ZINIA O TIXEIRA, MUMBAI
“DO NOT REMEMBER THE FORMER THINGS… I AM ABOUT TO DO A NEW THING…” (IS 43:18,19).
Iam a retired Central Government employee. This year marks my twelfth retreat and each one has been a divine appointment. My husband and I have made it a tradition, returning year after year, and every time, we have experienced God’s presence in powerful, personal ways. But this retreat was unlike any other. For the past five years, I battled a debilitating backache. Bending was impossible without a support belt, and even then, pain was my constant companion. I had grown used to the limitations, but deep down, I longed for healing. Then came the moment of grace; after confession, father invited us to bend in prayer. I hesitated but something stirred within me. I stepped out in faith, removed my belt, and bent forward. To my astonishment, I touched my toes. No pain, no belt; just freedom! It was the first time in years I could move without agony. I believe this healing began with obedience responding to God’s call and was completed by His grace flowing through this retreat. God has done a new thing in me. And I give Him all the glory! “I WILL PRAISE THE NAME OF GOD WITH A SONG; I WILL MAGNIFY HIM WITH THANKSGIVING” (PS 69:30)
LEENA DSOUZA, CALIFORNIA, USA
“HE SENT OUT HIS WORD AND HEALED THEM, AND DELIVERED THEM FROM THEIR DESTRUCTION” (PS 107:20).
Iam a teacher by profession, married and settled in the United States for the past four years. My spiritual journey has been deeply intertwined with the Divine Retreat Centre, where I have been attending retreats since 1995. Each visit has been a milestone, drawing me closer to the Lord and strengthening my faith. My last retreat before this one in 2025 was in May 2018, and I had longed to return for another encounter with His grace. For the past two years, I had been suffering from severe osteoarthritis, especially in my knees. The pain grew so intense that I had to receive knee injections in the U.S. just to find temporary relief. Hoping for further improvement, I travelled to India and underwent Ayurvedic treatment along with my ongoing medication. Yet, the pain persisted particularly in my right knee, which ached excessively and restricted my mobility. During the Physical Healing Adoration at this retreat, something miraculous happened. As I sat in the presence of Jesus, my name was called out by the priest. In that sacred moment, I felt the Lord’s touch. I was able to kneel down without pain, something I had not been able to do for a long time. To my amazement, I realized that the pain had completely disappeared. Even my right knee, which had been the source of constant suffering, was totally healed. This healing was not just physical but also spiritual. It reaffirmed my faith in the living presence of Jesus and His boundless mercy. I stand today as a witness to His power, grateful for the gift of healing and renewed strength in my journey with the Lord. “BEHOLD, I WILL I WILL HEAL THEM AND REVEAL TO THEM ABUNDANCE OF PROSPERITY AND SECURITY” (JER 33:6).