Dear Joshua,

Several years ago in the fall, our son entered law school. About two months later, he called to say that he was having trouble sleeping and did not feel well. He had always been a good student and a very healthy young man, so we encouraged him to get some rest and go to class.

Over the next several weeks, the situation deteriorated dramatically. After a disturbing phone call, my husband made an emergency trip to visit our son. Our son's condition was much more serious that we had imagined. Within two weeks, we moved him home. He was unable to walk from the car to our living room without assistance.

Three months, five doctors, dozens of tests and thousands of dollars later, we still didn't know what was wrong. He prayed every day, “God, cure me or kill me because I cannot live like this.” We were all suffering. As hard as it was, I finally prayed the way my son did.

It was six months before a doctor diagnosed him with Crohn's disease. The diagnosis seemed devastating at the time, but it was actually the first of many blessings.

Later that same week, a young woman in my Bible study asked why I was crying. When I told her my son had been diagnosed with Crohn's, she shared that her father had died of Crohn's when he was 31 years old. Seeing how her story upset me even more, she thoughtfully added that things would be different for our son because he had parents who would help him.

We had been devastated by the long-term prognosis and were very concerned about the seemingly inevitable progression through powerful, dangerous drugs and surgeries. That young woman's comment jarred me into action.

I started searching on the internet for answers to how we could cope with this problem. I found your website that reminded me of the answer that I already knew – God is sovereign over everything! Inspirit News spoke to my heart in a profound and powerful way. I could imagine some of the emotions and turmoil that your parents must have struggled through as their small son fought for his life. Joshua, your story encouraged me and I decided to continue looking for answers and to have faith that God would provide.

Eventually, I found a diet with advocates who claimed it would heal Crohn's disease. The diet sounded too good to be true. It was simple and wholesome. All the information was right there on the website. My husband and I decided there could be no harm in trying it, although he warned me against pressuring our son. When I asked our son, he said he'd try it!

God's hand was on us as we struggled to begin the diet.. My husband and I decided to follow the diet and eat exactly what our son ate as a measure of support for him.

After following the diet for a couple of weeks, there was no question that our son's health was headed in the right direction. Over the next few months, as his symptoms abated, our son weaned himself off prescription medications. By the one-year mark, he was symptom-free and thriving. His doctor assured him that this was only a temporary remission. Of course the doctor was wrong and today he is healed, symptom-free, taking no medications and living a full life.

A pleasant surprise was the impact of the diet on the health of my husband and I. We both lost weight and came off prescription medications for hypertension, high cholesterol and inflammation. We are in better health now than we were ten years ago.

Scripture says “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) Through His mercy and kindness, He delivered us from a heartbreaking and seemingly hopeless situation with our son to restoring his health, improving our health and giving us the opportunity to share our testimony.

Joshua, we are certain that your moving story and constant faithfulness to the Lord have helped countless others just as it helped us. We are thankful that the Lord led me to Inspirit News and pray that others will find encouragement there as they meet their own challenges.

May God bless you richly!
Jamie