We have all undergone significant adjustments lately. From school and church closings to job loss, fear and physical distancing—I’d say our world has been turned upside down. Thankfully, as the church, we’ve found ways to continue hearing the word of God preached and worship Him in spirit and truth. This has personally been healing for my loved ones and I.

Even as things begin to open up, the impact of COVID-19 here and overseas will remain evident for some time. I have been asking myself lately, “What does our world need most now?” The conclusion that I’ve come to was just as accurate before the coronavirus as today: the world needs healing through Christ. 

In a time when the world is looking intently for answers, hope and especially healing, the church already has the answer: Jesus. So we must continue to share the Gospel and make Christ, who is healer, known to all people. 

Truth and strength of the Gospel

At Partners International Canada, our partners face complex situations daily and help vulnerable people who don’t yet know the good news. They even encounter people that openly oppose Jesus. Still, our partners share the love of Christ in word and deed to every person. They frequently witness spiritual, emotional and physical healing because of the Gospel and grace of God. In places like Bangladesh, for example, many people are coming to know Christ through healings.

Sumona, a woman from the Mukhuria village, suffered from an unexplained fever for three years. She met with local doctors and Muslim religious leaders in search of healing and treatment but found no hope. An evangelist from our partner in Bangladesh, Theophil, heard about Sumona’s condition and went to visit her. Theophil asked Sumona and her husband if they would be open to Christian prayer. Sumona had suffered a great deal, so they were not opposed to Theophil’s prayers, even though they were Muslim. Theophil shared the Gospel with them and prayed for Sumona to be healed in the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Within a week, she miraculously recovered from the fever. Sumona and her husband became interested in learning more about the truth and strength behind Christian prayer and healing. Sumona was especially drawn to knowing more about Jesus. Shortly after that, Sumona and her husband accepted Christ as their saviour, and they were baptized. Sumona has become a bold follower of Christ, who shares her faith despite threats and pressure to leave her village for her newfound faith. Theophil is discipling them both in preparation for a greater harvest in that village.

This incredible testimony is proof that healing is possible through Jesus. 

Sharing the good news

Hurt, brokenness, and injustice are everywhere. People right now are suffering and living without hope. Making Christ known will bring spiritual, mental, and physical healing, especially during these trying times with COVID-19. In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus quotes, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” In this same way, we must continue to share the Gospel and do good. 

The world will continue to change, and we will all encounter various trials along the way. As believers, we know this but focus on the One who is constant through every season. Christ has always been the redeemer and healer. He is mighty all by Himself, but partnership is His ideal way of reaching people. 

Brothers and sisters, we are called to partner with our Lord to bring healing and restoration to His people throughout the world. Join us as we continue transforming lives through the Gospel of Jesus and meeting people’s spiritual, physical, and emotional needs.