Deep in my heart I have always felt a calling to Africa.  When the opportunity arose to go with a team to deliver mosquito nets to help save lives from malaria, I jumped at the chance.

I was apprehensive about many things…the food..Would I get sick?..disease…Would I contract something that would keep me from holding my new granddaughter?… safety?…We had armed guards and check points wherever we went!

I handed out 1,000 nets a day.  It felt like I was giving Holy Communion!  Part of me thought, “Anyone could be doing this.”  The other part of me thought, “This might be the most important thing I ever did!”  Perhaps it had something to do with touching and being willing to be touched.

In Mark, chapter 5, there is a woman who has been ill for a long time and separated from her community out of perceived danger of touching.  She made her way through a crowd to touch Jesus’ garment, believing that touch could heal her.  Jesus feels the power go out of him and asks the question, “Who touched me?” She explains and he says to her, “Your faith has made you well.”

This statue by Willy Wang is located in Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas.

In my ministry when I have visited persons who are ill, I have always felt it was important to touch in some way as I prayed with them.  I would picture the power of God flowing through me into them.  It had nothing to do with me.  It had everything to do with faith that God is the Great Healer.  I believe God chooses to heal in whatever way God wants – physically, spiritually, mentally, emotionally.  We just come to touch Him in faith and to be touched by His healing hand.  We do not control it, but God’s grace is always present.

I love this sculpture!  “Compassion’s Touch” by Eugene Kamrath Mygdal is also located in Methodist Hospital, Houston.  Can’t you just feel the compassion and power present in this touch?  Hundreds of people walk by this everyday who need the hope and comfort it brings.

Each Sunday at the close of worship in our church, we all join hands and sing together, “Bless be the tie that binds, our hearts in Christian love…”  I always feel the power that is present in that touch.  It is beautiful.

Pondering…

When have you experienced the touch of God?

Where might God use you to bring a touch?

nk