At the end of June 2009, while IRSM Board President, Katie Forbess, and her family were serving as missionaries in Cochabamba, Bolivia, a group of teens and four adults were on their way to a Spirit-filled weekend at church camp. Along the way, the driver lost control and the bus rolled about 100 meters down the side of the mountain.
News was scarce at the beginning and the church was in shock as they learned that three people had died in the accident and others were in critical condition. But they didn’t know any names and rumors were rampant.
The mother of a missionary coworker, Sharla Marcum, called Katie to find out how her son was doing or to see if she had any news. At that point, they didn’t know specifically whether or not her son, missionary Josh Marcum, had survived the accident.
A short way into their phone conversation, Sharla, without preamble or asking permission, began to pray over Katie.
Katie recalls, “Her words impacted me. She had called in the hopes of receiving good news and comfort, but instead used her words to comfort and empower me. She empowered me to pray over others who were processing this incident in the days and months that followed. And she inspired me to never hesitate to pray over someone – in a moment of crisis or joy, trial or triumph.”
Thank you, Sharla Marcum, for empowering Katie through your prayer that memorable day.
And now, Katie and I invite you to take the initiative and pray over someone today. Not only will you give them a tangible reminder that they are being lifted before the Father, but you will also inspire them with the empowering nature of prayer.
(Sharla’s son, Josh Marcum, did survive the bus accident. Three young ladies, Belen, Diana, and Ariana passed away in the accident.)