International Ministries

Pray for: Anita and Rick Gutierrez, South Africa

January 12, 2008 PrayerCall by Bob Santilli
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Drs. Anita and Rick Gutierrez serve Jesus with churches of the Baptist Mission of South Africa in Durban. Rick and Anita use their expertise in family practice medicine to consult with these local Baptist churches. Their vision is an energized and encouraged Body of Christ taking up its God-given role to be an agent of Christ's healing and shalom.

They write: Recently, we participated in a local government organized annual health screening day in Cato Manor. Cato Manor is a predominately black African community near to downtown Durban. Cato Manor has a history of inter-racial violence and still struggles with a high crime rate. Even so, eight of our health builders from five different Durban area churches were eager to join us for the day. Our health builders know the Lord Jesus, and they are not afraid to be witnesses of the love and healing of Christ by serving in places like Cato Manor, where this witness in both appreciated and needed. …

We set up eight private stations for testing for HIV, blood sugar and blood pressure. We were able to provide counseling and referral on the spot, in association with the local clinics, the local government, and the skilled Zulu counselors we had available. Follow-up health education was offered at a local church.

Jesus Christ came into the world, and His earthly ministry was accompanied by many healing miracles, attesting to his Messiahship. Today we are called to bring the mercy of Christ to men and women who are suffering with diseases, to point them to effective treatment and living, and to share about Jesus who saves for eternity. Jesus is the door to eternal life, and we [are thankful] to be witnesses here in Durban, where we, the church, are doing what the clinics have been unable to do in the past. This is our witness to our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord who heals men and women.