Recently, I traveled to India on a new Global Health Outreach (GHO) medical and dental mission trip. On this trip, as with most, we served incredibly poor communities—those in the lower hierarchy of the caste system. We offered free healthcare, gave our patients medicine when needed and prayed with them. Very few declined prayers, even though 90 percent of India is Hindu. It was a joy to serve those in need. It was a blessing to follow Jesus to this area of the world. It gives you the sense you are fellowshipping with Jesus when caring for who He cares for.

 

As we closed out our week of clinic, the president of the ministry admired the work we had done. They have hosted small teams of one or two physicians before, but never a whole team, and never a team that would simply give them medicine. He also noticed the most remarkable thing about our team: we touched our patients. When we examined, cared for and prayed with them, we touched them. He had never seen this type of care before. Even the local physicians will not touch the patients, “because they are in a lower caste,” he said. I was surprised at this discovery, as it comes so natural to us as we reach out to serve in the mighty name of Jesus. The simple act of touch can begin to transform a life.

 

Physical touch was used to heal, love and show compassion for people. It all started “in the beginning.” In Genesis, God spoke heaven and earth into existence, and He saw that it was good. He did not simply speak humankind into existence, though, did He? No, He said, “Let Us make man in Our image…” (Genesis 1:26, NASB 1995). He made us. He further described this when He made Adam: “Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7, NASB 1995). It makes one picture Him scooping dust up with His hands and molding it like we would a piece of clay, doesn’t it? It’s not just speaking, but it’s a more intimate touch.

 

In the Scriptures, we see numerous examples of Jesus using touch to demonstrate His message to humankind and to love us. He gathered children into His arms, restored health by a touch and healed lepers, the blind and the lame. He even allowed touch to help Thomas believe: “Then He said to Thomas, ‘Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing’” (John 20:27, NASB 1995). Our God used touch to communicate love in powerful ways and to symbolize an intimacy of the divine creator with His creation, to let us know we belonged to Him. We are loved by Him.

 

There are numerous examples of people in the Bible who feel lost, forgotten and lonely. Can you relate? I would venture to say we all have at one time or another. One prominent example was the hemorrhaging woman. How lonely she must have felt being unclean for 12 years. Jesus did not even reach out and touch her. She touched Him—but not even Him, but the fringe of His cloak. She perceived that she was instantly healed. Jesus felt the power leave Him and turned to inquire as to who had touched His garment. Can you imagine how terrified she must have been to be called out so publicly? How ashamed she must have felt knowing she was not even supposed to be near anyone in her uncleanness. Yet, how did Jesus respond to her? He responded with intimacy. He called her “daughter” to imply a loving care for her, and told her, “…your faith has made you well…” (Mark 5:34, NASB 1995) and instructed her to go in peace and be healed from her affliction. A simple touch transformed her life.

 

Traveling on mission fields around the world, even today, we see several women concerned with “female issues.” This is a humbling complaint to present to a stranger, even if that stranger is a physician. It is embarrassing! Often, women speak with me about concerns of infertility and their longing to have a child. Frequently, it includes the concern that their husbands will leave them for another woman who can give them a child. I think of a woman named Sarah who suffered similar distress thousands of years ago and got herself in trouble trying to “help God out” with her predicament. This is much too complex a problem to address on a short-term mission trip, yet I have discovered I can help. I give medical advice and discuss the need for further testing, knowing they most likely cannot afford it. I can also listen with compassion, and I can lay my hands on them and present their concerns to the very throne of His grace. His daughter is hurting and in need. Much like the hemorrhaging woman’s faith made her well, Jesus can reach down and touch through His Holy Spirit as well. I believe this is true. I also have opportunity to address her faith or beliefs. This was very much at the center of healing the hemorrhaging woman, and it can be for our patients today. He may choose not to heal, but He will walk with us through our suffering.

 

We also read of the account of Jesus encountering a man blind from birth. It was commonly believed a physical flaw such as this would be the result of sin. Jesus explained to His disciples that sin was not the reason, but it was so the works of God might be displayed in Him. Jesus looked upon this man’s suffering and chose to heal him. He chose to use touch to heal him: “…He spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and applied the clay to his eyes, and said to him, ‘Go, wash in the pool of Siloam’ (which is translated, Sent). So he went away and washed, and came back seeing” (John 9:6-7, NASB 1995). Jesus chose to use touch to perform miracles. He didn’t have to, of course. He simply commanded Lazarus to “come forth” (John 11). I believe His touch was His love offering. He healed, yes of course, but He did so in a way that told the man He loved and cared for him. One on one, a blind man and Jesus. In doing so, He forged a relationship with this man and transformed his life.

