This testimony was written by Stacey R. Louiso.

“When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Gets to Praying!”

In late March of 2021 I was informed that the lease on my apartment was not being renewed and they would not provide a reason. I was a solid renter who helped my neighbors. I had less than 30 days to find a place to live. With the onslaught of people moving from the West coast to East Tennessee, not only were rental rates skyrocketing, there were months or even year-long
waiting lists at most complexes and rental homes were going within hours of being placed on the market. I prayed ceaselessly, and had many praying with me, for an answer. A temporary place with my employers was the only option that appeared.

I searched for a place to live across East Tennessee for six months. Six. Months. Either my dog was the issue, I couldn’t afford rentals opening up, or calls were left unreturned. To remain optimistic, I decided perhaps it was time to pursue the dream of buying a small camper and living in it, only to find out that wiring in my SUV’s towing system was shot and expensive to
repair. I had a lot of money saved but fixing that was not in my budget. So, I literally set out to live in a tent with my dog for as long as God saw fit.

For two weeks, I stayed with my mom and helped her pack, and then helped her move. (She lived in a one bedroom apartment in another state). After we finished, I set out to begin life as a nomad and did so with joy. A week after I began this journey, it started to get very cold in mountains at night and the heat source I had bought turned out to be unreliable. Back to praying
I went! The response I received in my spirit from The Father was a surprise: get an Airbnb in a nearby town. Because I don’t like dealing with Airbnb, I prayed on this and received the same word back. I had already made reservations for weeks out on the calendar at a couple of campgrounds but He seemed to insist so I did as instructed.

What God did next, completely blew my mind…

There was no cell service on the mountain so I went into town so my phone would connect to the internet in order to check Airbnb. It had been over 24 hours and the first renter I reached out to did not respond so I had to scramble to find another available room. Rain was moving into the
area and if I was going to vacate the camp site I had to do so that morning. With some searching, I did find another room in nearby and sent a message, then hurriedly drove back up the mountain. If you have ever taken down a tent and packed gear in the rain, you understand why I was in a hurry – it is a huge pain!

And, yes, it started to rain on me but I felt like it was a message from the LORD to reiterate what he had said a few nights prior, ‘trust me’. The SUV and dog were ready to go so we headed to Bristol, Virginia so I could buy dog food and check Airbnb. Thankfully, the renter replied letting me know the room was available, they were fine with my dog, and I could come that evening. Hallelujah!

My happening upon this particular Airbnb profile was not a coincidence, it was all part of The Creator’s greater plan. We all hit it off quickly and I learned within 48 hours why I was placed at their house. Why I was taken off of the road to….wherever He led. This couple’s absolute kindness toward me and my dog as I was coming out of the tent, and the stress of the prior
months, was needed deeply. But the real blessing of this scenario, was not for me.

Susan* asked me right off the bat if I was a Christian. My answer was, “Yes, to the nth. My faith is very deep, my relationship with The Father is everything to me.” She then looked me straight in the eyes and confided how she had been praying for a strong Christian friend and what a blessing it was to have me in their home. Kevin joined us in conversation a bit later. We were
having a conversation about faith and he told me he prays every day. We all chatted for a while then I went to my room. I could see something was not right with Kevin’s health so I started praying for him that night.

Before I went to bed, I was led to login to ApartmentFinder.com, a website I’d been using to try to find housing before nomad life happened. I heard the Holy Spirit as I was led and obedient to change the search cities on my profile to those in the NE Tennessee & SW Virginia. The next
morning, as I checked my email, I noticed a message directly from an apartment manager in the area telling me they had an opening and would accept my dog; then she sent me a second message saying their sister community up the road also had dog-friendly units available.

The next morning, upon arriving to the first community, I found the manager who’d reached out to me – she informed me that the people who were supposed to move out, weren’t. But, she promised me that just up the road were two units. I left and drove to the next community. Yes, the manager assured me they did, the units were vacant, so we walked out to look at them. It was quite a bit above my budget so as I drove away I began praying for divine direction and provision. I got back to the house, went online to fill out the application…and had noting but issues.

That evening as I sat at the dining room table doing some things, Susan came into the kitchen. She asked me how things went at the apartments (we’d chatted that morning on my way out the door) and I told her I was positive I’d get accepted, however, hadn’t heard back yet, but trusted
God to do his will in the matter. She started asking me a slew of questions about my faith and why I trusted Him so much. I told her what I tell everyone: He’s all I have. He has proven his faithfulness to me over and over for years, and that stemmed from my being submissive and obedient to Him first.

