Stories: Zoe
What is it about a child and their ability to bring us joy? When they laugh, it becomes contagious and we find ourselves laughing as well. Their curiosity is intriguing and their endearing innocence often takes us to a place of reflection. What is it about a child that makes us want to be a better person? Is it their playful, energetic, loving, and affectionate nature which makes us feel loved, valued, and appreciated?
What happens when the child is sick? You fall to your knees and beg God to heal them. But what happens when God has not yet moved this particular request?
A couple of months ago, I had the honor to meet a member of Tallowood Baptist Church named Yao Chen who told me about a 24-hour prayer commitment she cultivated.
During a short Zoom call, I learned of a girl named Zoe. My phone vibrated with a few portraits of a beautiful teenage girl who recently celebrated her fifteenth birthday. This was not a normal birthday though, in fact, her birthday was celebrated under the supervision of doctors, nurses, and a critical care unit.
Last June, Zoe was diagnosed with what the doctors said was “stage IV brain cancer” and found no resolution or cure for her future.
One of the first recommendations from the doctors was to organize a trip to Disneyland so Zoe could enjoy the last of her days while working up orders for Hospice care. After an immediate decline, Zoe expressed she wanted to return to school, not want to travel. The doctors shared their concern right in the hospital room, “If there is no miracle, we have to accept Zoe’s fate.”
On July 21, Yao felt a tug on her heart. She was introduced to Zoe because she met Mandy, Zoe’s mother who was from a neighboring Chinese Baptist Church. Though they did not know one another, Mandy asked Yao to lunch and let her know of Zoe’s condition.
It was during this time when God began working on Yao’s heart and He spoke, “You know you how to love people. You are my vessel. I will pour my love into you. Like Moses, Yao’s response was, “God, I don’t know how to pray or speak.”
It was then she realized Zoe needed prayer like her life depended on it.
Immediately, Yao organized a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week prayer, for twenty days straight. She then sent the request to a group of 90 people called, “Prayer for Zoe.” She sent it to both non-Christians as well as those faithfully dedicated to Christ.
During Zoe’s most critical moments, the intercessory revival began for Zoe to wake up. For 24 hours, prayer without ceasing commenced.
The next morning, not 24 hours later, Zoe woke up.
Upon arrival at the hospital, knowing Zoe was on her way out of the ICU, she came out and held Yao’s hand. With tear-filled eyes, Yao knew this was from the Holy Spirit because she realized, God wanted Yao to love them, especially because they were strangers.
To Yao’s surprise, she realized she was escorted onto her first mission. And as God orchestrated her to do, Yao went out, carried all the love He gave her, and delivered the Good news. Yao shared how this intercessory event changed her life so dramatically because she confessed she didn’t even love herself, but God had other plans. Over time, Yao along with many others began arranging baskets with gift cards, colorful pens, and all things girl! Upon request, there is now, “Zoe’s Garden” which is full of beautiful flowers and bountiful plants for all, especially Zoe to see.
Through the effort, more and more miracles unfolded and even more, people prayed. This intercessory prayer group is now nationwide. Intercessors are in Houston, China, and Nigeria. Miracles happened in front of doctors, in Connect Groups across the country as well as in churches all over the nation. People have made the decision to be baptized and show signs of feeling the urgency to become children of God.
We witnessed God not only changing Zoe’s life but God is firing up everyone involved. This new prayer life is saving one life at a time. This journey is teaching people what it looks like to be a disciple. People are beginning to realize we are not just talking about it, but it is time to do it.
After interviewing her, she closed the conversation with one request. “Carolyn, will you please come and pray for Zoe?”
A month had flown by and the urgent prayer email thread was blowing up. I knew I needed to pray for her. It was abundantly clear I would make time that day to go and pray for her. I reached out to Yao and within an hour had Mandy, Zoe’s mother, and her father, ready and awaiting my arrival at Texas Children’s Hospital. Upon arrival, the front desk security officer was giving Zoe’s father issues about my entrance because I did not have my ministerial documents. After some time and many requests, I had 30 minutes to get in and get out.
Zoe’s dad led me down a long hallway full of hot and musty rooms. Each room was occupied with different children, hooked up to monitors beeping, notifying staff of heartbeats hanging onto dear life. Once I enter the room, Mandy’s arms instantly wrapped around me. Because of the time constraint, I immediately asked if I could pray for her daughter Zoe.
This beautiful child of fifteen had not been awake for over 3 1/2 days because of a severe drug reaction. Zoe lay there, unmoved, and a breathing tube rested out of her mouth because of the recently diagnosed lung infection.
I touched her hand, warm, nearly hot over the sheets. I began praying and within about a minute, I felt her hand move. I asked Zoe, “Can you hear me?” She squeezed my hand again. I continued, “Zoe, can you open up your eyes?” Blinking slowly, she opened up her eyes and mouthed, “amen” after the prayers.
Nurses rushed in and began new breathing treatment and they were pleased to witness her awake. After they finished their round, I asked Zoe if she had she had a dog and she nodded “no”. I asked if she had a kitty cat and with a beautiful smile, nodded “yes”.
What a blessing it was to see this beautiful girl in person. Before leaving her bedside I realized Zoe had me giggling and laughing about her love of animals and desire to return to school. Though it was time to go, we shared sweet hugs and tears flowed from each of our eyes.
Wow, what is it about a child? Ah, their child-like faith.
Today I realized, the question is not if God can heal, we know He will heal. God creates miracles every day. The question is, will you join me in prayer? Will you take time out today to pray for Zoe?
Written by Carolyn Soto Jackson