Miracles of healing such as those reported in the Gospels – blind people seeing, the mute speaking, the deaf hearing, the lame walking (eg Matthew 15:30-31) – are regarded as supernatural manifestations of God’s power through his Son Jesus Christ and the apostles, during a special foundational era of the Christian church, and are not expected to occur in the present day.

The emphasis placed on the ministry of healing by more exuberant segments of Christianity, sometimes involving rather unusual practices, together with the lack of clinical confirmation of many alleged healings and miracles, has also contributed to the discrediting of this ecclesial ministry.

What Does the Bible Say?

There is no biblical basis for the belief, present in many churches, that the healing of the sick is a rare event and that the ministry of healing and deliverance is unjustified in contemporary society, which is more educated and informed, and has easier access to healthcare services.

Healing is part of God’s character. In Exodus 15:26 the Lord is called Rapha, the One who heals. In Psalm 103:3 we read: ‘who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases.’ Since his character is eternal and unchanging, this attribute remains present today, and was further enhanced after the coming of Christ and the descent of the Holy Spirit.

In the four Gospels we find reference to 41 healings (or moments of healing) performed by Jesus, which certainly represent only a fraction of those he carried out (cf John 21:25). At the beginning of his public ministry, in the synagogue of Nazareth, Jesus read from the book of Isaiah (61:1-2): ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’ (Luke 4:18-19) These words were fully fulfilled in the life of Christ and represent a synthesis of the Lord’s mission (cf Luke 4:21; Acts 10:38).

For some theologians, Christ’s death on Calvary provides not only salvation for all who believe in him but also physical healing. In the messianic prophecy of Isaiah 53:5 we read that ‘by his wounds we are healed’. Indeed, the word “salvation” (sozo in Greek), in its original etymological sense, includes both the forgiveness of sins and the healing of diseases (cf Mark 2:9-11).

The Lord Jesus commissioned his disciples (Matthew 10:1), and later the seventy, to heal the sick and cast out demons (Luke 10:9), making it clear that ‘whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father’ (John 14:12). After Pentecost, the ministry of healing and deliverance continued to be exercised by the apostles and the first believers, as we read in this account from the book of Acts: ‘They carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and mats, so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. Crowds also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed’ (Acts 5:15-16). However, it was not only the apostles who performed healings and miracles in the name of Jesus. When the apostle Paul lost his sight on the road to Damascus, God called a believer from that city named Ananias to lay his hands on Paul so that he might see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17).

We should also reject the idea that illness is a cross that, as Christians, we must bear. Biblical texts that present a positive view of suffering associate it with persecution and tribulations related to the proclamation of the gospel, and not with illness (eg Romans 12:12).

It is true that in the first-century church there are recorded cases in which healing did not occur, such as Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25-27), Timothy (1 Timothy 5:23), and Trophimus (2 Timothy 4:20). The apostle Paul himself refers to a ‘thorn in the flesh’ (2 Corinthians 12:7), which we do not know whether it was physical, mental, or spiritual in nature, although it is quite likely that he suffered from vision problems (cf Galatians 4:15; 6:11). Only in eternity will we have a full understanding of these matters (1 Corinthians 13:12), but one possible explanation for not experiencing the full manifestation of God’s power on this side of eternity, and for the many failures in prayers for healing, is that the prince of this world and the forces of evil remain active in opposition to the plans of the Lord and the Church. For this reason, we await with expectation the day when Satan and his angels will be destroyed and there will be no more death, disease or suffering (Revelation 12:9-10; 21:3-4).

Conclusion

The extraordinary scientific and technological advances of recent decades in the field of biomedicine have contributed to improved health and increased life expectancy worldwide. We should be grateful to God for this and value the dedicated work of healthcare professionals, many of whom are Christians.

Whenever we make use of healthcare services, we should not feel guilty, as if we were demonstrating a lack of faith, because high-quality healthcare – preferably delivered in a compassionate and humane manner – is a gift from God. However, we must not neglect the spiritual resources to which we have access as children of God, including healing from illness and health problems, whether physical or mental.

God heals today, as he has always healed throughout history, but this fundamental biblical doctrine lay dormant for centuries. In recent years, under the influence of the Pentecostal and charismatic movement, which is open to the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit and the exercise of spiritual gifts, it has been rediscovered by a growing number of Christians around the world, from all denominations.

Having myself experienced God’s healing power in my own life and in the lives of people I know well, I am fully convinced that the time has come for churches that call themselves Christian to fully fulfil their responsibility and mission to pray with confidence and expectation for the healing of the sick. Otherwise, they will not be faithful to the Lord’s mandate: ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.’ (Mark 16:16–18)

References

Brown, C. G. (2011). Global Pentecostal and Charismatic Healing. Oxford University Press.

Clark, R. (2015). Power to Heal: Keys to activating God’s Healing power in your life. Destiny Image.

Keener, C. S. (2021). Miracles Today: The supernatural work of God in the modern world. Baker Academic.

Johnson, B.; Clark, R. (2011). The Essential Guide to Healing: Equipping all Christians to pray for the sick. Chosen Books.

Raichur, A. (2023). Ministering Healing and Deliverance: Every believer can do this! All Peoples Church & World Outreach.

Trachsel, J.L. (2023). Moving in Miracles & Healing: A supernatural handbook. Destiny Image.

Jorge Cruz, MD PhD (Bioethics) is a vascular surgeon working in Portugal. He’s a member of the national committee of the Portuguese Association of Christian Doctors and Nurses (AEMC).

