I grew up Catholic so I had an idea of God and Jesus and at times would pray but no relationship.

When I was 18 I hurt my back and started going to a chiro where I lived.

At 27 I moved to the shore and couldn't find a chiro for over a year. I was teaching gymnastics in Livingston and commuted there 6 days a week.

In June of 96 I was laying in bed thinking. I said to God, "God, I have everything I ever wanted... a great job, money, a home at the beach, great friends, but I feel like I am missing something, would you show me what I am missing?"

Within a week my back started to hurt me again. The hurting continued for 1 year until I was unable to sit, lay down or stand for any period of time. I finally went to an orthopedic and got an MRI.

A week later my good friend introduced me to a guy and we hit it off and started dating. The following day I went back to the orthopedic for my results. This is what I was told:

You have blah blah blah wrong with you back this is what you need to do...

- Quit your job today because if not your disc will snap

- Go into the hospital for 30 days for traction

- Have two discs removed and a rod put in your back

- You can never teach gymnastics again

- If you don't do all of this, by the time you are 35 you will be in a wheelchair

- You will never be able to carry a baby full term

BUT, if you decide against all this, you need someone to take care of you and do everything for you because you will not be able to

Great news huh? :)

I did quit my job on the spot and it was gut wrenching. However, I didn't do anything else.

The man I started dating wound up taking care of me for the next 8 months. During that time he shared Jesus with me and we read the bible together, and I finally accepted Jesus three months into our relationship.

God provided for all my financial needs when I had nothing and could do nothing.

God had to take me off my feet and bring me to a complete stop in order for me to see Him and receive Him.

About 8 months later I met Dr. Pete. He put me back together like Humpty Dumpty (he has the gift of healing :)

On my 35th birthday I was doing back flips on my friend's trampoline.

I went on to teach gymnastics for another 7 years, and working for my church before I became the missions coordinator for SOFM.

God is good and He answers prayers His way!