She looked at me for a moment and then her demeanor changed. I didn’t know if she was getting angry or upset, until she started to cry. Then, what I suspected the night before became apparent: She was really being pulled in by Him and she didn’t understand what was happening. Susan then told me something unexpected: She had prayed earlier that week for
financial help. Then all the sudden I get dropped on their doorstep. When Susan received the funds from Airbnb for my stay, it was the amount she needed to cover a loan, to the exact dollar. She expressed how it freaked her out. How she’d talked to her mom about it, and told her it was crazy and her mom said, “No, it’s not crazy, this is how He works!” I looked at her and nodded in agreement then said, “Yes, it is. He has done that for me too.” I was so honored to have been used by The LORD so unexpectedly.

The following morning I checked my email to see if I’d heard from the apartment manager since he told me to expect it; when I didn’t see an email or get a call, I decided to leave it until Monday…until I saw the notification of another rental in the area that was large dog friendly. It was a small house well within my budget. The first showing was the next morning so I jumped
on the opportunity and scheduled a showing time. The landlord reached out to confirm and when she did, I asked if they’d accept a Pitty mix and she said yes, no problem!

The next morning I arrived at the rental and guess Who made certain I was the first person through the door! Guess Who made sure the landlord fell in love with my sweet pup!

Guess Who allowed me to say I’d take it mere moments before more people walked through the door. Guess Who led me to a house which was the exact size and similar in style to the type of home I’d hoped to buy for 4 years. They had the house listed as available for move in on November
1st, however, they asked me when I’d like to move in. It was October 16th. I asked, “when is the soonest I can move in?” Guess Who made it so I could move in within 3 days…and had my application approved by the end of the day…THE GOD WHO MOVES MOUNTAINS! I know His patterns in my life and I had known in my gut for almost six months I was supposed to move to
NE Tennessee. I guess he had to force His hand a bit to get me there, by making me homeless
for a while.

I had already discussed with Susan and Kevin if I could stay a few more days, until I had access to one or the other place I’d be renting. This was a further financial blessing to them and they were happy to have me a few more days.

After I moved into the house, Susan and I kept in touch weekly and were able to get together for lunch once. But, during this time she was confiding in me about Kevin’s health, and it was not good news. Both of them were in their 40’s. Soon after she and I met for lunch, Kevin was told by his doctors he might have a year to live. My heart broke but I also realized what had
happened: The Lord had moved me into this position before, where I was sent to pray family members into the kingdom. I did not want this to be the case again!

On Saturday, December 24, 2022, The Father, spoke to Susan and me at the same time. She was at the hospital and I was at my house. He told us both Kevin needed to repent…I said, well, you’ll need to tell Susan…there’s not much I can do but pray. Then, a bit later, she sent me a text telling me what she felt Jesus was asking her to do. So, I sent back to her a prayer for
strength and at the right moment He gave her the words to lead Keith into repentance and asking the Father to forgive him of his sins, which he did with a willing heart.

On Sunday they put Kevin in a medically induced coma.

On Monday night (12/26/22), I drove to the hospital. I had to wait because of horrible weather. While there, it was my honor and privilege to pray for Kevin and Susan, separately. She was in tears the entire time and her heart shattered. My heart was broken deeply for her.

While my hope of this was of course that The Father would resurrect Kevin, we simply never know what His great plans are. We know now His plan was grace and mercy upon a man who struggled and was in need of healing. On December 29th, Kevin was healed for eternity; he truly was a gentle and sweet soul.

Susan was, understandably, devastated!
I believe when I talked to her that evening, after he passed, The Father used me to intervene in something she was about to or considering doing that wasn’t good for her, I could hear it in her voice and response to what I said. I couldn’t believe he had me call her at that exact moment
and she answered. Thank you, LORD, for entrusting me with these two precious souls; I am so unworthy of such a position and You continually humble this daughter of Yours the ground!

Let us remember how precious each day is; let us not take our days for granted!

“Trust in the
LORD thy God, with all of your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways
acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

* Names were changed to protect privacy.

The below portion was written by Nichole Henson.

I don’t know about you, but testimonies build my faith and some even convict my heart. I think about the times doors have not opened in my life and the disappoint I have felt. It is sometimes hard to trust fully in God’s plan when we are seeing doors close, but if we fully surrender to God and His will He will guide us into His perfect plan four our lives!

Blessings,

Nichole Henson

Fullness of Joy Ministry