by Sarah Currer, as told on the Story Partners Podcast
Theologically, I knew Jesus heals, but I had never witnessed it with my own eyes before.
A Miracle in Cambodia
Ten years ago, I found myself in Cambodia working with a mission organization. During our stay, we connected with full-time missionaries who operated a makeshift hospital—a humble refuge for those suffering from severe illness or injury.
One afternoon, a missionary pulled our team aside to share a story about a little boy named Wade.
Wade was only eight years old, but his body was failing him. He suffered from a condition that left his legs completely devoid of muscle tone. When I reached out to touch his shoulder, I could feel how tight and stiff his muscles were; he was locked in his own body, unable to walk, play, or simply be a child.
The missionary looked at us and asked, “Would your team be able to come pray for him? I feel strongly led that we need to pray for his healing.”
We gathered around Wade, laid our hands on him, and asked God for a miracle. We prayed that he would walk again, that he would be able to play like any other eight-year-old boy. In the moment, nothing “crazy” happened. There were no flashes of light or immediate transformations. We sat with him for a while, talked, and eventually said our goodbyes.
One Day in the Market
About a week later, I was navigating a local market when that same missionary flagged me down, shouting my name through the crowd.
“Sarah! Sarah! I’ve been trying to get in touch with you!” He was breathless. “The day after you guys prayed, I woke up and looked out my window. There was Wade running with his friends, playing soccer, and riding a bike.”
My first thought was a mix of shock and awe: Oh my gosh, it worked. Theologically, I knew Jesus heals. I knew the stories in the Bible, and I believed it happened in the modern day, but I had never witnessed it with my own eyes. Seeing the fruit of that prayer blew me away. It changed me. I felt like I had finally seen a tangible piece of God’s Kingdom on Earth.
Why Wade?
I know for a fact there was nothing “special” about us. We didn’t use magic words, and if I’m being honest, I don’t think I was more full of faith that day than I am any other time I pray for someone.
Wade was healed because God chose to heal him that day. It was entirely the power of the Holy Spirit; He simply chose to use us because we were there.
Since that day, I’ve prayed for countless people. If I’m being honest, most haven’t been healed in that same dramatic way. But that’s okay. As disciples of Jesus, we are called to pray for the sick regardless of the immediate outcome.
When I think back to Wade, it stirs something in me. It makes me want to pray more, hope more, and seek more of God’s Kingdom here on Earth.
