The Prayers of the Saints Lead to Healing

December 2025

GFA congregations throughout Africa and Asia, like the one pictured here, often gather to pray and fast for the sick.

At just 23 years old, Paolo received a devastating medical diagnosis: A cancerous tumor had developed in his cheek. Though Paolo came from a lower-class family with limited opportunities, his parents had great hope for him and his future, so much so that they’d named him after one of the most successful celebrities in their country. But Paolo’s cancer diagnosis shattered the family’s optimism for his future. Now, Paolo must find treatment … and fast.

While Paolo’s parents and wife were reeling from this terrible news, Paolo’s uncle’s family was experiencing God’s mighty breakthrough. Paolo’s cousin, Manta, had long suffered from a leg problem. But then GFA pastor Mazzi visited the family and prayed for her. To the family’s astonishment, God answered Pastor Mazzi’s prayers and completely healed Manta! Elated at her own healing, Manta believed that God could also heal Paolo, so she asked Pastor Mazzi to pray for him.

When Cancer Meets Prayer

After hearing about Paolo’s dire situation, Pastor Mazzi met with Paolo and began to fervently pray for the young man. Moved by Pastor Mazzi’s deep compassion, Paolo began attending church. For the next eight months, Pastor Mazzi, along with his entire congregation, prayed and fasted for Paolo’s healing. After months of faithful petitions, God answered their prayers by completely healing Paolo!

all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose

With hearts full of gratitude, Paolo and his wife embraced God’s love. Truly, “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). God redeemed Paolo and his wife’s suffering by using it to lead them to the cross. In their most desperate hour, they encountered the Body of Christ, who readily embraced them and lifted them in tenacious prayers. This couple, who had been searching for physical healing, found much more than they could have ever imagined: the Living God who heals both physically and spiritually.

With uncontainable joy, Paolo and his wife now share their story with everyone they meet, telling others how God answered their prayers and transformed their lives. Nonbelievers who hear their story react with amazement, while the Body of Christ who journeyed alongside them are strengthened in their faith. Although Paolo did not end up becoming a well-known celebrity in his nation, his testimony continues to inspire many in his village.

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*Names of people and places may have been changed for privacy and security reasons. Images are GFA stock photos used for representation purposes and are not the actual person/location, unless otherwise noted.

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