Believe in the God of Healing

A Reflection by Darby Sangrey, Nurse Practitioner at Hopewell Family Care I believe that Our God is a God of healing, of health, of restoration, and bringing healing to people through the touch of healing hands. I believe that it is His heart that all people receive healing, either on this side of eternity or the next. Through several experiences, the Lord has opened my eyes to the discrepancies and inequalities in healthcare that bar individuals from receiving it. From these experiences, He has given me a desire to serve as an extension in the care of others, especially those we may otherwise overlook. I was able to see firsthand the way the Lord can use willing individuals to overcome some of these obstacles to health care during my time in El Salvador.

In November, a team made up of both Nurse Practitioners from Hopewell Family Care and two nurse graduates from Union University served with G.O.D. in El Salvador. They were able to provide eye exams, health assessments to our cooperatives, as well as well checks and educational seminars for the local, rural community.

One of the most impactful moments during our trip is one in which we organized a clinic for the surrounding community. Our team of nurses invited members of the local community, neighbors, friends, and otherwise, to come to the property to join us for our clinic day. After preparing a space for patient care, we saw neighbor after neighbor filing into our waiting space with their families. Jaimee Arroyo and I worked in tandem, attending their physical needs through medical histories and examinations. Jordan Miller and Stacey provided migraine massages, ear cleanings, and additional tests based on our recommended treatment plans. As we spoke with them, we began to address their medical concerns. As I listened further, I had a deeper realization that only Holy Spirit could know: these people were not coming for the tangible medical attention alone. They were coming to see us because of a deeper desire, a hunger for something greater than a prescription or pill. They wanted to be touched, listened to, and seen. In these moments, these individuals ministered to me deeply, more than I feel I was able to give them!

Darby Sangrey’s fluency in Spanish has aided her in her service to patients at Hopewell Family Care clinic in Old Hickory, Tennessee, but also in El Salvador. That both Nurse Practitioners on this trip were fluent in Spanish ensured that those they were serving were listened to well and given empowering information in return.

As I have reflected on these moments, God began to speak to me about the greater reality of what occurred that day. This was an opportunity to embody the same ministry of Jesus when He walked on this earth. Jesus walked through the towns of Israel, sharing the hope that He carried. He did this not out of obligation or duty, but rather through the eyes of deep, relentless love for His children. He used His words, His hands, and His connections with others to provide humanize caring for one another. This is the kind of work that we got to participate in, not because of our skill or talent, but because the Lord entrusted us with this gift.

My prayer is that this may continue to occur with increasing frequency in the future, not because of any obligation or duty we feel but because of our sincere love for our brothers and sisters. This kind of health care, grounded in Christ, has the opportunity to make a profound and lasting impact in any community, but even more importantly, in the kingdom of God.

Brother and sisters, I pray that these stories encourage you as much as experiencing them did for my spirit. I pray that they spur every team across the globe onward towards love and good deeds. May we never cease from telling stories like these, so that we never forget the good work that the Lord desires to do in and through us. To Him who is faithful, I give all honor and glory.