Testimony: “I no longer desire tobacco”
The Rev’d. Lionel. England.
My meeting the Rev’d Nigel Mumford came on the evening after Christmas day 1999 at a Boxing Day drinks party at a large house of one of our parishioners. As a Vicar within the Church of England I was not unused to prayers being answered but on this occasion The Rev’d Nigel ‘s ministry left a memorable and lasting impression on me.
The drinks party was formal but with a number of people I know and with whom I felt I could relax. This was particularly welcome after the many services and celebrations during the Christmas period. After several glasses of wine I saw someone smoking. Normally I do not smoke and regard it as an unhealthy and destructive habit. However, my father smoked and before the 2nd World War the family owned a small tobacco business in South London – so smoking was “in the Blood.”
Nigel saw me smoking (I was even wearing my clerical collar) and after a brief introduction and a few words, I admitted a weakness for tobacco and general dislike of inhaling. I also admitted that I was mildly ashamed of this tendency towards tobacco.
“Do you wish to be cured of smoking?” Nigel asked me. I paused, slightly embarrassed, not quite wishing to own up to my occasional habit.
“Well, yes. I suppose I do,” was my reply.
“Give me your smoking hand – the hand in which you normally hold the cigarette.”
I did as Nigel asked.
In the middle of the party, but out of most people’s hearing, Nigel prayed that I may be cured of the desire of smoking. After a brief but intense prayer, he relaxed my hand. I thanked him and carried on talking, having of course extinguished the cigarette!
What was remarkable about this incident was that from that day to this I have not touched a cigarette, even on holiday when I normally have the occasional puff. Furthermore, I no longer desire tobacco. Praise the Lord!