One of the Christian ministries I am grateful to God for is missionary work. People like myself came to Christ because missionaries brought the gospel to my nation. Leaving one’s own homeland and comfort zone to go, live, and serve among people of different race, culture, language and way of life or uncivilized is a huge sacrifice. The Lord Jesus who said ‘go’ (Matthew 28:19) also talked about the sacrifice missionaries make in leaving behind ‘homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, children and fields.’ (Mark 10:29,30)

What is a missionary?

The Oxford Dictionary defines a missionary as ‘A person sent on a religious mission, especially one sent to promote Christianity in a foreign country.’ An ambassador was interviewed on one TV station and the host asked him: ‘What is an ambassador?’ The ambassador who was full of sense of humour said jokingly: ‘An ambassador is a faithful citizen sent by his government to lie.’ I smiled and said what if a Christian missionary is asked the same question? Would he say, ‘A missionary is a faithful Christian sent by his God and Church to lie?’ No! Christian missionaries carry the good news of salvation to the perishing world! ‘How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news.’ (Isaiah 52:7)

The Apostle Paul spent three years in the province of Asia as a missionary among the Gentiles (Acts 20:31). What lessons can today’s missionaries learn from him? There are many but let’s go for the following seven from the narrative given in Acts 20:17-38.

1. Paul’s life among the Gentiles

‘You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came to the province of Asia. I serve the Lord with great humility…’ (Acts 20:18)

The first lesson is Paul’s life among the Gentiles. The secret behind Paul’s successful ministry among the Gentiles was his life of humility. From the first day he came to them, he put aside his high civilization and education, humbled himself, came down to their level, and treated and served them with respect, kindness and dignity.

2. Paul presented to the Gentiles the Lord Jesus as Saviour

‘I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you... I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus… I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.’ (Acts 20:20-21, 27)

Paul presented to the Gentiles:

• Repentance and faith in the Saviour Jesus Christ
• Anything helpful
• The whole will of God

Although Paul presented helpful knowledge to the Gentiles, it was the message of repentance, the cross, and salvation in Christ that was central in his ministry. ‘Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.’ (Galatians 3:1) That is the purpose for which missionaries are sent.

3. Paul paid a price

‘I served the Lord… with tears, severely tested by the plots of the Jews.’ (Acts 20:19)

In addition to the sacrifice of leaving home and comfort zone, another price missionaries pay is risking their very life. Threats, plots, prisons, hardships (see long list in 2 Corinthians 11) are synonymous with missionary work. But Paul’s slogan was: ‘None of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus.’ (Acts 20:24 NKJV)

4. Paul the tent-maker

‘I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing… these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions.’ (Acts 20:33-34)

The missionary landscape is changing. Today, professional tent-makers who go to mission fields as teachers, economists, engineers, healthcare workers, farmers, etc are needed. The advantages of being a missionary tent-maker are:

• Tent-makers are welcomed everywhere even in restricted countries because their skills and services are needed.
• No one would be suspicious of them.
• They support their own ministry financially.

The two hands, spiritual and professional, need to both be functional when called to missionary work (1 Chronicles 12:2).

5. Paul’s time to leave came

‘Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace.’ (Acts 20:31-32)

After three years of service in the Province of Asia, Paul’s time to leave came. A time comes when missionaries either retire and return home, transition to a new location God calls them to or are called home to heaven through physical death. Any of those three can happen. In Paul’s farewell speech (Acts 20:25-35) he:

• Reminded them of what he taught them
• Admonished them to keep watch over themselves and the flock
• Warned them about appearance of savage wolves that would devour the flock
• Committed them to God and his word of grace.

It is therefore important to develop leaders who will take over and carry the work forward after leaving.

6. Paul left them on their knees praying

‘When Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down with all of them and prayed.’ (Acts 20:36)

Ministry is started and established through prayer and kept, preserved, and continued through prayer. Paul learned from his Master, the Lord Jesus, who in his departure left his disciples on the mountain of prayer. (Matthew 28:16 & Luke 24:50-53)

7. Paul built a strong relationship with the people

‘They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.’ (Acts 20:37-38)

In the three years Paul lived and served among the Gentiles, a strong bond of love was developed and built between him and the people. We see this in the time of his departure when emotions such as weeping, embrace, kiss, grief, accompaniment to the ship, and kneeling down to pray with him were all expressed to him by the people. This last point is a reflection of the first point. It is all because Paul from the first day he came to them treated them with respect, kindness and dignity.

Building strong and long-lasting relationships also help in building trust and paving the way for future missionaries coming to the community.

Lord, help us to learn from your servant Paul.

‘Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

‘Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The beatitudes or blessings are Jesus’ manifesto for all who wish to be His disciples. The word “blessed” comes from the Greek makarios and is sometimes translated ‘happy’. However, the more precise meaning will be ‘blessed’ or ‘fortunate’. Who can be happy when crying, suffering or being persecuted? Happiness is subjective, varies from person to person and is dependent on circumstances, whereas God’s blessing is a promise and a certainty, both for the present and for eternity.

Blessed are the poor in spirit (v.3)

Jesus is not referring to the poor in terms of socio-economic disadvantage. Although at times material wealth and prosperity can be an obstacle to intimacy with God, there is no revelation here or elsewhere in Scripture that the materially deprived will for that reason be more blessed by God. Nor does the expression ‘poor in spirit’ refer to the uneducated, ignorant, or mentally retarded. Poverty of spirit is an indispensable condition for entering the Kingdom of God. It means recognizing our spiritual poverty and failure before the high standards of conduct that a holy and perfect God requires, like the tax collector who said, ‘O God, have mercy on me, a sinner’ (Luke 18:13).

