Elena found our church through a surprising set of twists and turns. We hope this Q&A will encourage you as you consider which ministry might spark your interest at The Falls Church Anglican and pray about God’s leading.
How did you first come to The Falls Church Anglican?
My introduction to The Falls Church Anglican (TFCA) community began about two years ago with the introduction to the Healing + Prayer Ministry. The path to my first Wednesday night healing prayer class was an intricate pathway with a sequence of seemingly surprising “coincidences,” which I deeply know were beautifully orchestrated by the Lord. I still remember the first class, Chuck Cook teaching... I just couldn’t get over the feeling of welcome, freedom and belonging. I knew right away that I would be coming back to this class. The next several months were full of insightful teaching and the Holy Spirit profoundly working in my life. I found a loving, supporting, caring and like-minded community.
Tell us a little more about the surprising “coincidences.”
A few years ago when I moved to Washington, D.C., an acquaintance shared with me a couple of teachings from Judith MacNutt’s healing prayer ministry in Jacksonville, Florida. A bit later, I was searching for a meaningful cause and recall a close friend challenged me to look inside my heart and try to think what sparks my interest. I immediately remembered Judith MacNutt’s teaching. We spent an evening reading about the ministry and the next morning, which was Sunday, we went to my friend’s church in South Carolina. As we struck up a conversation with a gentleman sitting next to us, we were a bit surprised to learn that he had been on staff with MacNutt’s ministry in Jacksonville, Florida. I knew it was not a simple coincidence and I signed up for one of the upcoming conferences in Jacksonville. At the conference, I “accidentally” met someone with roots in Northern Virginia and TFCA’s healing prayer ministry. It was highly recommended to me to sign up for the Wednesday night healing prayer class. At the airport on my way to D.C., I “accidentally” met yet another person from TFCA, and the following Wednesday night I was in class.
How did God continue to lead you?
Often surprising for a large community, I felt noticed and known from the very beginning. I clearly remember the warm and cheerful welcome by Erin O’Keefe, when I was surprised and even puzzled that someone knew me by name. There is profound beauty and healing in how connected, caring and giving this church community is. The Lord’s gentle leading and tender invitation to become a part of this beautiful community continued by joining the Healing + Prayer Ministry, by worshiping on Sundays, by sharing joys, challenges and celebrating special occasions with newly acquired friends. I would be at fault to not recognize the Lord’s divine hand and leading so tangibly present in my life. Recently, I made a decision to become an official member of our community and was confirmed earlier this year in May. Looking back, I can full-heartedly say that finding a loving, caring and life-giving church family couldn’t have happened without the divine intervention of the Lord. I know that the Lord is faithful beyond measure and I am eagerly awaiting as He unveils what lies ahead.
How have you grown through the Healing Prayer Ministry?
Being a part of the Healing + Prayer Ministry has been a blessing beyond measure. First, intimidated by the task at hand, you soon realize that you are offering yourself to the Lord as a vessel to be used in His magnificent work far beyond your ability to comprehend. It is a privilege and life-giving blessing to be a part of this ministry and community. I couldn’t agree more with the profound words of the statement that “you don’t find life by acquiring, you find your life by giving it away."
You're invited into community • Interested in joining our prayer ministry? Visit www.tfcanglican.org/healing-and-prayer.