Member learns the power of prayer, CHM shares bills for entire family, Benjamin Gilmore, Highland, KS

If there was a contest for how many medical incidents could be submitted to CHM in the shortest time period, my family might win.

I had just changed careers and my wife, Brittani, and I were researching our healthcare options. Most options wouldn’t allow us to see our preferred healthcare provider.

Thankfully, my cousin gave me a CHM information packet and I studied it cover to cover. After reading about the ministry it was clear that it was a no-brainer to join CHM. We joined in Jan. 2017.

In March 2018, Brittani gave birth to our third daughter, Bradie. The time was both joyful and challenging: just 12 days later my oldest daughter, Kayler, had a tonsillectomy. At the same time I started experiencing a high fever and sore throat.

When I first went to the doctor I was diagnosed with strep throat and prescribed an antibiotic. However, my symptoms persisted and I developed a sharp pain in my back. After additional testing the possibility of pneumonia was ruled out and I was referred to a hematologist-oncologist.

Strangely, I wasn’t nervous at the prospect of having cancer. I firmly believe in the power of prayer. Because our friends, family and church covered us in prayer I experienced a sense of peace that was beyond understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Praise God—the tests came back negative for cancer. Instead, the doctors discovered that I had an abscess in my right lung.

After being hospitalized for a couple of weeks, they determined the best treatment for the abscess was through a PICC line (venous catheter) inserted through my right arm.

When they saw I was listed as a self-pay patient they were hesitant to move forward with the treatment.

I decided to call CHM to see if the expense of a PICC line expense would be eligible for sharing. I was very encouraged by the kind representative who informed me that I didn’t need to worry. After explaining CHM’s program and Guidelines to the hospital and doctors, we moved forward with the procedure.

I was so grateful for the exceptional care I received from the hospital and for the calming, reassuring tone of each CHM staff member when I spoke with them in the following weeks. When the bills started to arrive we were able to submit them and the CHM paperwork online through the Member Portal. The whole process was very straightforward and easy. (Editor’s note: The Member Portal is available at portal.chministries.org.)

Being a CHM member made it possible for me to focus on the treatment my family and I needed. We weren’t overwhelmed by all the bills even though we had so many medical occurrences within a matter of weeks.

Now that I have fully recovered, I’m so thankful for the ways God opened my eyes to the power of prayer—through gathering together with our church family (as described in Matthew 18:20) and through the prayers of our brothers and sisters in Christ across the country. We felt an incredible peace during a time when anxiety could have overwhelmed us.

During those two months we experienced God’s provision and care in a new way as CHM members shared over $129,000 for our family’s three medical incidents, including nearly $112,000 for my lung treatment.

I can’t thank my fellow CHM members enough for supporting my whole family and being the answer to our prayers!