My healing and restoration

May 11, 2006

By Rita Jo Litherland

During the early part of 2004 I began to exhibit disturbing symptoms. I fell while walking my dog one day. A neighbor called 911. On another occasion I forgot what day of the week it was. I was at church playing the keyboard when I suddenly could not read the music.

My emotions began to shut down. I felt like a zombie and could no longer cry or laugh. Everything was shutting down and I didn’t know why. At home my husband had to take over the cooking, cleaning, laundry and my personal care.

During a visit to the doctor in June, he decided I was facing a medical emergency and my husband drove me to St. Vincent’s Hospital in Indianapolis.

Upon admission, a CAT scan and X-rays revealed a brain tumor about the size of an orange. The tumor was thought to have been growing for years, but had reached a size where it was believed I did not have long to live. I was scheduled for surgery.

The night before my surgery my husband preached at our church. The Lord had given him a message from 2 Chronicles 20. King Jehoshaphat, surrounded by enemies, didn’t know what to do. But he followed the Lord’s instructions and praised God. The Israelites were victorious over their enemies. My husband applied this scenario to our situation, declaring his faith that I would be healed, be back in church playing the keyboard, be able to dance before the Lord, and God would provide for our medical bills.

On June 28 I went through a 10½-hour surgery to remove a benign tumor. The operating room was crowded with observers because the doctors had never removed a tumor that large. The waiting room was filled with family and friends.

After several days in intensive care I was transferred to St. Joseph’s Rehabilitation Center in Kokomo, Ind. After only 18 days of rehab, I was pronounced ready to go home.

The following Tuesday I went to church to practice with the worship team. Soon I was back at the keyboard. During one service we started playing “Look What the Lord Has Done.” I just had to get up and dance for the Lord. I had never done that before, but it felt so good to praise God. Now whenever there is a song that speaks of dancing, I have to get up and praise Him.

Over time, God even restored my tears. What a relief to have my feelings again.

God is our Provider. With the support of Samaritan Ministries, our church family and friends, our medical bills were covered completely in 60 days.

Since 2004, I’ve accomplished some goals. I have my license to preach, I’m writing more songs, poetry and stories the Lord is giving me, and I’m spending time with my family.

Praise the Lord!

Rita Jo Litherland and her husband, J., serve as associate pastors at First Assembly of God in Peru, Ind. (John O. Thomas, pastor.)