Read: Ezra 8:21-23; James 5:14
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. (James 5:14 NIV)
Feliciano was a young deacon in the Amatenango Tzeltal church. He and his wife had four young children, and his wife was very ill. The church leaders took them to a doctor in a nearby city. His wife was diagnosed with advanced tuberculosis with no hope of recovery. Feliciano was told to take her home and keep her comfortable until she died.
When they returned home, Feliciano told the church leaders the bad news. They responded: “We are not going to just let her die. We are going to fast and pray for her. We are going to ask God to heal her!”
During the following weeks, the church leaders often fasted and prayed for her. A month later, she was strong enough to prepare food for her family. Two months later, she was attending worship services.
After some time, Feliciano’s wife again took her place with the other deacons’ wives preparing food in the church kitchen for special church events. She was completely healed. She gave praise to God, the Great Physician, and thanks to the church elders who fasted and prayed for her. —Helen Hofman
As you pray, thank our Great Physician for hearing your cries. Ask him for healing, for yourself and for others.
About the Author
Helen Hofman is a retired missionary. She and her husband Sam worked with the Tzeltal and Tojolabal Indians of Chiapas, Mexico for more than forty years. In their work, they helped set up a Bible School to train the Tzeltals, taught in the Bible School, prepared Sunday School materials, textbooks, hymnals and audiovisuals. They also coordinated the translation of the Amatenango Tzeltal New Testament and the revision of the highland Tzeltal Bible.
