NICK KLINKENBERG

At age thirteen I developed anorexia and bulimia. My parents realised that I wasn’t eating, and they got medical advice, but I was unable to be helped in any way medically. That was when I realised that I had to eat. Although I realised that I had to eat, my stomach could not handle it and I would have to go to the bathroom and vomit it all back up again. At the age of twenty, after having this for seven years, I vividly remember thinking and wondering how my health could possibly last, and if I was ever going to be free of this terrible condition. I had sore kidneys, constant stomach pains, headaches, mood swings, acne around my mouth, sores on my hands, and chronic tooth grinding. Because of the bulimia, the acid from my stomach affected my teeth and they started to rot. I had to have some teeth removed. I tried to stop myself from getting sick but the feeling of having a full stomach was more than I could handle. I needed more than will-power.

Then, when I was aged twenty-two, Weston Carryer came to our church. I remember praying that God would not reveal to him my symptoms because I knew that the media makes jokes of eating disorders. I was scared of being judged if anyone found out. I had tried so hard to disguise my condition from everyone. Then Weston called out internal problems. Well, that was good enough for me. I was up like a flash and as soon as he started praying I was on the floor. I felt heat go down my throat, lungs, stomach and into my back. I was miraculously healed instantly: physically, mentally, emotionally, and of the horror of the memory of continually vomiting. The Lord also took away the terrible shame that I always experienced. It was amazing. I never thought once more about being sick or not being able to eat normally. Eating just comes naturally now. I am living a healthy and normal life. Lord Jesus, I want to thank You so much.

—Kera-Leigh Johnson