Shari Abbiehl 

My husband and I became members of The Vineyard six years ago around Easter. We visited because of my daughter-in-law (Teena) and son Rick who passed away 5 years ago on March 1st. We thank God for leading to us here. 

To continue my story: 

Upon returning from a weeks vacation in Florida visiting with my sister and cousin and doing lots of walking, I started having trouble with pain in my feet and legs. I returned to my job for two weeks trying to tolerate the pain. On a Thursday afternoon, I found it unbearable and dismissed myself and came home. Friday morning around 6:00 am, I called my daughter and asked for transportation to the hospital. The pain in my feet nearly kept me from making it to my car. 

I was admitted on December 21st and placed on pain medications (very heavy ones). 
After spending 9 days there, I was able to function with a walker but still experienced pain. Returned home only to return to the hospital twice in January for another 4-day stay and again for a 3-day stay. Every imaginable test was run only to be released with the statement from the hospital doctor stating "we don't know what is wrong with your feet". Able to function with a wheelchair or walker I returned home. 

Approximately four weeks ago on a Saturday, I attended church service in a wheelchair. Matt Poorman greeted me and asked if I had asked Pastor Steve to prayer over me. We gathered Pastor Steve and a handful of my Vineyard family together. Pastor Steve came to me and asked me how I felt about Jesus and did I believe He was my savior. Of course, my answer was, “I love Jesus”. As he laid his hands on my feet and ankles he asked me to be accepting and tell him if I saw, felt or heard anything. As he prayed, I could feel warmth rise in my feet and ankles and Jesus appeared in the distance for only a moment. My feet and ankles stayed warm that entire evening, as my daughter will even attest to. I returned to church the next week and WALKED up to Pastor and gave him a big hug. Praise Jesus! I am not 100% better but in Jesus time I will be. 

My story doesn't end there. I had been struggling with wanting to retire but wondered how that would be possible now being 8 weeks without a paycheck. My wonderful bosses were holding my job. I met with them and was offered a severance package that allowed me to retire and catch up on my finances. 

By the grace of God, I am now officially retired and back on top of my budget. PRAISE GOD IN JESUS NAME!!!

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