Blessed are those who weep (v.4)

This is not just any weeping but a deep sadness, as when we go through a mourning process for the loss of someone we love. It results from our recognition of the extent and seriousness of our sin and the sin of others (cf. Psalms 139:136). It is the feeling of emptiness, of a lack of meaning in life, which has driven many to suicide or madness and which only God can satisfy. As Pascal said, ‘there is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every person, and it can never be filled by any created thing’.

Blessed are the meek (v.5)

In the Bible the adjective ‘meek’ is used to describe the character of two people: Moses (Numbers 12:3), who defied the powerful Egyptian pharaoh, and Jesus (Matthew 11:29), who voluntarily submitted to the torture and humiliation of cruel Roman soldiers, and did not bow down before the governor Pilate. Meekness does not mean weakness, cowardice, or timidity, but humility, obedience, and self-control. Like a trained horse, about which we say it is meek because it is submissive and obeys its owner, not because it is weak, in the same way the meek ones Jesus refers to are people who willingly submit to God’s will and are led by his Spirit.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (v.6)

Having this kind of hunger and thirst that Jesus talks about is something that few of us have experienced, but which Jesus’ disciples knew well. It means being so desperately in search of water or food that all other things no longer matter. Physiological needs like eating, drinking, and sleeping are at the base of Maslow’s iconic pyramid, before other needs like security, belonging, or self-esteem. To hunger and thirst for righteousness is the burning desire to see God’s Kingdom established as people come to know Jesus as Saviour and Lord of their lives.

Blessed are the merciful (v.7)

There are many texts in Scripture that refer to God’s mercy, and the need for us to forgive others as Christ has forgiven us. The Lord told his disciples that he was giving them a new commandment concerning love: ‘Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another’ (John 13:34). This compassionate love includes care for the weak and vulnerable who have need of food, clothing, and comfort in sickness or prison, and goes beyond traditional Jewish teaching as it includes love for enemies. It was the desire to fulfil God’s will and this love for others that led to the creation of the first hospitals and orphanages, the abolition of slavery or the development of palliative medicine, pioneered by Christians committed to God.

Blessed are the pure in heart (v.8)

The pure in heart are sincere in their relationship with God and with others. They don’t put on masks because they have nothing to hide. They don’t have to prove anything because they know that they are nothing without God (they are poor in spirit). They are people who do not behave one way in church and another way at home or at work but who, whatever the occasions and circumstances, try to live with a clean conscience before God.

Blessed are the peacemakers (v.9)

The followers of Jesus should seek peace and reconciliation among human beings and with God, who is a God of peace. Contemporary history is full of examples of committed Christians who have played a decisive role in bringing reconciliation between people and groups in conflict. Their actions and prayers also contributed for a peaceful political transition in some countries, as for example in South Africa in the 1990s, where a bloodbath was to be expected with the regime change after decades of racial segregation.

Blessed are those who are persecuted (v.10)

Despite our efforts towards reconciliation, some will oppose it. Every Christian should expect opposition which is the result of our identification with Jesus and proclaiming his divinity and exclusivity as the only way to God. There has never been a time in the history of the world when more Christians are persecuted because of their faith in Jesus than in our days. And hostility and persecution will increase as we approach the end times.

Conclusion

In the beatitudes, Christ challenges us to live according to God’s highest standards and eternal values and not according to the ideologies and value systems of this world. It is a challenge for every true disciple of Jesus everywhere, in every culture, and in every age of history. We cannot present these qualities by our own strength or efforts, but only by God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, following the example of the Lord Jesus, who manifested each of these virtues in abundance.

Jorge Cruz MD PhD (Bioethics) is a vascular surgeon working in Portugal. He is a member of the national committee of the Portuguese Association of Christian Doctors and Nurses (AEMC).

This commandment is not optional. It is a mandate for every Christian, in every time and place. One of the best illustrations I have heard so far about what it means to evangelize is a beggar telling another beggar where to find food. This illustration is interesting because it summarizes in a few words some aspects of our mission as Christians.

Each one of us was saved by God’s grace and not by our personal merits or qualities, as the Apostle Paul emphasized in his letter to the Ephesians: ’For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.’ (Ephesians 2:8-9) In this sense, we can consider ourselves beggars, because we know our limitations and we know that we cannot do much, with impact for eternity, if we are separated from the vine, which is Christ. (cf. John 15:5)

On the other hand, if Christ is not the Lord and Master of our lives, we are poor; but poverty of spirit is an indispensable condition for entry into the Kingdom of God (cf. Matthew 5:3). It means recognizing our spiritual poverty and failure before the high standards of conduct that a holy and perfect God demands (Luke 18:13). Jesus sent a stern warning to the members of the church in Laodicea, who failed to recognize their true spiritual condition: ’You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.’ (Revelation 3:17)

Our Mission

Our mission is to point to the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the way, the truth and the life, who gives us access to eternal life with God (John 14:6). Jesus is the bread of life, who can satisfy our spiritual hunger and search for purpose in life (John 6:35). As Josh McDowell states in his book More Than a Carpenter, ’Christianity is not a religion; it’s not a system; it’s not an ethical idea; it’s not a psychological phenomenon. It’s a person. If you trust Christ, start watching your attitudes and actions because Jesus Christ is in the business of changing lives.’

In order to fulfill the mission of world evangelization we need to have a genuine love for other people, which is not something innate, but possible through the supernatural action of the Holy Spirit in our lives, who also enables us to do the works that Jesus did (John 14:12). Without this love and compassion for the lost, and without the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives (Acts 1:8), we will not be very effective in this mission of going and making disciples of all nations.

