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Dear Shiloh Family,

Recently, Anita and I delivered a small token of appreciation to a special group of caregivers. However, these wonderful folks don't always fit the typical hug-your-neck, ooey-gooey, touchy-feely mold. However, their ministry does require a certain amount of the laying-on-of-hands.

When you enter their establishment, you are greeted by name with a warm welcome. One rarely has to wait for the festivities to begin. The staff is well trained for dealing with specific issues in individuals, and the music is uplifting and just the right volume. 

Several of you have testified to the success of this wonderful group of people as well. But, I don't think one of us would brag that we were ever told exactly what we wanted to hear. On the contrary, our instructions were to be on time and prepare for pain. And yet, we returned time after time, enduring the pain, pushing through the stress, following directions, and slowly became whole. 

I am referring to the caring staff of Performance Physical Therapy in LaFayette, GA. I marveled as they loved on my Dad until the day he passed. They have done the same with my Mom, other family members, friends and with people they hardly know. Now, I am experiencing the same professionally personal touch as I go through my own rehab. 

It must be difficult for them to refrain from rolling on the ground in hysteria as a grown man writhes in pain, whines like a child, and complains like a two-year-old. I'm amazed how they patiently answer the same questions session after session, and how they suppress the right to shame me with instructions of, "Get up, you big baby. Act like a man. No! Anita cannot come back and hold your hand."

Instead, they care enough to tell me the truth about pain and gain. They are consistent and persistent in their philosophy. Every member is knowledgeable in content and curricula. With a smile, they remind us from where we have come and to where we are now. And all of us are aware that we will eventually stand before our operating physician where we, as well as the caregivers will be held accountable for our efforts. So, I keep coming back and continue to do whatever it takes to get better. And the healers - well, they just keep initiating healing. 

Hebrews 4:12-13:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. NKJV

Wouldn't it be great if we, as pastors, leaders, and teachers were so bent on the health and care of others? Oh, that we could remember why people come to our church - to be healed. Patience would certainly be our virtue. Faith in God and our fellow man would be our guide, hope would reign eternal, but love would permeate the process, premises, and people. 

Think of what it would be like if every soul entered the church craving not what we want, but rather what we need. What an awesome day it would be if we all realized that everyone in the building came through the doors broken and hurting in some way, knowing that sugar-coated sermons and honey-soaked cliches only exacerbate the ailing body. Perfect healing and harmony will come when the people of God heed the instructions of His word, knowing that we will be held accountable for how we present it, and how we receive it as well. 

Last Sunday, the Holy Spirit performed some healing of His own. There were no thrilling orations, or alliterated sermons. There were no earth-shattering testimonies nor feats of faith. It wasn't a particular song nor singer that broke the dam. No, it was a wave of obedience that spread through our auditorium like a heavy fog. "Trust and obey! For there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus, than to trust and obey."

A friend sees only the good in you. Your doctor helps get rid of the bad. 


God bless you all,
Pastor Derrell