Healing events are the core of God’s activity in the world and an integral part of His interaction with people throughout the history. The Bible gives us many splendid examples of people recovering and even raising from the dead, like healing the woman who touched Christ’s clothes and recovered from blood flowering (Mark 5:25-29 New King James version) and Lazarus revival. (John 11:43-44 New King James Version) God not only cured illnesses but souls too. The well- known example of it described in the Gospel according to John, when Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery and asked Jesus if she should have been stoned for her sin. (John 8:3-5 New King James Version) Christ replied very simply “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” (John 8:7 New King James Version) “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemn you?” “ Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” (John 8:10-11 New King James Version) It is believed, that after those words she would never return to sin.
After Jesus joined His father in heaven the teaching and healing were continued by His followers. Luke Evangelist was a physician and together with Paul who had heard about Luke’s skills, traveled from place to place, proclaimed the Lord’s word and healed ill people. God gave the work of spreading the gospel to His followers and it is the only one cure for the depravity and misery of the earth. (White, 1999, pp. 82-83)
We are living in the world, which is full of violence, lawlessness, political struggle, money addiction and indifference to other people pain and the cruel destruction of human lives. Madness and suicide increase and morality fall down. Nowadays the humankind is going to self -destruction and needs God’s help even more than thousands of years ago. This help can be given through the missionary work of organizations and individuals. (White, 1999, pp. 83-85)
People who devoted their lives to missionary work usually have medical or pedagogical education, know psychology and languages and have a wide mental outlook. They not only know the Bible well and can apply its passages for particular issues in order to solve different problems but can also give the first aid and necessary treatment for ill people. They also popularize health principles because it is a living part of their work. (White, 1999, pp. 85-87)
There are some organizations exist that work for people in need but individual work is essential too. Jesus commanded His disciples to work individually. Thus, responsibility, effort and sacrifice of any single person are the requirement of the gospel. Personal devotion does not depend on individual’s education, occupation or intelligence. The Bible shows us the examples, in which we can see a prince (Daniel), a shepherd (David), a herdsman (Amos) a captive (Zechariah), a tiller (Elisha) and it proves that the Lord recognizes all people as equal and deserve to teach His words. Everyone who becomes involved in God’s work should help others to gain their salvation and do it everywhere including the workplaces. (White, 1999, pp. 88-89)
The most important establishment for ministry is the church. The members of the church devoted to God’s mission are mainly preachers, doctors, and teachers. They not only help people but also teach them how to become ministers. All members of the church should participate in service and make their feasible contribution. They must be taught, how to do it, by more experienced members of a community. Well-educated and gifted people are considered to be better servants of God because they can explain His teaching properly. But there are lots of people without any special talents and education who are willing to help and serve others. Very often such people are more effective because they believe and pray more openly and sincerely and God blesses them and makes them successful and in bringing sinful and unfaithful souls to Him. (White, 1999, pp. 89-91)
Many people prefer to be a member of a big and wealthy parish because they are looking for pleasant relationships with its members and care from priests. That is not right because they forget about their souls and instead of being stronger they become smaller and weaker. They do not notice people in need who live in their area or next door. It is necessary to visit these people or invite them to our places, read, sing and play together and show the interest to their problems. I other words, live a broader life. We should also use even little opportunities for helping others with an unselfish interest and proclaim God’s words wherever you are. Thus, you can contribute greatly to preaching and teaching and your fruitful results will be noticed and blessed by God. (White, 1999, pp. 91-93)
Paul, the disciple is a good example of a self-supporting missionary. He worked for spreading the gospel in many cities of Asia and Europe and combined his missionary work with the work of a craftsman, in order to support himself and his friends. Nowadays people can do evangelistic work in a similar way. The contemporary world is in need of missionary help from trained people, for example, doctors, who should immediately involve themselves in working abroad and help the poor, ill and miserable. They will learn the local languages so that they can communicate and spread the gospel. The noble deeds require much strength and self-sacrifice and this kind of work is a real ministry that always reminds the missionaries about their ties to Jesus and makes them a part of a divine salvation. (White, 1999, pp. 93-95)
Doing the missionary work we should be patient and tactful to other people’s habits and drawbacks. They must not be judged and preached in an arrogant way. The meeting of Jesus and Samarian woman at the Jacob’s well is a good example that teaches us how to behave ourselves and be a real God’s servants. As well the Jews, Samarians believed in one god but had different traditions and ways of worshipping, that is why the Jews considered them unfaithful and did not speak to them. Jesus asked the woman to give him some water and she was greatly surprised that a Jew spoke to her, Samarian. (John 4:6-12 New King James Version) He told her about the living water that meant God’s teaching. The woman returned home and told everyone about Jesus and His words. The citizens came to Christ see Him, listened to Him and believed. (John 4:13-42 New King James Version) Thus, our tactful and sympathetic attitude to people will do their way to God easier and joyful. (White, 1999, pp. 95-96)
There are many people around us who suffer from cruelty and unfairness of the world. They have to hide their feelings from their close people or they are just lonely and do not have anybody to share their pain with. The kind and supportive word that is said in a difficult situation can comfort afflicted souls, weep their tears and force them to believe in a better world. (White, 1999, pp. 95-97)
References
Holy Bible New King James Version. (1983) (2nd ed.). Nashville, Tennesse.
White, E. (1999). The Ministry of Healing (pp. 82-98). Harvestime Book Altamont, TN 37301
USA.