There are many factors that hinder this calling:

• Lack of intimacy with God, little dedication to prayer, lack of time and availability are some of the most common.
• Having low self-esteem or considering ourselves somehow inferior to the person to whom we intend to share the gospel (because they are of a higher social status, more intelligent, or have greater abilities than us in some area.)
• Knowing that we are not perfect and thinking that we will therefore be bad representatives of the gospel cause.
• Thinking that we don’t have enough biblical and theological training to answer questions that we may be asked.
• Dealing badly with the indifference, rejection, and even some hostility that are relatively common when we proclaim the message of salvation in Jesus.

The truth is that there is no valid reason why we should not be more active and diligent in fulfilling this mission, because it was God who made the decision to hand over this task to mortal and imperfect human beings and not to his angels. Moreover, the Lord Jesus promises to accompany us in this noble mission, for he said, ’I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’ (Matthew 28:20)

Jorge Cruz MD PhD (Bioethics) is a vascular surgeon working in Portugal. He is a member of the national committee of the Portuguese Association of Christian Doctors and Nurses (AEMC).

One of the mega national projects in ancient Israel is the rebuilding of the destroyed wall of Jerusalem under the leadership of Nehemiah. What is remarkable about this project, which perhaps is rare in our time, is the participation of almost all sectors of the society in the work. People from across the nation from all sort of backgrounds joined hands in completing the work.

What inspired people to get involved?

• Importance and significance of the project.

For the Jewish people, the wall of Jerusalem was both a symbol of protection and dignity. Its destruction therefore brought disgrace. Once the wall was rebuilt, the people would no longer be in disgrace. That’s a good reason to be involved! People love to take part in projects that bring them dignity and improve their life.  

• Presence of a strong and visionary leader.

Nehemiah’s strong leadership and heart for Israel’s identity as a nation were key in the success of the project. People rally around a strong, visionary and loving leader who cares for the welfare of all people. (Nehemiah 2:10)

Who were the people involved?

Nehemiah 3 gives a detailed account of the people involved. Seven sectors of society were involved in rebuilding the wall. Such a national project needed the involvement and participation of all.

1. Individuals:

2. Families:

• Jedaiah the son of Harumaph made repairs in front of his house (Neh. 3:10)
• Shallum son of Hallohesh and his daughters made repairs (Neh. 3:12)
• Benjamin and Hasshub made repairs opposite their house (Neh. 3:23)
• Azariah the son of Maaseiah made repairs beside his house (Neh. 3:23)
• Zadok the son of Immer made repairs in front of his house (Neh. 3:29)
• Meshullam son of Berekiah made repairs opposite his living quarters (Neh. 3:30)

5. Politicians:

• Shallum the son of Col-Hozeh, ruler of the district of Mizpah (Neh. 3:15)
• Malchijah the son of Rechab, ruler of the district of Beth Hakkerem (Neh. 3:14)
• Nehemiah son of Azbuk, ruler of a half-district of Beth Zur (Neh. 3:16)
• Hashabiah ruler of half the district of Keilah (Neh. 3:17)
• Binnui son of Henadad, ruler of the other half-district of Keilah (Neh. 3:18)
• Ezer son of Joshua, ruler of Mizpah (Neh. 3:19)

Isn’t that interesting? Can we imagine a high priest putting aside his priestly robes and getting his hands dirty? How many of our professionals, businessmen and politicians are taking part in God’s work and ministry?

The missing sector

Their nobles did not put their shoulders to the work of their Lord. (Neh. 3:5)

What might have led the nobles to leave the work of this great national project to others? The text does not say, but perhaps it was attitudes such as:

• Pride
• Not knowing the importance and significance of the project
• Not wanting to spend energy, time and money
• No heart for Israel’s national identity
• Not wanting to get their hands dirty

Lessons from this project

1. A leader with a God-given vision is key in any successful project.

 When a godly and visionary leader like Nehemiah is in place, the rest is history.

2. We all have different gifts to bring to a project.

Seven different groups of people with all their gifts, talents, resources and positions of influence took part. God is waiting for all to build his kingdom.

3. A group of nobles did not take part.

This was written to teach us today (Romans 15:4) so that we are not surprised when people do not have the same passion for a project that we do. The good news is that God’s work is not dependent on ‘nobles of Tekoa’ to be done. God will use humble and available people.

4. Attitude towards the work.

Zabbai zealously repaired the other section. (Neh. 3:20)

In such a busy project with a multitude of people working, how can one discern who does his work with passion and who is apathetic? Only God knows our hearts! God is looking for people like Zabbai who do his work with zeal.

5. No limit in God’s work.

The men of Tekoa repaired another section. (Neh. 3:27)

People say, ‘I have completed the section/role assigned to me.’ But the men of Tekoa went an extra mile and repaired ‘another section’ after finishing their section. In God’s kingdom, there is always ‘another section’ waiting for us to build.

6. Birth position does not matter as far as God’s work is concerned.

Hanun, the sixth son of Zalaph repaired another section. (Neh. 3:30)

Hanun being the ‘sixth son’ is probably the youngest in the family like David who was rebuked for coming to the battle frontlines (1 Samuel 17:28). But God is ready to use any last born available. Where are Hanun’s elder brothers?

7. The project was successfully completed.

The wall was completed… in fifty-two days. (Neh. 6:15)

Any project that has God’s hand on it will never fail. In spite of the enormous challenges Nehemiah faced with opposing enemies (Neh. 2:19 & 4:7), people refusing to be involved (Neh. 3:5), and workers getting exhausted and tired (Neh. 4:10), the work went on to completion. Isn’t that encouraging?

Lord, help us to take part in building your kingdom.

Alex Bolek is ICMDA Africa Coordinator and Regional Secretary for East Africa.

‘What shall I do, Lord?’ I asked.
‘Get up,’ the Lord said, ‘and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.’
My companions led me by the hand into Damascus because the brilliance of the light had blinded me. A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there. He stood beside me and said, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!’
And at that very moment, I was able to see him.
Then he said: ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth’.

