HEALED BY PRAYER

Evening Star, Issue 23146, 21 December 1938, Page 9

HEALED BY PRAYER

EX-DUNEDIN GIRL'S EXPERIENCE In these days when the world is apparently given over; largely to materialism it is rather refreshing to have brought directly under notice even oua case in which faith ini the Divine Power has been so absolute as to bring about what would commonly be regarded as a miracle of healing. Such a ease, however, has been authenticated by the testimony not only of the primarily concerned, but that of others! who are resident in Dunedin. A young woman, Miss Norma. Ritchie, of Timaru, but formerly ofi Dunedin, had for two years been a; chronic invalid with spinal meningitis.; which had left her partially paralysed and unable to do more than practically crawl a few steps about the room, supporting herself as best she could. Her nerves wore in a frightful condition, and as she had been discharged from more than one public hospital and From the Ha inner institution as incurable and given up by 12 doctors, there wan every justification for her regarding her case as hopeless. But Miss Ritchie declares that she had never so regarded her condition. Throughout the two years of pain and suffering she held steadfastly to the belief that, sooner or later, the power; of prayer would bring about a cure.; Not only did she engage in prayer herself, but many of her friends and . fellow Bible students also put forth their regular petitions to. God. One afternoon about four months ago as she sat before a big fire in her room in Timaru, Miss Ritchie heard a voice saving, “ Get up, my servant. You are free. Walk.” This was repeated Inrea times, and then, she declares, a wonderful sense of power and strength! came over her. She rose and walked out into the street. There she met a girl friend who had known that Miss Ritchie was incapable of walking. This girl was, naturally, startled and asked, “ What has happened?” to which Miss Ritchie replied, “ Something wonderful.” That afternoon this young woman, who a few hours before was incapable of taking three steady steps, walked two miles without the si iarh test 1 trouble, and since then she has walked, ridden a bicycle, taken a position in order to earn her own living, and is to all appearances a normal, healthy person of bright disposition. Yesterday she walked briskly up four flights of steps ' at the ‘ Star ’ Office to tell a reporter of her experience and to express her firm conviction that prayer was “ tho strongest thing in the world.”* Throughout her long trial, Miss Ritchie told the reporter, she, while greatly appreciating the care and attention of the many doctors who had attended her, frequently told them that “ there was a greater Healer than they could ever be.” And there seems abundant evidence in Miss Ritchie’s present condition that her faith has been fully justified. '