OVERCAME DEATH
Pastor Richard’s life’s journey is a testament to the boundless power and grace of God, both within and around him.
Drawing parallels to Second Corinthians 2:8-10, his path has been marked by challenges on all sides, yet he remains undeterred; occasionally perplexed, but never driven to despair; repeatedly subjected to intense persecution, yet never abandoned; confronted with unprecedented trials meant to defeat him, yet he emerged unbroken, strengthened through God’s grace. He carries within him the essence of the Lord’s sacrifice, a living testament to His life that shines continually through him, bringing glory to God and inspiring believers.
The year 1995 marked a dark period, as his medical prognosis indicated a limited time left for him on this earth. The news was devastating, and the subsequent months saw his health deteriorate dramatically. His body weakened, and my appearance altered drastically; he went as dark as black, his urine turned red like blood, he became so emaciated to the point where his ribs were visible, his hair turned pale, and his eyeballs sank into their sockets, and a painful and unsettling cough took hold of him. With time, this strange cough, which was the initial symptom of this condition, deepened with a decaying fleshy substance oozing out of his mouth as sputum; each time he coughed, it was as though his lungs would burst and as though his heart would fall out of his mouth.
The pain was just unbearable. All the people who used to come around him for prayers without apologies withdrew. Medical professionals offered little hope, predicting a mere year left for him; he was left to die.
Realizing medical science’s limitations, he turned to the Bible for solace and answers. Exodus 15:26 became his anchor, and for six arduous months, he clung to its promise. Despite the persistent and worsening symptoms, especially the fact of my depleting body, which challenged his faith, he knew that God was going to restore his health.
Being convicted of this, he clung to his faith, confessing the scripture and cultivating an unshakable belief in God’s healing power. This was because the more he confessed the Word, the more he became aware and conscious of the certainty of God’s power to heal. Despite his faith, the symptoms of death persisted daily. However, he tightened his grip on Exodus 15:26. As time passed, his faith grew stronger, nourishing his conviction and setting him up for victory.
Months went by with no tangible improvement, the medical team that was in charge of his case gave him no chance; they gave him just a year to survive, yet he unwaveringly held on to his life-support – Exodus 15:26.
Then, one Sunday morning, a seemingly ordinary day transformed into a pivotal moment. Alone in his home, lying on the floor, awaiting God’s visitation. Suddenly, like a sweet breeze, His Word came to him in an audible voice ‘I am the Lord that healeth thee.’
Jesus was present in his living room—to heal his body—fulfilling the scripture in Psalms 107:20, which says:
“He sent forth His Word and heal them and delivered them from all their destructions.”
God miraculously visited him that Sunday showed him mercy, and quickened his dying body.
Pastor Richard’s life journey exemplifies the remarkable power and grace of God, always active within and around him. Through challenges and trials, divine intervention has consistently brought forth healing, strength, and transformation. This is Richard Sylva-Jaja’s testimony, his anthem—Jesus, the Son of the living God, visited and delivered him from the brink of a terminal condition.
This triumphant experience reinforced the fact that God’s healing is present even today. His story is a testament to God’s sovereignty over death. What He did for one, He can do for all.
Pastor Richard believes that as part of the NEW race, the believer stands above the dominion of sickness and is immune to this world’s dark forces and laws; the new man in Christ is the only race that is not subject to the elements of this world.
His healed lungs stand as a testament to this truth.
For those grappling with illness, Jesus heals.
Notwithstanding your situation, He can heal your body. Just trust Him.