Surprise at the train station

It was an incredible but quite exhausting day. Travelling from early morning I found myself speaking with many different people. I was really looking forward to boarding the night train, which would take me to my final destination. After leaving my taxi I found I could not walk past an older lady who was sitting on the bench right in front of the train station. She looked sad so I sat down next to her. I introduced myself, asked her name and if there was anything she would like me to pray for. Immediately she showed me her right leg. It was inflamed and covered with ulcers. She explained that she had a hospital treatment planned for the next day. I prayed a simple healing prayer and at the same time I noticed a few gypsies gathering around the bench. I didn’t want to get distracted and remained focused on praying for the lady. She became tearful and asked for a hug and kiss.

By then the number of men watching us had increased from three to about eight. (For those who have been in Bratislava, imagine the setting: main train station, midnight, no other people around). They didn’t say a word but just kept staring at us with their mouths open. I have to admit I didn’t feel very secure but I knew I could choose how to react: out of fear or out of love. The Bible says nothing can harm us. Luke 10:19: ‘I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.’  I turned around as one of the men, the spokesman of the group, indicated that he wanted to ask me something. “ Do you have an anointing for healing?" I was as stunned as if he had thrown a bucket of ice-cold water over me. What could a Slovak gypsy know about anointing?

God loves to remind me that things are not always the way they look on the surface!  As we talked the men explained they were returning to eastern Slovakia. After working for the whole week in our capital they were going home to their families. We were on the same train. They shared how as believers they attend a charismatic church. Enthusiastically they told me that when their pastor prays, people are healed and miracles are normal. I asked if they needed prayer and the main spokesman said he suffered with high blood pressure and heart problems. Being a cardiologist, I just had to smile. Suddenly, we were like family, instead of feeling nervous or wary I had eight bodyguards! It was difficult to say goodbye. I felt self-conscious explaining I would not be spending the whole night chatting with them on the train because of my reservation. I got on the train and prayed for a pharmacy student who was travelling with me in the sleeping compartment. Feeling thankful for everything and everyone He had sent my way I quickly fell asleep.