Acts 22:10-14

Do you have an Ananias in your life? At times God brings people into our lives that bring about a transformation that lasts forever. These people we meet give us sight to look to Jesus, they point us to what God wants us to do, and teach us how to grow spiritually and draw closer to the Lord.

In my life, I have had several Ananias, one of whom was my pastor Rafi Shahverdyan.

I grew up in a strongly atheistic family, and I thought that religion and believing in God was for uneducated people. As a ‘smart’ and ‘clever’ person I would never think of such nonsense things. But the Lord opened my eyes to his grace after graduating from Medical University and I became a Christian.

However, I had a lot of confusion and conflicts in my mind. I was ultimately ‘blind’ and didn’t know what to do or where to go. It was then that I met Pastor Rafi who took care of me and gave me a vision of using my medical skills for the Kingdom of God.

Pastor Rafi (pictured centre) was a close friend of Dr Jany Haddad who once asked him if he knew anyone who could assist him during surgeries in Armenia. He organised a meeting with several medics from our church, and this was the first time that I was introduced to Dr Jany Haddad (pictured left).

This meeting was a life changing encounter. I was inspired by Dr Jany’s vision and with the encouragement of Pastor Rafi we started a group of Christian doctors (with only three doctors initially) which became the Armenian Christian Medical Association (ACMA). Within a year more than 50 people who had joined the association!

Pastor Rafi, who was not an ACMA member, was incredible in supporting the association from the very first meeting. He connected us to other doctors, advertised ACMA, prayed for ACMA missions and conferences, preached at ACMA annual conferences and meetings, and counselled ACMA members. One of his main messages to Christian doctors was to demonstrate the Father’s love to their patients, treating them with compassion in a way that other doctors cannot.

He healeth the broken in heart and bindeth up their wounds.

Psalm 147:3

Rafi was one of the few leaders who reminded ACMA members of the danger of burn out due to their medical workloads. He taught that the best place to go for the Holy Spirit’s refreshment was at the feet of Jesus Christ. I learned from him that inner healing is essential and that without inner harmony you cannot work efficiently and serve God.

During ACMA conferences, Rafi could spend several hours praying for every person there and listening to their stories and needs. His arms were always open to hug and comfort the broken ones.

In Armenia there is a national unforgiveness which is rooted in historical persecution with Turkey. As a grandchild of a genocide survivor, I too struggled with this. Pastor Rafi however, was a Christian that looked beyond nationalities. He looked at every nation with the eyes of the Lord and had a heart for them. He organised several reconciliation conferences inviting Turkish Christians, and he went to Turkey several times and sent several missionaries from his church to Turkey.

Pastor Rafi was trying to break the wall that had built up between these two nations since 1915, and was encouraging us as Armenians to forgive and love our neighbours. After one particular trip to Turkey he wrote a beautiful book, Armenian Wine and Turkish Bread – A Real-Life Journey of Reconciliation.

Because of Pastor Rafi, I started to look at the country of Turkey and its people with a different lens, and began to think about starting a Christian Medical group in Turkey. I shared my vision with Pastor Rafi who was delighted to hear of my plans and helped connect me to his Turkish contacts. This was the journey of starting a Christian medical group in Turkey.

Through Pastor Rafi, I was also introduced to Alice, an Iranian dentist, who is now leading a group of Iranian medics.

Pastor Rafi was a person with whom I could share my successes, difficulties and challenges and receive his godly advice and prayers. Our meetings always ended with gifts which were usually books that had either been written by him or had been a blessing to him.

The last book he gave us, in November 2022, was Wipe My Tears, a message of healing to comfort people who grieve. It was a collection of testimonies from people that he had met during his years of ministry. They were people who had experienced much brokenness but had also found healing and restoration in Christ. Their stories were a motivation to believers to help those who are grieving find comfort.

Pastor Rafi had a wonderful family. He was married to the lovely Janet and they had three beautiful daughters and five grandchildren. He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather and by just looking at his family you could already learn a lot.

I am very grateful to God for the Ananias and Loving Fathers I have met on my life’s journey. Because of them I am a completely different person.

Today my two spiritual Fathers are rejoicing in eternal life with our Lord. They leave us with beautiful memories and are a testimony of how to be a Loving Father to others before we join them there.

It is my prayer that everyone in ICMDA can be an ‘Ananias’ for someone and finds one for themselves. Amen.

Dr Kristina Alikhanyan is the ICMDA Regional Representative for Caucasus, Eurasia

The subject of Servant Leadership might be easy to write or talk about, but it is challenging to live as a servant leader. The question really is: ‘You who write or talk about servant leadership, are you a servant leader?’ The term ‘leadership’ in the title seems to imply ‘power and authority’ but it is best understood as ‘servanthood’ rather than ‘servant leadership’.

Leadership is defined as ‘influence’ and a positive influence is needed in every workplace. Leighton Ford says:‘Leadership is a topic on many agendas today, whether in politics, business, or the Church.’  As such, many corporations are investing in leadership development and training in order to have the right leaders in place.

What is servant leadership?

The term ‘Servant Leadership’ was first coined by Robert Greenleaf in 1970s.¹ But even before that, two thousand years ago, the Lord Jesus came as a servant who washed his disciples’ feet (John 13) and introduced a new concept and definition of leadership to the world which is ‘to serve and not to be served’. Wikipedia defines Servant Leadership as ‘a philosophy in which the goal of the leader is to serve’. Greenleaf describes servant leadership as ‘being a servant first, a natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first’.

