By Dr. Ray Barnwell
General Director of Sunday School and Discipleship of The Wesleyan Church

In Mark chapter 2, we have a scene that is set in the midst of faith, hope, love, and health. You know the story. Jesus is teaching; the house is filled, and the crowd overflows into the courtyard. Suddenly sounds are heard from above. In just a few moments a hole appears in the roof and at least four people peer down at Jesus. Their next move is to lower a pallet bearing a man to floor in front of Jesus. Mark mentions that Jesus “saw their faith” and He said “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee” (Mark 2:5 KJV). Some wonder why Christ addressed the spiritual need before the obvious physical need. It may be that He wanted to remind us that the soul lives forever, but also to help us understand the correlation between mind, body, and spirit. It is easy for us to lose sight of the whole because of the parts.

As Christians we know there is a deep connection between faith, hope, love, and health. Many hospitals were opened as acts of kindness. Churches have viewed medical missions as an essential ministry integrating mind, body, and soul. Unfortunately as medicine has made giant leaps, many in the medical profession have forgotten that ultimate healing comes from God and that faith, hope, love, and healing all go together.

Just a few years ago, Dr. Harold Koening, Michael McCullough, and the late Darrel Larson published the Handbook of Religion and Health. Much of the book looked at the role faith plays in our health as we age.

Some of the findings include:

· Religious people have healthier lifestyles.
· Older people with faith hae a stronger sense of well being.
· Religious people live longer.
· Older people who attend religious services avoid disability longer than those who don’t attend.

It is amazing that researchers now are able to prove what we have often thought and resumed.

In light of these findings what does it mean for you and me?

1. Keep connected to His church. The four men in Mark wanted to keep their friend connected.

2. Notice when others are not connected. When you peers are absent, be sure to let them know they’re missed. Physical pain is often not as painful as feeling alone. Be sure to invite your unchurched and unsaved friends. The four people in Mark noticed a need.

3. Seek help when you need it. Not everyone knows about your need(s). God’s family does care, but we cannot respond unless we know. The sick man sought help!

4. Take time each day to be thankful through prayer and Bible reading. Just imagine how the four people and the man who formerly was on the at worshiped the Savior.

5. Help develop a heath ministry in your church. The needs are everywhere. The possibilities are unlimited. Is it time your Middle and Senior Adult group focuses on faith, hope, love, and health?

6. Check out our new Ask the Doctor column at the Best Years Fellowship web site, www.wesleyan.org/ssd/byf/askthedoctor.htm.

Reprinted with permission from JoAnn Eastburn.