Outflow Story by Marcia Halpin
It was a sunny autumn day in October 2002 when the Lancaster Town Police responded to a
domestic dispute at the residence of Scott and Marcia Halpin. Marcia desperately called
them when the years of emotional abuse became physical. After both parties were
questioned, and Marcia disclosed fear since there were firearms in the home, the police
suggested they take the firearms to a relative. Less than twenty minutes after the
police left, there was a panicked 911 call. The dispatcher heard a frightened little
girl, “My dad is threatening my mom.”
When help arrived, they found Scott on the kitchen floor with a single gunshot in the
head, Marcia was on the bedroom floor with a single gunshot wound in the abdomen, and
their two daughters were hiding in an upstairs bedroom. Their son was not home at the
time. Marcia was rushed to ECMC.
Within hours, prayer chains began. The doctors worked around the clock to save this
young mother’s life. She was in an induced coma for almost 30 days. Marcia overcame
countless infections, several surgeries, lost a portion of her small and large
intestines, her left kidney and spleen, and a large percentage of her stomach. Every
muscle on the left side of her back had been shredded, there was nerve damage, and she
was left with a colostomy. As her recovery progressed, she became an inspiration to the
doctors and nurses caring for her. It was not only their care, but that of a Higher
Power that SAVED HER LIFE.
Marcia’s testimony: It was my belief in Jesus Christ that saved me. Immediately after
being shot, I began to pray, thanks to my grandmother who took me to church as a child.
The colostomy was reversed in 2004, and I have been left with both physical and emotional
scars and some limitations. I live every day in pain. Medically, I should not be here.
It is only by the grace of God that I am alive.
When I was able, I began to look for a new church. The moment I stepped into the William
Street School, I knew I had found the perfect fit. Each time I had surgery, the
pastor came in and prayed with me. To my surprise, meals were sent in to take care
of my kids. I joined a small Bible Study group, and it is like having another family.
Everyone is always cheerful and positive. My daughter and I started helping with
Children’s Ministries; now I’m a teacher and department head for the 2 and 3 year olds.
Attending the Vine has brought me so much closer to God. I am a firm believer that
all things happen for a reason. Never have I asked God why He let this happen to me.
I just take one day at a time, and let the pieces fall where they may.
“Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer … I just let Christ take over!”
2 Corinthians 12:10 (The Message)