By Sherman & Kay Critser

The light has dawned on Mariam Lougue and she is no longer walking in darkness. A year ago November, this fifteen-year-old girl was rushed in a taxi to the local hospital for emergency surgery. She had peritonitis. After six months and three unsuccessful surgeries, Mariam’s health had deteriorated to the point that her parents had lost hope.

With intentional intervention, Mariam was diagnosed with tuberculosis and given treatment for six months. Within two months, she had gained eighteen pounds and the fissures had begun closing. A year to the month from when it all began, the last fissure sealed itself.

Through all this time, many of you have prayed for Mariam and her mother, who sat in darkness and knew not the light that Jesus Christ brought into the world. Because of your fervent prayers for Mariam’s healing physically and spiritually, she has confessed Jesus Christ as her deliverer and healer. She has begun attending church to learn of this One who has loved her so much as demonstrated by all those who have cared for her during this ordeal.

Let us celebrate with Mariam!

Meeting the physical and spiritual needs of individuals around the globe is just one example of how our Church of God missionaries extend the ministry reach of the local church: “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Act 1:8 niv). The generous gifts from local congregations and caring individuals supporting the collective ministries of the church reach people for Christ, just like Miriam.

To learn more about the ministry of Sherman & Kay Critser, your career missionaries, click here.