For centuries, many leadership models have been developed, practised and observed. Apart from negative types like dictatorial leadership, there are good things in most of them but perhaps the element of being a ‘servant’ is what is missing.

Hindrance to servant leadership

The greatest obstacle to being a servant leader is the fallen human nature that craves for titles and position. ‘A dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest’ (Luke 22:24). This is a phenomenon seen throughout all generations. The Lord had to model the type of servant he wants to see in his kingdom. ‘Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.”’ (Matthew 20:25-27)

Here the secret to greatness is in being a servant.

In the political arena, the world has witnessed both good leaders who served their people well and dictatorial leaders who one article says ‘all governed their nations and left certain footprints of violence that are difficult to forget by the people they ruled’.² The article says about one of the dictators that ‘he was so much of a terror that news of his sudden death was received with joy in virtually all parts of the country’. This is comparable to King Jehoram who because of his evil, the Bible equally says, ‘He passed away, to no-one’s regret’. (2 Chronicles 21:20) What legacy do leaders want to leave behind?

Character and hallmark of a servant leader

What is the character that indicates one is a servant leader? A servant leader:

• Seeks to glorify his master
• Sacrificially seeks the highest joy of those he serves
• Will forgo his rights rather than obscure the gospel
• Is not preoccupied with personal visibility and recognition (John 3:30)
• Anticipates and graciously accepts the time for his decrease.

The five characteristics and hallmark of servant leaders are:

1. Valuing people– servant leaders value people for who they are
2. Humility – putting other people first
3. Listening– receptive and non-judgmental listening
4. Trust – servant leaders trust others
5. Caring – servant leaders have people and purpose in their hearts.

How is servant leadership developed?

Let me underscore that there is no single school or academic institution in the world one can join to become a servant leader. Servant leadership is a life-long school at the feet of the Lord Jesus Christ. The following five tips can help develop servanthood.

1. Learning from the example Christ.

This is the most important starting place. To be constantly at the feet of the Master and learning from him. ‘I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.’ (John 13:15)

2. Learning from leaders who are servant leaders.

Mentors who are servant leaders are a blessing; we can learn from and imitate their example. ‘Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitatetheir faith.’ (Hebrews 13:7)

3. Self-training and continuous learning.

Growth in any area in life depends on personal decision, continuous training and learning. ‘Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.’ (1 Timothy 4:15,16)

4. Learning from situations in life.

One brother shared how one time he behaved like the Priest and Levite in the Good Samaritan’s Story (Luke 10) and learned an unforgettable lesson. He was driving in a rainy day and saw a woman and her kids in the rain but pretended as if he did not see them. On the way, his conscience convicted him but when he returned to pick them, he found them gone. A Good Samaritan probably picked them!

5. Reading books on leadership.

It might be debatable if reading books on leadership can really help one become a servant leader. But it is undeniable that we can learn from books as they contain stories, testimonies and experiences of others. The first book I would recommend is the Bible itself that contains stories like that of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10).

‘All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.’  (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Lord, help us to learn from your servant leadership.

Alex Bolek is ICMDA Africa Coordinator and Regional Secretary for East Africa.

1. Servant Leadership: The Leadership Theory of Robert K. Greenleaf p.3

2. (REC FOCUS Vol. 4, No. 3 p 71 – 72, September 2004)

Wikipedia defines partnership as ‘an arrangement where parties agree to cooperate to advance their mutual interests.’ In Christian ministry terms, this would mean advancing mutual ministry interests to advance God’s kingdom. In the above text, Peter and those with him signalled (called) their partners in the other boat to come and help them in pulling the net. There is always need for partnership in ministry.

Importance of Partnership

Partnership is important for three main reasons:

• To work towards a common vision
• To carry out joint activities
• To carry out an activity that may be extremely difficult for one organisation to carry out alone.

Mary T Lederleitner summed it up that ‘We partner and work with our brothers and sisters around the world for reasons far deeper than any specific ministry outcome or objective…’

Reasons for partnership

In building God’s Kingdom, the following form the basis and reasons why organisations partner in ministry.

1. God’s kingdom and the Great Commission are greater than one Church or organisation

This is a self-explanatory truth. God’s kingdom is the biggest Kingdom that needs to be built and established on earth. The ‘ends of the earth’ in the Great Commission cannot be reached by one church, organisation or ministry. No one organisation can be effective or can claim it can evangelise the whole world or meet all the vast and enormous ministry needs alone. As such, collaboration and partnership are needed.

2. Partnership brings the mutual joy of winning souls together

In the Luke 5 story, the Lord Jesus needed a partner, Peter. Peter on the other hand signalled for partners in the other boats to come and take part in pulling the net! It is a joy when our joint collaboration and partnership results in winning souls for Christ.

Luke and Mark mention three types of partners:

• Net directing partners: The Lord Jesus in Luke’s story is this type of partner. A discerning and visionary partner who could figure out and guides to where the net should be cast ‘for a catch’. This type of partner saves effort and time from being wasted. They, like the children of Issachar, know what to do in the right time, in the right place, in the right way (1 Chronicles 12:32).

• Net-casting and net-pulling partners: Peter casted the net and he signalled to his partners in the other boats to come and pull the net with him. Mark says ‘Jesus saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net…’ (Mark 1:16). Who are the net-casting and net-pulling partners? These are the evangelists who preach God’s word and pull the net in a pulpit call for sinners to receive Christ. We need these frontline evangelism partners!

• Net-preparing partners: Mark in his gospel also mentioned this type of partners. ‘He (Jesus) saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets’ (Mark 1:19). Clearly, these are partners behind the scenes supporting evangelists financially and prayerfully. When evangelists travel to cast the net, we don’t normally know the people who gave the money for their air ticket, hotel accommodation, and their personal needs. Some people behind the scenes are ‘preparing’ the financial net and ‘interceding’ for them that the word they preach be anointed.

