Death Unto Life: The Milton Ellithorpe Story
Introduction by Jack Hayford
Introduction...as I share with you the story and testimony of the most remarkable healing miracle with which I have ever been in personal touch.
I don’t use the word “miracle” very often, thought I do believe in the power of Jesus Christ to do anything – and to do so today! I believe His power works wonders in every arena of human experience – physically, financially, domestically, personally, psychologically – but the word “miracle” gets kicked around and overused today. Sometimes it’s used to describe remarkable providences of God’s grace – good things, but not really “miracles.” Other times, I’ve lamented seeing it used manipulatively, bandying this precious term about...just to stir emotions.
But there are times this word deserves us. There are good, spiritually healthy reasons to share miraculous testimonies. When Jesus is honored and hearts take hope, when the Word of God is exalted and its promises affirmed, it’s not “glib” to talk about miracles.
That’s why the testimony of my friend Milton Ellithorpe is one of the greatest I have ever heard, and certainly the most remarkable healing miracle with which I have ever been in personal contact. I wasn’t present when this phenomenal healing took place; in fact, at the time I was only four years old. But I knew many who were, as well as the fact that I was among a host of friends who attested to the absolute truthfulness of this story.
This miracle moment isn’t a stand-alone story. Over the years, I have heard of a few others equally phenomenal, but very few. I remember first hearing Betty Baxter, as she would often appear as a guest of Oral Roberts back in the 1960’s Her body had been racked and twisted for years when Jesus literally made an appointment with her. Though her healing did not take place in one of Dr. Robert’s meetings, he often invited her to share it as an encouragement to others to believe: “All things are possible!”
Similarly, I will not forget sharing a meal in Colombo, Sri Lanka with the beloved Pentecostal leader, Dr. Colton Wicknamaratne, as he told me his remarkable personal experience. He was present in the hospital room, sitting at the bedside of one of India’s greatest athletes – now a quadriplegic through a tragic accident – when Jesus arrived personally! Again, in India as in the midwest United States, a totally destroyed body was instantly made whole. In neither this nor the Baxter story above did the Savior appear to others present, but in both cases the testimonies relate Him being there.
Milton Ellithorpe’s story is in the same category of wonder, leaving you in awe before God. As with all such testimonies, the purpose is not to relay a curiosity but to magnify the Savior.
Milton Ellithorpe was a personal friend...a man I knew for years before he finally went home to heaven. He was a devoted family man, a servant-hearted pastor, and a gifted evangelist...and a most sensible, warmhearted Welshman. I think it was his Welsh directness and honesty that I liked best, especially when he gave the testimony of healing. He was careful and painstakingly honest in detail, without exaggeration, non-flamboyant, and always forthrightly seeing to glorify Jesus most of all. He titled his testimony “Death Unto Life,” as he would relate how, as the victim of a horrific car accident, he was declared beyond hope. When you read what happened when his shattered body was totally, instantly, and dramatically healed forty hours later, it is difficult to restrain either praise or tears.
Milton shared this testimony around the world As an evangelist, he had occasion to bear this witness to multitudes. In fact, in the mid-1970’s, I asked him to share it with our congregation at The Church On The Way. Since it happened so long ago, and since he has been gone from our midst for years, it seemed worthy to “resurrect” this witness. So I have, and with it, I have felt moved to include words of encouragement and comfort to those who find hope in this witness to the timeless truth of God’s Word and the changeless power and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
As you read, take heart, and do so with an understanding of our purpose in publishing “Death Unto Life.” The spirit of unbelief is ever present and always seeking to intimidate. At times, those of us in Christ’s own Church entertain that spirit – hesitant to encourage, fearful of prompting faith, especially for healing when death seems imminent. Further, no one with a merciful heart wants to play to that fanatical fringe who either deny medical intervention or demand miracle results every time when they pray.
This is why I’ve added several pages following Milton’s testimony; not to diminish miracle hope, but to, as he would himself, invite people of faith in the midst of trial to see God and to trust Him...no matter what.
May this witness lift your eyes to the Father, fix your faith on His Son, and rest your heart in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
- Jack W. Hayford
From Death Unto Life: The Milton Ellithorpe Story © 2000 A. Eastland, Living Way Ministries, Van Nuys, CA. All rights reserved.
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