Out of the Flame: One Woman's Transformation from Trauma Survivor to Passionate Evangelist

By Betty Chisholm

As number five in a family of seven children, Betty (Elizabeth) was an adventurous and mischievous toddler. An early fascination with fire left her tottering between life and death. Facing a lifetime of medical interventions and adjustments, she soon learned that scars, pain, and loneliness would leave her longing for peace—something that seemed well out of reach. Regrettable choices that included abortion and a broken marriage resulted in a downward spiral of hopelessness, shame, depression, and attempted suicide. Even the fame and potential fortune of her #1 hit on the Country Music charts left her empty and searching. Her dramatic journey to the cross and the naiveté of her newly discovered walk with Jesus will leave you both laughing and crying. Betty’s story is one of God’s amazing redemptive plan that has taken her across the globe, behind prison bars, and into healing, favour, and victory.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Word Alive Press
• Release date: May 28, 2019
• ISBN: 9781486618507

Book preview

God often uses small matches to light up great torches and no matter how small you feel in this world, He has something big in store for you.¹

What people are saying

Through her numerous appearances on 100 Huntley Street, Betty Chisholm’s miracle story has blessed and inspired many. David and I were moved to tears as she recounted God’s incredible power and tender mercy. I have no doubt that her story of victory will inspire you to trust God and have faith for your miracle too. You will not want to put this book down until you have read it from cover to cover.

—Norma-Jean Mainse

Co-Founder of Crossroads and 100 Huntley Street, Burlington, ON

As a young girl, Betty Chisholm played with fire and as a result almost lost her life. She had to battle for her life with the aid of doctors and nurses and most of all, the power of prayer. Years later, having fought through depression, abortion, and attempted suicide, Betty’s voice would sing and preach for the Glory of God. Together with her husband John, Betty has reached many hundreds of prison inmates who needed to know of the love of Jesus. The fight for her life was also the fight for the souls of those who would hear the Good News of Jesus through Betty’s faithful witness. Out of the Flame is a compelling testimony of how God can take what the devil intended for harm and work it for good.

—Rev. Matt Tapley

Lead Pastor

Lakemount Worship Centre, Grimsby, ON

Betty’s biography is an inspiring account of how a spiritual experience with God can turn a traumatized life completely around, leading to meaningful ministry, a healthy marriage, and a life of blessing and influence. This personal story will touch you deeply and encourage you to realize that the God who formed you in your mother’s womb is waiting for your moment of encounter with Him. I was blessed to meet Betty and hear her life testimony while I was behind bars during her music and ministry tour. Her story encouraged me in my spiritual walk with the Lord, and I know it will stir you to grow and spread the Good News to others.

—Jim Cavanagh

Author of Captured to Run No More

Prison Fellowship Field Director (Retired), Kingston, ON

I have followed Betty’s journey closely for over twenty years. We served side by side in various levels with Aglow Canada. Her story is full of struggles and victories, and is anointed and God-honouring. This book is the practical outworking of Isaiah 61:3, and will speak to many who are experiencing trials or trauma in the midst of life’s circumstances. In reading it, you will learn how to choose a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair (NIV).

—Joan Hait

Former Leadership Training Co-ordinator

Aglow of Canada, National Board

Out of the Flame is very appropriately titled. Betty has truly been tried by the fire and has come forth as gold (Job 23:10, paraphrased). I like her transparency and approachability. For any reader wrestling with the adversities of life and questioning God, Out of the Flame may be just for you.

—Jim Cantelon

Founder/President, wowmission.com

Host of Jim Cantelon Today TV, jimcantelontoday.com

Betty’s noble rendering of her life story is a great source of inner strength for those who, with a little more push and encouragement, can still discover a path to victory that no one knew was there. From start to finish, you will discover a story that eclipses pain and delivers inspiration.

—Dr. Y. D. Jeyaseelan

National Leader

Victory Churches of India, New Delhi, India

OUT OF THE FLAME

Copyright © 2019 by Betty Chisholm

All rights reserved. Neither this publication nor any part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.

The content of this publication is based on actual events. Names may have been changed to protect individual privacy.

This material is not intended as a substitution for medical advice. Please consult a physician before undertaking any changes to diet, exercise, or medication.