 

Let’s look at a leper. This was another person rejected by society because he was unclean. He had to live outside of town and away from his friends and family. Jesus was not afraid of his uncleanness: “And a leper came to Him and bowed down before Him, and said, ‘Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.’ Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, ‘I am willing; be cleansed.’ And immediately his leprosy was cleansed” (Matthew 8:2-3, NASB 1995). What joy! He wasn’t supposed to tell anyone, but who could hold this in? I would think of David leaping and dancing before the Lord. A time and purpose to celebrate!

 

I admit it. There have been times on the mission field I wish I could heal that way, with just the will for someone to be well and a simple touch. It would be amazing, wouldn’t it? Although I also acknowledge it would likely not be long before I am telling others, “Look what I have done.” All while keeping my head bowed trying to appear humble, of course. Yes, I admit there is a bit of a Pharisee in me, much as I would like to think this isn’t true. It is hard to not want to take credit for good works. Since I am being honest, there have been times when I wanted to pray bold prayers of miraculous healing. Call on Jesus to heal my patient before our very eyes. But I hesitate. Because what if God chooses not to heal on my emotional whim? How will this patient ever come to know Jesus as our one true God? Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief! I find myself able to identify with the daddy who has a demon possessed son and asked Jesus “…But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!” (Mark 9:22b, NASB 1995).

 

Jesus did leave His disciples with some final instructions before He ascended to heaven. The last words Jesus spoke as man on earth were, “but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth” (Acts 1:8, NASB 1995). This was His goodbye, telling them to remember what He taught. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, they were able to continue His work and His healing. We can also read where Peter and John were going up to the temple while a man lame from birth was begging at the temple gait: “But Peter said, ‘I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—walk!’ And seizing him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened. With a leap he stood upright and began to walk; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God” (Acts 3:6-8, NASB 1995). Now that’s what I would expect. What a joy!

 

Yes, Jesus healed the multitudes! We read in Scripture, “While the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and laying His hands on each one of them, He was healing them” (Luke 4:40, NASB 1995). He used His power to heal by touch to capture His audience with an even greater message. “Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people” (Matthew 4:23, NASB 1995). His touch healed people, but that was not His main goal. He wasn’t sent here to heal. He was sent to proclaim the kingdom of God. It just looked different than what people had imagined when ancient Scriptures foretold of someone to come who would rescue His people: “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on his shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6, NASB 1995).

 

I could go on and share numerous examples of Jesus’ miraculous healing touch. There are even examples of Him raising the dead—not just healing a disease or sickness, but bringing the dead back to life. Do you remember where Jesus was heading when He had His divine encounter with the hemorrhaging woman? A synagogue official had come and bowed down before Him, telling Him his daughter had died. But he had faith! He asked Jesus to heal his daughter. “…but come and lay Your hand on her, and she will live” (Matthew 9:18, NASB 1995). Jesus followed him. His disciples did too. On His arrival, the professional mourners were already hard at work: “But when the crowd had been sent out, He entered and took her by the hand, and the girl got up” (Matthew 9:25, NASB 1995). News spread throughout the land. I bet so! That momma and daddy couldn’t hold that in. His healing ministry was quite effective in getting his message out, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2, NASB 1995).

 

His message transformed the world. He set a whole new paradigm, one that cared for the poor and destitute, the brokenhearted and those normally neglected by society. It wasn’t just healing that impacted people by His touch, as it also was the love expressed through His touch. I can imagine the care and compassion as one looked in His eyes too. With my experiences on the mission field, I have witnessed this myself. As I look upon the poor, not with pity but with compassion, especially the poor and lost, my heart clenches and I want so badly for them to believe the message we bring. Sure, I want to relieve the pain and suffering of a fellow man, but I want to bring them to a healing faith even more. Eternal healing.

 

An entire book has been written about love languages.[1] Touch is one of those love languages. That was the love language of our Jesus. He looked upon suffering people with compassion and touched them when no one else would. He healed them; He blessed them even. Jesus was often criticized for spending time with the “wrong people.” As He walked throughout Galilee, “And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them” (Mark 10:13, NASB 1995). How did Jesus respond? He was indignant! He told them, “…Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them…And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them” (Mark 10:14,16, NASB 1995). Oh, yes! Our Jesus loves the little children, and out of love He did not just lay His hands on them but took them in His arms and blessed them. Will you permit me to extrapolate on this? We are the children of God. He loves us and does not just lay His hands upon us. When we are hurting, sick, frightened or crying out to our Jesus, He will fold us in His arms and bless us with His presence in a way no other can. Even today, through the power of His Holy Spirit, Jesus heals our broken hearts and, when He chooses, our bodies.

