It is
important at the outset to be trained in sharing the gospel. The
workers should
know the basis for and steps to receiving salvation by faith
in Jesus Christ. The "Four Spiritual Laws" or The
Way of the Master provide good guidelines.
There should
be a follow-up program in place, to include visitation and discipleship
of new believers. Most churches and organizations have such a program
already in place.
The miraculous
healing power of the Lord is perhaps most readily visible when conducting
Healing Outreaches in ethnic communities, such as black, Spanish-speaking,
or some Asian communities consisting of newly-arrived immigrants. At the
risk of sounding politically incorrect, let us acknowledge that the gospel
of Jesus Christ is especially for the poor:
- Isaiah
61:1 "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the
Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor;
he has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty
to the captives, and
the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
Moreover,
such peoples often have their cultural roots overseas, where there is
a far greater openness to the supernatural than is in North American and
European culture.
- 1 Corinthians
1:22 Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom,
Those brought
up in western culture are in this sense "Greeks," while those
whose roots are overseas in the 1040 Window are "Jews." This
explains why in general we see a greater manifestation of God's miraculous
healing power in ethnic minority churches than in white churches. This
is also one reason why evangelists and missionaries witness greater and
more frequent miracles on the overseas mission field than we see in North
America.
However,
we also believe that the Lord is preparing to restore His power to the
whole church, and that if God leads us to begin a Healing Outreach
in a suburban, mostly white community, He will manifest His power through
us. Please see the testimonies on the previous page.
Another factor
to consider is that securing permission for a Healing Outreach in an ethnic
community (e.g., shopping mall) is very likely not necessary. The people
there in general will not raise objections or seek to cause trouble for
you. In contrast, if you want to do an Outreach in a mostly white suburban
shopping mall where people "know their rights," securing permission
may be a necessity. There will be businesses owned or managed by Christians
who may welcome you to set up an Outreach in front of their store.
Where
the Elijah Challenge can provide training is in the area of ministering
to those with infirmities who come to the Healing Outreach. Workers can
be trained to boldly minister healing with authority to infirm people
who visit the Outreach. Miraculous healings will take place as the gospel
is shared, and, as in the time of Jesus, many souls will come to Him.
If needed, we can assist you in starting your Healing Outreach
by being present at the first outreach to show you how to minister
healing to those who visit to request healing prayer.
Contact
us