Scripture marked AMP taken from the Amplified® Bible, Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved. Scripture marked AMPC taken from the Amplified Bible, Classic Edition, Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Scripture marked ESV taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Scripture marked KJV taken from the Holy Bible, King James Version, which is in the public domain. Scripture marked MSG taken from The Message, Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Scripture marked NASB taken from the New American Standard Bible. Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Scripture marked NIV taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture marked NKJV taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture marked NLT taken from Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture marked TLB taken from The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture marked TPT taken from The Passion Translation®. Copyright © 2017 by BroadStreet Publishing® Group, LLC. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The song Filled With Your Glory, written by John Neufeld and Tim Neufeld, is copyright © 2004 Birdwing Music (ASCAP) Fieldstar Music (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com). All rights reserved. Used by permission.

eBook ISBN: 978-1-4866-1850-7

Word Alive Press

119 De Baets Street, Winnipeg, MB R2J 3R9

www.wordalivepress.ca

Cataloguing in Publication may be obtained through Library and Archives Canada

Contents

Personal Words from Betty

Acknowledgements

1. One Little Match

2. Grandma’s Gift

3. Growing Pains

4. The Sting of Abortion

5. Undone

6. The God of the Second Chance

7. Marriage, Marvels, and Music

8. A Downward Spiral

9. A Journey to the Cross

10. Beginning to Build

11. Securing the Foundation

12. A Turning Point

13. Beneath the Surface

14. Salons and Scars

15. Reaching Out

16. A Divine Detour

17. From the Heart

18. Behind Bars

19. Miracles and Mysteries

20. From Tragedy to Triumph

Appendix I: Helpful Tips Regarding Depression

Appendix II

Appendix III

Appendix IV: Tributes

Personal Words from Betty

You keep every promise you’ve ever made to me! Since your love for me is constant and endless, I ask you, Lord, to finish every good thing that you’ve begun in me!

—Psalm 138:8, TPT

To see this book become a reality is a dream come true. It started in my heart thirty-seven years ago. To dream a dream the Lord has given and have Him walk through it with me, holding my hand one step at a time right to the finish line, is a miracle of His grace.

The scripture that best expresses the Lord’s call in me to write this book is 2 Corinthians 1:3–4, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God (NKJV)! He wants to offer hope and comfort to everyone—when we are at our best and our worst. He told us that in this world we will have struggles and failures but we need not be anxious and fearful because He has overcome the world and has conquered every sinful choice, every addiction, every sickness and every painful situation (John 16:33). In our tribulation, He will be there for us. The Lord has assured me that sharing my story will provide many with an opportunity to gain fresh courage, forgiveness, and salvation. Then, once we have allowed Him to minister to us, He wants us also to reach out to others. Freely we have received; now we can freely give. He is no respecter of persons. His mercy and grace are for everyone who seeks and asks.

I’d love to take the letter I out of my book, because I want you to know and understand it’s not all about me—it’s about what He has done for me, and wants to do for everyone… however, this is still my story. He can use whatever we are willing to offer to Him. He laid His life down for each one of us, individually, that we would come to know Him as our Lord and personal Saviour, and access the strength and power that He gives us to see eternal success!

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

—Galatians 2:20, NKJV

God is full of surprises and always faithful. I can do nothing without Him. I know this—I have tried and failed miserably. Before I came to know Him personally, I almost destroyed my life, but He was there, waiting patiently until I finally realized how much I needed Him. In order to serve Him, I must abide in Him and allow Him to steer my life. I refuse to allow myself to function out of those dark places in my past any more—they are no longer my identity! I can now stand on the truth of this Scripture:

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

—2 Corinthians 4:17–18, NKJV

Now here I am, finally coming in to home plate with Out of the Flame, the story of my journey. I came out swinging, gripping the bat tightly, and I hit the ball out of the park. At first base I was carrying a heavy load, and rounding second, I could see more clearly. Running swiftly to third was exhilarating, and running for home, I could see we had served a major blow to the enemy.

Although I started out carrying what seemed like a very heavy load, by the time I got to second, I had dropped some baggage along the path. As I wrote, God continued to heal some of my deep wounds. Third base was a little exhausting as I tried to do it myself—here I learned that if I didn’t get some help, I wouldn’t make it to home plate. It was time to look up and cry out for help. We are part of the body of believers for a good reason: we need each other. I took a leaning posture, leaning into His strength and His presence and identifying the coach of His choosing, along with the team players. I knew they would be needed to encourage me and keep me in the game. As they said, We are in it to win it. And there He was, waiting at home base with His arms open wide, ready to greet me as I slid across home plate. Praise God—I made it!

There is something rewarding about finishing. I have a greater sense of why Jesus promises He will finish in us what He has begun. I allowed Him to catch me in His arms and receive my grateful praise that He had made this book possible—Jesus, the lover of my soul and the joy of my life. Jesus, Lord of all.

Acknowledgements

I would like to give recognition and thanks to every one of my family members who sacrificed much of our regular time together, offering me patience and understanding as I was heavily involved with Prison Revival Ministry over many years, and most recently as I was hidden away, glued to my computer. A special thank you as well to Doris Kull, gifted intercessor, PRM board member, secretary and consistent supporter—God has used her willing heart and expertise to undergird this ministry for over thirty years.

