After Thomson received four open-heart operations, the doctors had lost all hope of him surviving and they informed his parents that their son would die. During this process, a friend of Thomson's mother explained to her what 'special prayers' really meant and God miraculously healed Thomson, saving him from certain death. Thomson thanks God for this experience and he has made a full recovery.
Struck down by a heart problem
When I was eight years old, our family went on a vacation (27/10/89). But by the second day of the vacation, I was burning with fever. My parents thought it was probably due to the hectic bus journey or a change in weather. Our family doctor treated me, but my condition grew worst. So I was rushed to a hospital in another town (01/11/89). The hospital treated me for malaria, typhoid and several other diseases, but nothing worked. At last it was diagnosed as pyopericardium, which is a bacterial inflammation of the covering of the heart, marked by pus-filled lesions.
It seemed like I was on the road to recovery
Even after treatment I continued to run a fever. I was referred to another hospital in a large city. On admission I was very ill and so I was kept in the Intensive Care Unit (I.C.U.). I was not responding to treatment and the results from tests showed that I needed Open Heart Surgery (11/11/89). The surgery was performed successfully. While I was in the I.C.U., my parents, relatives and friends were very worried and were praying for me. They were praying to all the possible saints including Mary. Because of excessive internal bleeding, I needed more Open Heart Surgery (11/11/89). Everything seemed to be going well and it appeared that I was on the road to recovery.
Four open-heart operations at the age of eight!
However, a few days later, I started running a high fever again. The lab test of pus taken from the lesions had not shown any organisms nor did the blood tests. Over the next few days, my clinical condition deteriorated, despite the use of multiple antibiotics. X-Rays and a CT Scan of the chest showed a pleural effusion. An intercostal drain was put in to drain the fluid. This was very painful as I had a pipe pierced through my stomach to the area around the heart to drain the fluid. However, this did not help either and I continued to deteriorate clinically with my neck veins engorged. A 2-D ECHO showed a collection of fluid around the heart and I was again taken up for more Open Heart Surgery. About 400 cc of purulent collection (fluid) and blood clots were removed. The same night there was a rent in the inferior wall of the right ventricle of my heart from which there was massive bleeding. They had to open me up once again (27/11/89)!
Doctors losing all hope of recovery
This time the doctors had lost all hope. At 4 o'clock in the morning, the doctors informed my parents that they had done all they could do for me. The doctors were now helpless and we could inform the near and dear ones.
Thomson needs 'special prayers'
Throughout the critical period, the surgeon who was performing the operations told my mother that I did not need normal prayers but that I needed 'special prayers'. My parents were in a very bad state of shock. As they were praying, the surgeon sent yet another message that all that I needed was special prayers. In desperation my mother screamed out if anyone could tell us what the surgeon meant by 'special prayers'. A Christian who was visiting us heard my mother's scream while she was at the door of the hospital room. She told my parents about the prayer of commitment to Jesus and on that day they accepted Christ as their personal Savour.
Committing to Christ
Meanwhile, in the Operating Theatre they performed the fourth Open Heart Surgery. As a last resort, they kept me open for a longer time (2 hours) to observe if there was any more bleeding. Finally, when I was moved to the I.C.U, my mother visited me. Since I had come to my senses, I signalled to her with my palms and eyes for her to pray. These were the only parts of my body I could move. My parents had just made a commitment to Christ so they had their hope in Him, sincerely believing that I would recover. My mother told me later that they even stopped crying and that there was peace in her heart.
A full recovery and a full life
That was the end of it. Jesus Christ had now come into my parents' life and into mine! From that day onwards, I started recovering and I have never looked back. My parents had some doubt about my ability to study due to the impact of the sickness, but PRAISE GOD, He has given me a complete new life and I am able to do everything without any constraints. Right now I am in my third year of Electronics Engineering.
With His strength we overcome
GOD is in control as He definitely allowed his illness into my life but in HIS PROVIDENCE He provided good doctors and the necessary funds. I was transfused with 23 bottles of blood during the course of my illness. When the call was given for blood donations, 40 people from my mother's office and relatives responded. The hospital accepted 25 bottles. The incident has brought a great change in our lives because through it we came to know our Lord and Savour, Jesus Christ. We still have problems but with HIS strength we are able to overcome.
God's ways are higher than ours
How amazing are the ways of GOD! In HIS plan, at HIS own time, HE draws us closer to HIM.
God tells us;
"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:9). This is how GOD drew me closer to HIM.
May you see God's miracles and healing in your own life!
Thomson
Medical Doctors Speak
A number of Australian medical doctors go on the record to talk positively about divine healing in the name of Jesus Christ. (external link)