With all these three partners and others collaborating, God’s kingdom is built. I believe it was a great joy that day when the partners in the two boats joined hands in harvesting the fish.

3. Partnership brings greater blessing to the partners:

There is a blessing in partnership! We know from Luke’s story that the partners in the two boats were both blessed when they joined hands. ‘The two boats were both filled.’ This is a big lesson we all need to learn. God blesses and honours collaboration. God will bless individuals and ministries that are willing to partner and collaborate with other ministries. Their boats will also be filled.

4. Partnership is an acknowledgement of each other’s calling, giftings and ministry

Mother Teresa has said: ‘You can do what I cannot do. I can do what you cannot do. Together we can do great things.’ Why did Peter call his partners in the other boats? There were people in the other boats with gifts, skills and calling in pulling nets that he might not have. This is another good and strong reason to collaborate. There are organisations and brothers and sisters in the body of Christ with gifts, talents, capacity and calling we might not have.

5. Partnership reveals the truth about our hearts

Human beings have the selfish tendency to build their own kingdoms and ‘protectorates’ they do not want invaded by others. This makes people insecure and suspicious when it comes to building partnerships. Will they not become more dominant, influential, and known than us? Mark tells us how the flesh with its competitive and jealous nature came to surface among the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ!

‘”Teacher,” said John, “we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.”’ (Mark 9:38). The Lord had to intervene and correct things. Partnership cannot live in one room with competition and jealousy. The right attitude in ministry should be:

• Cooperation not competition
• Complement rather than fighting for territories
• Having the big picture of God’s kingdom in perspective rather than individual myopic view

Let’s put our hands together and partner for God’s glory.

Alex Bolek is ICMDA Coordinator for Sub-Saharan Africa and Regional Secretary for East Africa  

Of the many challenges faced by foreign medical students, increased susceptibility to depression and anxiety disorders is the most prevalent (Ruzhenkova et al., 2020). Due to the high-demand and high-stress nature of studying medicine, medical students experience depression and anxiety disorders much more often compared to the general population. Given the added challenges that foreign medical students face being isolated outside their home country, these students are at an even higher risk of depression and anxiety disorders (Buzoianu et al., 2016; Machul et al., 2020). Personal stress, lack of support, language barriers, financial issues, different curriculum structure, and separation from loved ones are just some of the numerous risk factors foreign medical students must handle (Georgieva et al., 2017; Rashid et al., 2020). In addition, all of these issues contribute to the higher dropout rates and increased number of semesters required to complete a medical degree seen in foreign medical students, which only exacerbates the risk of depression and anxiety disorders even more (Huhn et al., 2015).

In a study by Henning et al. (2012) which focused on the quality of life of foreign and domestic medical students in New Zealand, researchers found that foreign medical students rated their social and environmental quality of life significantly lower than their domestic classmates. Notably, foreign medical students rated their level of satisfaction with their personal relationships and social support lower than domestic medical students. Foreign medical students also felt less safe and secure in the region they study in, had less opportunity for leisure activities, and had less access to information which would be helpful for their daily living, compared to domestic medical students.

A group of ICMDA members and volunteer researchers have begun a research project to explore the current context of foreign medical students around the world. The purpose of our research project is to understand the challenges faced by foreign medical students in order to determine how to better support these students. ICMDA organizations are present in the majority of countries who send or receive foreign medical students. With ICMDA’s reach across so many regions, there is an incredible opportunity at hand to coordinate reaching out and supporting foreign medical students in the ways they need it most. Awareness and understanding of the challenges foreign medical students face is crucial to propelling change. By understanding the challenges they face, initiatives can be put in place to address these challenges. Such a coordinated support could help many students and young graduates who are finding this phase of life difficult.

Our research group has put together two questionnaires – one for foreign medical students and graduates, and another for ICMDA fieldworkers and ICMDA national leaders. The links to the questionnaires have been emailed to the appropriate groups and will be open for completion until mid-October of 2022. These questionnaires are available in seven different languages. They include questions specific to the target audience with the overarching goal of gathering information about the current context and challenges faced by foreign medical students. If you are a foreign medical student, foreign medical graduate, ICMDA fieldworker, or ICMDA national leader, we strongly encourage you to complete our questionnaire through the links below to help us in our research.

Links to Foreign Medical Students & Graduates Questionnaire (by language):

• English
• Spanish
• French
• Portuguese
• Russian
• Arabic
• Chinese (Simplified)

Links to ICMDA Fieldworkers & ICMDA National Leaders Questionnaire (by language):

• English
• Spanish
• French
• Portuguese
• Russian
• Arabic
• Chinese (Simplified)

Additionally, members of our research group are in the process of interviewing foreign medical students, foreign medical graduates, ICMDA fieldworkers, and ICMDA national leaders to listen to their personal experiences and wealth of knowledge on the subject. By speaking to these individuals, we are also learning about the current supports in place and which supports would be beneficial for students in specific regions. If yourself or someone you know is interested in being interviewed for this research project, please reach out to Dr Santhosh Mathew to get more information.

Our heart for this research project is that no foreign medical student would struggle alone. Studying medicine is an extremely difficult and demanding period of one’s life, and journeying through those years in a foreign country adds countless challenges. Please stay tuned for the publishing of our findings in the coming months. We pray that this research project would ultimately bring Christ glory and empower organizations to strengthen foreign medical students all over the world.