In completing my story, the whole team effort went above and beyond the call of duty—my family, my head coach Ruth Teakle, whom I could never thank enough, and my darling husband and attentive water boy, John. There are no words for the kind of love and faithfulness that I have been shown. I must say, that water boy is quite handsome and he brought me much more than water—creative questions, coffee, breakfast, special memories, shared tears, and lots of cheers. The Lord stationed him and my dear friend Ruth constantly at my side. I will never forget the help they gave me. John is so glad that baseball season is over, but he admits we had some of the most special moments in our lives as we walked through the years of God’s faithfulness together and encouraged each other in the marvellous things He has done.

The manager and owner of the team, the Lord, was an ever-present help from beginning to end. I recognize and thank, as well, the circle of intercessors who have carried both my requested and my discerned needs to the throne daily as I have been in the process of writing. You will each share a portion of the eternal fruit of your labours. For now, enjoy the finished product!

Chapter One

One Little Match

If you’re playing with fire, you’re going to get burnt.

It was the hard way that I had to learn.

One little match, like a flash in the night,

Has left me scarred, the rest of my life.

Blessed to be alive, people often said,

They didn’t know I wished I was dead.

I’d tell everyone It doesn’t bother me,

Then I’d go home and cry myself to sleep.

I used to think the scars would go away,

And each night to God, I’d desperately pray.

Not knowing if He heard me, I prayed every night,

Help me, oh God; please make it alright!

—Betty Chisholm

My mom and dad had their hands full with a family of seven children, but especially with me, who got in trouble more than all of the rest put together. It is undoubtedly God’s amazing grace and mercy that has kept me alive all these years.

I was a very adventurous, stubborn, rebellious, and strong-willed child. My family nicknamed me Betty Boop after a cartoon character who got into a lot of trouble. Some still call me that today.

My parents had told me many times, Betty, don’t ever play with matches, but I persisted, and ended up paying a hefty price. I was both overwhelmed and fascinated by the beauty of fire, unsuspecting of the damage it could cause. I loved to watch the flames dancing and flickering in the air in every gorgeous colour of the rainbow, spellbound as they would swell into a huge flare.

My initial exploration with this beckoning preoccupation took place in the field behind our home. My seemingly innocent passion for discovery quickly caused a blistering inferno as the fire leapt unchecked from side to side across the open field, expanding rapidly in every direction.

As I stood at the door of our home a few days later, gazing into the desolate black back field in my childhood confusion, I became aware of my mom’s voice. As my mind became alert to her presence, I observed her work-worn but warm and gentle hands supporting the frown on her face as she commented, I wonder how that fire got started.

I looked up at her with an innocent look and replied, Gee, Mom, I don’t know! Although this was not true, there was a sense in which it seemed right and accurate to confirm that I didn’t have words to explain. How did curiosity and the gratification of watching those little slivers of wood come to life lead to ruination?

The adults never discovered the answer to my mother’s question, but as I look back, I believe they had their suspicions. My brothers and sisters knew the truth and tried their best to put a scare in me, telling me that the police would take me away if anyone found out. I was warned many times of the consequences of disobedience if I continued to play with matches, but the initial attraction was becoming an obsession and I did not listen.

It was only weeks later that the next misadventure, much more sobering, occurred.

A Real Fire-Bug

On holiday weekends, Dad would sometimes build a bonfire and all of us children would sit around the campfire and snuggle together to get warm.

I was captivated by the beauty of the fire and its emanating radiance. There was a certain magnetism deep within the flames that conveyed a coziness and warmth. Even the smell of the wood burning would bring such joy to my heart. It was the highlight of our summer holidays. On very special occasions, Dad would buy us all firecrackers to celebrate. We would run around with sparklers, having the time of our lives.

Mom and Dad weren’t aware of my escalating interest in fire, and I wasn’t aware of the risks. All that was about to change! I was what people called a real fire-bug.

The Contest

On a lovely sunny afternoon in June, only two weeks before my fourth birthday, I asked my sister, Marg (a year and a half older), if she would like to play a game with me. I called this creative little contest Who can hold the match the longest, and she agreed! I found the box of Eddy brand stick matches, strategically concealed deep in the cupboard of our kitchen. I quickly snatched a few of them and tucked them in my little dress. As I successfully snuck by Mom and Dad, who were busy changing the ceiling light in the living room, my mind was racing and was set on one thing—a contest that I was determined to win.

Marg and I were excited and filled with suspense as I went first and quickly lit one little match. I scratched it firmly, just like I had watched Daddy do so many times with the tip of his fingernail. I wanted to do it just like him! With resolve and determination, I held that burning match until the flame had consumed the little match stick and reached my finger. As I quickly released it from my burnt and blistered finger, it flew recklessly into the air. Caught and carried by the wind, it descended perilously onto my frilly, yellow nylon dress.

Without warning, I was instantaneously set ablaze! Marg stood paralyzed as she watched the flames engulf me. When her shock subsided momentarily, she ran with all her might to get my dad, who was still in the house.