 

God has opened the door into the Middle East for GHO. I have served in various countries in the 10:40 Window numerous times. The Lord has given me a heart to reach the Muslim population. Working with them is such a joy. Once, as I served Syrian refugees, a woman came to our clinic every day we were there. She did not ask to see the doctor. She sat in our waiting area and observed. Finally, on the last day of our clinic, she went up to one of our interpreters and asked, “Why are they doing this?” This interpreter has worked with GHO numerous times and is now also a dear friend of mine. Her answer was simple, “Jesus.” She went on to explain how we are followers of Jesus and He calls us to love our brother and sisters. “We do this by trying to help you,” she told her. This woman pointed out our differences. She said, “You people are so kind. You smile at us. You touch us and are friendly to us. You even serve us tea. My people don’t do that!” We had her speak with another of our interpreters, a young man just out of university who shared his conversion testimony. We couldn’t understand what he was saying, but it was complete with tears and hands raised praising God. After he finished, this woman turned to our interpreter and said she would like to receive Jesus as her Savior too. Praise God!

 

I was serving in a different area in the Middle East, also with refugees from Syria as well as multiple other countries including Iran, Iraq and Pakistan. Early in the day I was managing clinic flow, since here we could not allow long lines of patients waiting outside to attract attention. I had to make sure patient flow was limiting those waiting to come inside our clinic site. I walked among the small waiting area watching for our healthcare professionals who were ready for the next patient. I could not speak to them, but I was softly singing our praise and worship song from that morning, “Spirit of the Living God” all the while smiling at them, interacting with the children, playing a bit with them and bringing water to the elderly who had been waiting for a while. I had established a relationship with the mommas in that time. Love on a child and their momma will love you too! I began to play follow the leader with the children, getting sillier with the gestures they were having to mimic. We were all laughing! It was so fun! As the clinic day went on, they wanted to get pictures of their children with me. The mommas even wanted their picture with me. This is not something Muslim refugees would normally do. As the day progressed and flow was going well, I began seeing patients also. I love babies and always hold them in my arms as I examine them. These mommas would allow me to pray over them and their children. Other mommas would see this and, even if I didn’t take care of them, come over and ask me to hold their babies and pray for them. The Spirit of our Living God had indeed fallen fresh on them! What a blessing to bring the love of Christ to His children who do not know Him. There was no miraculous healing from my touch. Yet, my touch was seen as a love offering to them and, as is always in my prayers, my love offering to my Jesus. I pray it be so!

 

Physical touch was and is used to heal, love and show compassion for people. This will never change. Our calling as healthcare professionals, is to make our Jesus known through our service to Him as we administer healthcare to all He puts in our path, both at home and internationally. Where our feet are is where our mission is. May you be blessed as you bless others in the name of Jesus Christ. Remember, Jesus loves you!

 

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About The Author

Trish Burgess, MD, is the Director of Global Health Outreach (GHO), a short-term missions ministry of Christian Medical & Dental Associations. Dr. Burgess attended the University of Georgia, achieving a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Trish then worked as a firefighter in Athens, Georgia for two years prior to starting medical school at the Medical College of Georgia. She completed her residency in emergency medicine at the University of Missouri in Kansas City, Missouri. As an emergency medicine physician, Dr. Burgess primarily practiced in Athens, Georgia for 23 years and traveled on short-term mission trips with GHO for 10 years before leaving her clinical practice to become the Director of GHO. She has written and published several articles and two books called God Sightings and Healthcare Missions, Devotions for Your Journey, and she speaks about her experiences in missions and human trafficking. In addition, Dr. Burgess has served on CMDA’s Commission on Human Trafficking. Trish has traveled the world on short-term mission trips with GHO. Her heart and passion are to serve Jesus through healthcare missions and to help mentor the next generation of healthcare professionals.

 

Get Involved

GHO is dedicated to providing healthcare while spreading the gospel by sending medical, dental and surgical teams around the world. GHO welcomes all varieties of healthcare professionals, undergraduate students, graduate school students and non-healthcare servants. To learn more about how you can participate, visit cmda.org/gho.

 

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[1] Chapman, G. (2015). The Five Love Languages. Northfield Publishing.