Denton: Praying for Hope

The first free lunch we offered students this semester at the Texas Woman’s University Baptist Student Ministry was a hit.

Sharel Kaye GaskeyAs students flooded in to get some of our special nachos made from our director’s mother’s secret recipe, one student stood out. She was sitting by herself, filling out her “all about me” card, when Brittany—our student leader—came up to her and asked, “How are you doing?”

She broke down and started crying.

“Can I pray for you?” Brittany asked.

The young woman said “yes.” To get away from the noise and find somewhere private, she came to my office asked me if I would pray with them. We headed to the prayer room and sat down. I asked, “What is going on and how can I pray for you?” 

Flowing tears

She started to cry again. With tears flowing down her face, she explained she might have cancer. She was awaiting the results and was scared she was dying. She is a freshman in college, only 18 years old, away from home. Her mom just moved back to be with her through all the doctor visits and the testing she is undergoing.

As I listened to her story, I started to pray. I asked God to speak through me in ways to give her hope. 

I then realized, I never asked her name. 

‘My name is Hope’

“My name is Hope,” she said.

There it was: Hope.

I told her I have seen God heal in so many ways, and I know the Lord is able. She allowed us to lay our hands on her, and I prayed. I don’t remember all that was said, but I believe God is the healer and he is able. I have hope that Hope will be healed. I hope she will see that our only hope is Jesus Christ.

Sharel Kaye Gaskey is serving as a campus missionary intern at Texas Woman’s University in Denton through Go Now Missions.