References:

• Buzoianu, A. D. et al. (2016) ‘Correlates of depression, anxiety and stress among foreign medical students studying general medicine in Romania.’, European Psychiatry, 33.
• Georgieva, L. et al. (2017) ‘Environment for the immigrant medical staff and foreign medical students in Bulgaria’, European Journal of Public Health, 27(suppl_3). doi: 10.1093/eurpub/ckx186.139.
• Henning, M. A. et al. (2012) ‘Quality of life: international and domestic students studying medicine in New Zealand.’ Perspectives on Medical Education, 1(3). doi: 10.1007/s40037-012-0019-y
• Huhn, D. et al. (2015) ‘International medical students – a survey of perceived challenges and established support services at medical faculties’, GMS Zeitschrift fur Medizinische Ausbildung, 32(1). doi: 10.3205/zma000951.
• Machul, M. et al. (2020) ‘Lifestyle practices, satisfaction with life and the level of perceived stress of polish and foreign medical students studying in poland’, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(12). doi: 10.3390/ijerph17124445.
• Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) (2021) Health at a Glance 2021: OECD Indicators, OECD Publishing, OECD iLibrary.
• Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) (2019) Recent Trends in International Migration of Doctors, Nurses and Medical Students, OECD Publishing, OECD iLibrary.
• Rashid, M. A. et al. (2020) ‘“Doctor, teacher, translator:” International medical students’ experiences of clinical teaching on an English language undergraduate medical course in China’, Education for Health: Change in Learning and Practice, 33(1). doi: 10.4103/efh.EfH_212_19.
• Ruzhenkova, V. V. et al. (2020) ‘Prevalence and dynamics of depression and anxiety in local and foreign medical students for a 6-year training period’, International Journal of Early Childhood Special Education, 12(1). doi: 10.9756/INT-JECSE/V12I1.201044.

If the heathen gods are idols that cannot speak (Psalm 115:4), the God of the Bible is a living God who speaks! Science has proven that ‘All living things have the ability to communicate with each other using a variety of signs and signals.’ How much more God loves to communicate with the human beings he created in his image and redeemed to himself? God takes pleasure in speaking to his people and it is his people’s pleasure to listen and submit to his voice. Language is important in any mutual relationship. God speaks to us primarily through the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) but the Bible itself also records seven languages God uses to speak to us. God’s choice of the language he uses to speak to each one of us depends on him and our ability to listen. Here are the seven languages: 

1. Inner voice of the Holy Spirit 

God’s Holy spirit speaks in a soft inner voice the Bible describes as ‘a gentle whisper’ (1 Kings 19:11).  This needs a closer walk with God, training and holy living. As the famous hymn says, ‘Just a closer walk with thee!’ This is why the Bible tells us not to grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30) because it is through his Holy Spirit that God speaks to us. ‘Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it”’ (Isaiah 30:21). 

2. The word - rhema

‘Rhema’ is a specific scripture or Bible passage the Holy Spirit uses to speak to a specific situation one is going through to bring encouragement, comfort and direction (Genesis 28:15). Once when I faced a huge problem the Holy Spirit used Mark 16 to encourage me. There was a ‘very large stone’ placed on the entrance of the tomb and the women while on their way to the tomb asked each other: ‘Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?’ (Mark 16:3). That was my question: ‘Who will roll my stone for me?’ The story continues: ‘But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away’ (Mark 16:4). The Lord was saying ‘don’t worry, I have rolled your stone.’ He did roll it!   

3. The body of Christ  

New Testament believers have the indwelling Holy Spirit who speaks through them. Believers in the Church of Ephesus for instance spoke to Apostle Paul through the Holy Spirit. ‘Through the Holy Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.’ (Acts 21:4). This is one of the blessings of the fellowship of the brethren; that God speaks to us through our brethren. ‘How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!’ (Psalm 133:1).  

4. Visions 

One New Testament vision God used to break the strong ‘middle wall of separation’ between the Jews and the gentiles (Ephesians 2:14), was that given to the Apostle Peter to go and preach the gospel in Cornelius’ house. ‘While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you. So do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them”’ (Acts 10:19). 

5. Dreams 

God speaks through dreams. God spoke to Joseph (Genesis 37), Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker (Genesis 40:5), and Pharaoh (Genesis 41:1) through dreams. Two important things to note in relation to dreams: 

• Not all dreams are from God.  

Dreams that are not from God come from ‘cares’ or continuous thinking or worrying about something which the subconscious mind stores and brings up as dreams (Ecclesiastes 5:2). 

• God confirms dreams that are from him.  

The reason the dream was given to Pharaoh twice was to confirm that it was from God (Genesis 41:32 also Acts 10:16). It is important to ask: ‘Is this dream from God or from my cares?’ And not to rush but to wait for confirmation. 

6. Circumstances  

Can God use natural phenomena like heavy rains or cancelled flights to speak to us? I believe so. One good example is Balaam’s story (Numbers 22:21-31). The Lord stood in the way to block Balaam’s journey as it was not his will. Similarly, the Lord might use circumstances to protect us from stepping outside his will. 

7. Pain 

Pain is God’s seventh language! But why should God speak through pain when there are six nice languages he can use? As mentioned, the wise God chooses the language that can best get our attention to listen to him. The language of pain may be God’s last resort when we are no longer sensitive to the other languages. As CS Lewis said, ‘Pain is God’s megaphone to awaken a deaf  world.’ It was the language God used to speak to King Manasseh to restore him from evil. ‘Manasseh led Judah and the people of Jerusalem astray… The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention. So, the Lord brought against them the army commanders of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh prisoner. In his distress he sought the favour of the Lord his God and humbled himself…’ (2 Chronicles 33:9-13). 

Lord, Keep us sensitive to your voice. 

Alex Bolek is ICMDA Coordinator for Sub-Saharan Africa and Regional Secretary for East Africa