Cure the sick, proclaim Good News! – Luke 10:8-9

by Global Ministries | published on Oct 10, 2014

When Jesus sends us out as disciples, curing the sick and proclaiming the Good News is our job. The two go hand in hand. The healing miracles of Jesus always point to God’s desire for wholeness in a broken world. Jesus invites us to participate in God’s redemptive work in the world through a life committed to God and neighbor.

In Lospalos, Timor-Leste, Immanuel Protestant Church fulfills these commands of Jesus in two ways: by running a free community health clinic 5 days a week, and by a ministry of visitation in surrounding villages. In the clinic patients come for TB treatment, general care or a malnutrition program where under-weight children and elderly people eat a protein rich meal every day.

Visitation in poor rural areas is the other part of our ministry. Transportation is difficult and the work of subsistence farming takes up most of one’s time. We therefore spend several days a week visiting members living in rural areas. Through this ministry people hear and speak Good News and find a sense of solidarity and community.

Lord, as you send us out every day, bless us with your presence and healing power. Amen.

Monica and Tom Liddle, members of Peace United Church of Christ, Duluth, Minnesota, serve with the Protestant Church of East Timor (IPTL). Tom serves as an English teacher and works as a facilitator in the IPTL’s program for strengthening congregations and continuing education of pastors. Monica works as a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) in Immanuel Clinic Lospalos, which is run by the FUSONA, the relief and development wing of the IPTL.