Jeffrey Heindel, Brogue, PA

On July 13, 2013, I went to pick up a cake for our church’s Vacation Bible School. I asked my wife, Roxana, to go along because it was her birthday. We pulled out of our driveway and made the 30-mile round-trip.

I realized later that sometime during the trip my short-term memory had disappeared. I didn’t remember driving or any other details about the trip to the store. In fact, I couldn’t remember anything.

Roxana took me to the emergency room. After a series of tests, doctors discovered that I had a brain tumor. Four days later, surgeons removed the tumor and my short-term memory reappeared.

It wasn’t until that October that Roxana and I joined Christian Healthcare Ministries, so we knew my brain tumor would be considered pre-existing. My bills incurred prior to joining couldn’t be shared, but any future bills from my illness would be possible candidates for the Prayer Page.

Radiation later became a necessity in my battle against cancer. We are so grateful that CHM was there to help financially through the Prayer Page. Otherwise, I likely would have been denied treatment, giving me one year to live (according to my radiologist).

As soon as my name appeared on the Prayer Page, I began receiving checks from CHM comprised of donations made by fellow members. It was a manifestation of the biblical principle of praying for one another and carrying each other’s burdens.

The checks continued to arrive in my mailbox each month. CHM members shared $51,364 of my medical bills! The CHM family has exceeded all of our expectations.

Patience and trust were certainly lessons God taught me. Surgery and medication caused some depression, but the encouraging cards I received from my CHM brothers and sisters proved to be like the Bible story of Aaron and Hur. Just as they held up Moses’ arms and gave the Israelite army an advantage to victory, the prayers and cards I received gave me encouragement, words of peace, hope and love.

In the shadow of death, God gave peace and joy. My grandchildren, too, were a blessing because their questions gave me opportunities to share about the goodness of the Lord in times of trouble.

On October 24, 2014, I was told that my tumor was no longer a threat. I’ve been given a clean bill of health. To God be the glory!

My CHM family is a major part in my recovery and the life I am now enjoying.
I tell many people about the ministry. I tell them about the cards, the Prayer Page and everything I know about CHM. It’s just a small token of the gratitude I have for my CHM family.

Without CHM's help, I would either be gone from this earth or I’d have overwhelming medical debt. Thank you to all at Christian Healthcare Ministries.