Not long ago, on what I thought would be a quiet day off, I received a call that would change everything—and deepen my faith in God’s power to perform miracles.

The voice on the other end was urgent:

“Pastor, can you come to Hillcrest Hospital? One of our dear sisters is on a ventilator, and it doesn’t look good.”

My wife and I stopped everything and began to pray. Strangely, I felt led to pray not just for healing, but for boldness—boldness to walk into that hospital room and believe God for the impossible. Without hearing my prayer, my wife began asking God for the same thing. That confirmation stirred my spirit.

I got in my truck and drove to Hillcrest. As I entered the hospital, I heard a voice cry out, “Pastor Mike! Pastor Mike! I’m over here!” It was Sister Gina. She ran into my arms, weeping.

As I comforted her, I noticed a doctor nearby. His expression was heavy—resigned, almost hopeless. He bowed his head without saying a word. Gina led me down the hall, and when we turned into her mother’s room, three doctors stood around the bed, clipboards in hand. Her mother lay unconscious, surrounded by tubes, sustained by life support.

But in that moment, the boldness we had prayed for rose up within me. I lifted my hand and prayed aloud over her with authority and faith, trusting God completely. When I finished, I leaned down and whispered, “Do you believe the words I just prayed?”

To my amazement, her mother—who had not responded to anyone—opened her eyes, turned her head, and nodded yes.

I stumbled back in shock. One of the doctors, wide-eyed, muttered, “Well… that’s a good sign.” Gina collapsed in tears beside her mother, crying out, “Mama! Mama!”

The medical team quickly ushered us out. Emotions were overwhelming. In the waiting area, surrounded by family, we prayed again—this time asking God for a complete miracle.

Later, I found Gina in a nearby office, on the floor, crying out, “Lord, we need a miracle!” I lifted her into a chair and encouraged her, “Gina, I have to leave now, but call me if anything changes.”

At 2:00 a.m., my phone rang. Half asleep, I hesitated, but my wife urged me, “Pick it up.” On the line was Gina, screaming.

“Gina, slow down,” I said. “Breathe. What’s happening?”

And then came the words: “Pastor Mike… my mom is up… sitting in bed… eating pudding!”

Tears streamed down my face as my wife and I fell to our knees in worship. We praised God for hours that morning, overwhelmed by His goodness and power.

In the days that followed, I wondered—was this miracle for me? For Gina? For her family? For the doctors and nurses who witnessed it?

Then I realized—it was for all of us. A reminder to believe, to never forget, and to proclaim that our God is still powerful, still loving, and still working miracles today.

To God be the glory!

“I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel…”

— Philippians 1:12

Pastor Michael Howard