Hearing the details of her tearful and petrified panic, he grabbed a blanket and rushed out the door toward me. No one could ever imagine what was going through his mind when, to his horror, he saw me running wildly down the street in a whirlwind of fire! By the time he caught up with me, I was engulfed in flames.

Daddy, Daddy, Put the Fire Out

He heard me screaming, Daddy, Daddy, put the fire out; Daddy, put the fire out. He frantically tried to put it out with his bare hands and burnt them quite severely. He wrapped me in the blanket and rolled me in the grass just as the flames were lunging toward my neck and face. My beautiful light sandy brown curls, which had grown partway to my waist, had already been reduced to within inches of my scalp!

Our close neighbour, Ivan Gare, also heard my screams and saw me running frantically down the street in a ball of flames. He rushed to assist my father. My dad promptly carried me to the backseat of the car and they went speeding off towards the hospital. Within a few minutes, he was pulled over to the side of the road.

A local policeman had stopped my dad, but glancing quickly into the back seat and assessing the gravity of the situation, he said, Follow me. With his red lights flashing, sirens blaring, and me screaming in pain, he sped along the route to the nearest hospital, escorting us right to the door of the emergency department.

My mother said that the neighbours, who had witnessed everything, were also in distress and shock after what they had seen. Someone tried to explain later that it was like seeing a human torch running hysterically, not knowing where she was going, with the wind violently adding fuel to the flames!

As I was rushed into the emergency department, the people who had been standing on the street watching the scenario unfold all began to pray instantaneously.

The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power].

—James 5:16b, AMP

I can still see the policeman’s face glaring at me from the front window! I saw the badge on his uniform and hat as he leaned over, staring into the back seat. It is forever depicted on the pages of my memory.

In those moments, I was so afraid that the policeman was going to take me away from my family for playing with matches. I realize now that he was a hero sent by God to help me and to speed up the whole process. He was the angel who expedited the care and the attention of medical staff when we arrived at that hospital emergency room. God was clearly in control of how the events unfolded and I was not out of His sight.

Black as Coal

When my mother arrived at the hospital, she said my body was black as coal! The only thing she could faintly see were the whites in my eyes. Years later, she still had trouble telling me the graphic details of what transpired after the match burning contest and avoided mentioning many things that had taken place. As she was re-telling me these things in my adult years, it was almost like she was reliving it. My heart felt like it was going to break for what I had put my parents through and what they had endured during that time because of me.

From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

—Psalm 61:2, NKJV

The report my parents received from the doctors after examining me was very devastating, as expected. They said, Your little girl’s chances of pulling through the horrific ordeal are slim to none! Even medical staff said, She is not going to make it. They admitted they had never seen anyone burnt that badly and live. They agreed that if by a remote chance I did survive, it would be a very long healing process, but there was little hope that it would end with even minimal recovery.

During the days and weeks that followed, the reports continued, none of them hopeful or encouraging. My parents recalled these words, She won’t ever be able to have children. We will have to assess the damage done to the ovaries and the chest area… and she will likely never walk. Extensive grafting will need to be done and reused, as the percentage of burnt skin is far greater than the rest. She will carry most of these scars the rest of her life, and that’s just the beginning of what we can determine!

A Miracle Needed

My parents chose to pray and believe for a miracle. With the reports going out in the newspapers regularly, additional people began to pray more earnestly and frequently!

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

—Hebrews 11:1, NKJV

The Facts vs. the Truth

The Facts have been told,

They pierce your whole being.

God’s word is The Truth;

It can change what you’re seeing!

Look wholly to Jesus,

He will take you through,

Learn how to trust Him,

And seek the Whole Truth.

—Betty Chisholm

…we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

—2 Corinthians 4:18, NASB

Looking back, I see the importance of holding on to hope.

Right at the Door

Don’t quit when you’re right at the door,

You’re closer now than ever before.

You mustn’t quit, for in a short while,

God gives strength for the extra mile.

You can make it; the end is in view,

It is no secret what God can do.

The enemy comes to steal and kill,

But he can’t change God’s perfect will.

The enemy can’t rob what God has ordained,

When our strength is gone, His still remains.

So hold your head high, there’s much work to do,

The Lord is with you, and He’ll see you through.

—Betty Chisholm

That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

—Hebrews 6:12

Each time that the doctor placed me into the prescribed but very painful salt baths, I would kick and scream with everything that was within me, as loud and as hard as I could. It was common knowledge around the ward that I would call him every name in the book and then some. Despite the repeated severe shock to my body and the agonizing pain, miraculously I survived each bath. Even though I fought him tooth and nail, each time that he pulled me out he would breathe a big sigh of relief, and the next day he would repeat it once again.

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

—Galatians 6:9, NKJV

Doctor Robinson was the man chosen and called by God for what seemed an impossible