…the church has been caring for the sick, both physically and mentally for 2,000 years longer than any government or agency. Most people are unaware that it was the Church that invented the idea of hospitals. For centuries the Church has been a refuge for the outcast, those on the margins, and anyone enduring societal stigma and shame.
Finally, studies have shown that when families or individuals experience the chaos caused by mental illness, the first place they typically call in a crisis is not a doctor, a law office, the school, or the police, but rather they call or go see their priest or pastor. Anyone who’s served as a receptionist for a church knows that they often are required to do triage in mental illness cases. Why is that? Because people instinctively know that churches are called by God to be places of refuge, comfort, guidance, and practical help for those who suffer.
It’s time to stand with those who are suffering.Read it all.
God bless Rick Warren for doing this. I would like to see something in a different vein done.
The only time Abram went to war was in Genesis 14. Abram and his 318 men make 319 warriors.
Look at David’s tabernacle (1 Chronicles 25:1-26:19). David and the commanders of the army set apart some men for the work of prophesy and music. Three seers + 288 musicians + 28 named gatekeepers= 319.
I would like to see 319 intercessors gather to pray about mental illness.