Healing Line

Healing Line

What Has CHM Gained from Its Involvement in the Matthews Arthritis Study?

by Francis MacNutt
Summer 1998

It is obvious that the Matthews arthritis study in which CHM participated is having and will continue to have a significant impact on the medical and scientific communities, But the results of this study go way beyond the scientific viewpoint.

Through creating the three–day ministry format for the study, CHM leaders recognized the wonderful benefits of this type of prayer setup, We have used the three–day format as an outline for our Intensive Prayer Ministry (IPM), which we now hold once a month. The IPM encompasses three full days of prayer ministry interspersed with teachings about healing. This format is ideal for out–of–town clients, clients with serious illnesses and clients needing a great deal of healing prayer.

The Intensive Prayer Ministry has been an important addition to the program at CHM, and we are amazed over and over again at God's faithfulness through it. In fact, the IPM has become so anointed that our waiting lists are about four months long. In order to accommodate more people, we hope to eventually hold two IPMs per month, and we look to the Lord for His leading in that direction.

In addition, we have built many relationships through our participation in the arthritis study, both within the medical/scientific communities, among other Christians, and with many people who need the healing of our Lord Jesus. Praise God that many of these relationships are eternal. If only one person came to know Jesus personally as a result of this study, it was all worth it. God's priorities are so different from our limited human viewpoint.

Finally, our ministry has grown significantly and flourished in the past year–and–a–half. Our board is possibly the most active one yet and is leading us in wonderful ways. Our staff is united in the Lord, is professionally experienced and is very dedicated to this ministry. Our number of prayer ministers is increasing (although we always pray for more!), and we have a strong, supportive community of Christians associated with the ministry. In addition, our intercessory program is going through some exciting changes, which we pray will only serve to strengthen this very important aspect of CHM.

We praise God for the many ways He has used the arthritis study to achieve results we never even expected! We are confident in His leading, knowing that whatever our involvement in future research may be and wherever He may lead us, it is all for His glory, and "all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).

Francis MacNutt Francis MacNutt is a Founding Director and Executive Committee member of CHM. Summer 1998 Issue