Martin Holmes wore hearing aids for 10 years. He says four ear operations left him with no natural bones in his ears. He did not think he could hear without help.
In his Build For Good talk with Aaron O'Sullivan, Martin tells the story of the prayer that came next. It is one part of a much longer story about addiction, relapse, faith and a new life.
"All glory to God."
Martin Holmes
A life his own will could not fix
Martin says crack cocaine held him for three decades. At its worst, the habit cost about £1,000 a day. He says it nearly killed him more than once.
He went into recovery and stayed there for more than 15 years. Yet the old pull was not gone. Martin and his wife, Cara, went back to crack use. He says they spent £30,000 in 30 days.
The low point was not a big speech. Martin says they sat together and talked about funeral music. That was how close death felt.
He then shares the night he says Jesus appeared at the door of their flat. Martin tells this as his own experience. It became a turn in the story, but more help and hard choices still came after it.
The prayer for Martin's ears
Martin later went to Set the Captives Free for prayer and deliverance. As he was leaving, Kevin asked if he could pray for Martin's ears.
Martin took out his hearing aids. He says Kevin prayed for the bones, eardrum and ear canal. When Martin left, his ears began to whistle. He says it sounded like waves, even though he was nowhere near the sea.
Martin kept the hearing aids at first. He says doubt made him wonder if he would need them again. He later put them in the bin.
"Within 24 hours I could hear."
Martin Holmes
This is Martin's own account. It is not medical proof. It is also not a guide for anyone else to stop treatment or throw away a medical aid. Anyone with hearing loss should speak to a qualified health worker about their own care.
What came after the prayer
Martin's story does not end with his ears. He says Jesus changed the way he saw his past, his wife and his home.
Martin and Cara now serve through 1019 Ministry in Llandudno, North Wales. The name comes from Luke 10:19. They host a house church, study the Bible and pray with people who ask for help.
Martin also talks about the pain in their marriage. He says they found more peace after prayer and deliverance. He names Asmodeus and spirit spouses as part of what they believe they faced. These are Martin and Cara's beliefs about what happened.
He does not present himself as a finished man. Martin says God is still changing him as he goes.
Why Martin told the story
Martin ends by praying for people who face addiction, fear, pain or despair. He says the point is not to make him look strong. He wants his story to point to Jesus.
"If it can help one person, it was worth it."
Martin Holmes
You can contact Martin and Cara at Ten19ministry@gmail.com. You can also watch 1019 Ministry on YouTube.
Watch, listen or read
Watch or listen to Martin Holmes' full episode. You can also read the full timestamped transcript.
For more Christian stories, watch Kevin Carthy's Build For Good episode or Daniel Cunningham's episode.
Disclaimer: The views and experiences shared by Martin are his own. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Aaron O'Sullivan, Build For Good or its team.
This article gives general information only. It is not medical or mental health advice. It cannot replace care from a qualified professional.