Tim Marshall, Indianapolis, IN (formarly of Pasadena, TX)

Our family joined CHM in January 2014 and, with what happened soon after, we’re so very thankful for that decision.

We served as pastors in Indiana for nearly 10 years when, six years ago, we felt the Lord calling us to become full-time evangelists. As a result, our family travels extensively.

Due to the requirements of the new health care legislation, we looked for a different way to care for our family’s needs. After extensive research and speaking with several staff members at Christian Healthcare Ministries, we felt this was the best choice.

In February we were in the final stages of preparing for an April missions trip to the Philippines. We planned to speak at churches and a youth camp in a city called Baguio.

My wife, Melanie, hadn’t seen a doctor in six years. She made an appointment in Houston where we were ministering at the time. The doctor discovered Melanie had never had a mammogram. She sent her for one that day. Three days later, we were told that something looked abnormal.

Another biopsy and MRI confirmed that Melanie had invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC).

Cancer.

Her tumor was nine millimeters in size and she needed surgery quickly.

There is no way to describe the feelings of panic, fear, desperation and uncertainty. While I prayed, the Lord spoke very clearly to me: “I have it under control and everything will be okay.”

I’m human and I had moments of distress. Through our ministry we’d witnessed many miracles and healings across the United States and overseas. God healed people we prayed for who suffered from cancer, seizures and other medical issues. This was different. Now we were faced with our own need, so we prayed continually for my wife’s healing.

Surgery was scheduled for March 5. “Expect the cancer to be in the left breast and perhaps the lymph nodes as well,” doctors told us. We prayed for complete healing.

The doctor approached me after the surgery. “We removed the cancer on her right side. The tumor is now only 0.7 millimeters. There’s no other cancer in the lymph nodes or anywhere else.”

I was overjoyed at the tumor’s reduced size! God has always been faithful.

Many people have asked why God didn’t remove the cancer completely. My answer is this: “Yes, He could have, but He gets more glory from this.” At first, the doctor suggested that my wife undergo chemotherapy, but she’s now receiving radiation treatment and is doing wonderfully.

It’s a walk of faith, but we’re taking this walk together and the Lord continues to lead the way.

When I contacted CHM about my wife’s condition, I was asked if she could be placed on the prayer list. I was impressed that someone would be interested enough to take the time to pray for her situation.

I spoke with Wilma in the Member Bill Processing department, who was kind and able to assist us in processing our medical bills. I talked with Lori in the Member Advocate department, who said to let her know if I had any problems with payments to the doctors.

CHM has completely taken care of us during this difficult time. We’re forever grateful, and I tell everyone about this health care option. CHM fulfills biblical principles as the body of Christ bears one another’s burdens.

It has been a blessing not to worry about the medical bills. After $20,125 in discounts, CHM shared $23,514. We don’t know what we would have done if CHM hadn’t been there for us. Our faith has been lifted and we realize more than ever that God is fighting for us.

Thank you, Christian Healthcare Ministries family, for ministering to us during a time of crisis. May God richly bless every one of you.