From the breaking of the dawn to the setting of the sun, I will stand on every promise of your Word. Words of
power, strong to save, that will never pass away, I will stand on every promise of your Word. For your
covenant is sure and on this I am secure: I can stand on every promise of your Word.”
Stuart Townend, ‘Every Promise’
Dear Friends,
The Methodist Diaconal Order Rule of life encourages all deacons to “be attentive to our wellbeing, recognise when we need help and accept support and encouragement from others…”* It is in this spirit that I recently met with another Deacon, and we had a short but deeply meaningful time of fellowship. At the end of our meeting, she shared a photo with me, a photo that she’d received from her son. Our reflection of this image reminded us of the hymn; “From the breaking of the dawn to the setting of the sun…”
This song has been in my heart, soul, mind, and mouth since then. The words of the hymn have challenged me to look within myself and evaluate my relationship with God’s word, while asking: “Do I know all of the promises of God’s Word, and how can I make sure to stand on them daily?” Perhaps, God’s promises and how to firmly stand on them would be a topic for the Bible Study exploration and reflection over the next few months. Dear Church, can you help? Do we need a Bible Study!
In my July-August Letter, I prophetically suggested that we plan an afternoon of specific prayers once every Quarter around the three churches, and I asked if anyone would like to help or participate in and contribute to the planning for it to kindly get in touch. I give glory to God almighty; the Holy Spirit has spoken to Mrs Karen Kerr, and this her story as it was shared with me: “Whilst I was at church worshipping our Lord God almighty, I felt God had put a message in my heart: ‘People are sick, and they need healing, the people of this church need healing. I spoke to many people after the service, and it was apparent that many were indeed suffering physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
I went home wondering what we can do as a church to stop the suffering, raise the spirits and have peace and joy. I was reminded of the scripture in 2 Chron 7:14: ‘If my people who are called by my name, humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.’ Somehow, we all need a holistic healing.
Jesus came that we may all have life and have it in abundance. I feel that Jesus portrayed healing not simply as a sign that the kingdom was coming, but as an essential element in the kingdom. In other words, the kingdom of God, in part, consists of deliverance through prayers and supplication. I was clearly given the words from James 5:14-15: ‘Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.’ I believe that we as a body of Christ should provide this healing service, as we pray for the restoration of good health, joy, peace, and love in hearts, souls, and minds,” in the name of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
And all people say: Amen. If you feel God speaking to you about how to participate and contribute to the planning/organising of the healing services, please get in touch with me.
Yours in His service,
Probationer Deacon Marcianne Uwimana