can live holy for God and have holy boldness to tell the world about Jesus.

A few years ago, in Anniston, Alabama, I was stricken with a heart attack. I did not know what was happening, but I prayed and the Lord healed me. I went back home by train, and I am still able to make my own living.

I love the Word and I love the people of God. The world is entirely behind me, and I have Christ before me.

For more than four years, I carried around a very painful growth, but I never thought of seeking for help other than prayer. I had made God a promise, “Though You slay me, yet will I trust You.” Many times, when praying for others, the pain was so great that I could hardly stand on my feet. I don’t recall eating one meal during that time without misery, nor could I drink even water or juice without pain. I prayed for patience and was determined not to complain. I would just wait on the Lord. My faith increased as the growth expanded.

Then I felt led to give a Bible teaching on divine healing. By then I was a very sick woman, living on baby food and special breads. I refused any medication. My desire to receive divine healing increased while I was teaching on the subject.

In February, I became bedridden. The pain and sickness seemed to be bringing me to my end. I continued to hold on in faith to the Lord while the people of my congregation earnestly prayed for me. Last September, I wrote to Portland requesting an anointed handkerchief. Then I prayed, “Lord, not my will but Thine be done.” I rejoiced with tears when the anointed prayer cloth arrived from Portland.

In October, 1980, I ate my dinner, and to my surprise, I felt no pain. I do not know when the healing took place, but I know I have never felt any after-meal distress since that time. I appreciate all the prayers that were prayed for me, and thank God for His healing blessings. God has given me new strength to go on with my labors for Him.