In 1976 a giant earthquake struck Guatemala City, bringing death to 25,000 people. Many workers went to assist in the rescue and cleanup. At the airport Art Beals, head of a Christian relief agency, spotted Dr. Raymond Benson, former president of the American College of Surgeons. Both had come to help meet the physical needs of the survivors.

That night in the hotel, Dr. Benson told of the deeper motivation that had prompted him to come. He told Beals that he was not only a doctor but also a Christian. He enjoyed his work as a surgeon, but said that his higher calling was to witness to others about his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ through his medical skills. "That's what really brings me to Guatemala today," he said.

Thank God for the many Christian doctors who share that vision and are bringing help and hope to the sick and suffering all over the world. Truly they are a healing community!

God promised to bless His people when they extended help to the hungry and afflicted (Isaiah 58:10-12). And He will do the same for us today. As believers, we can pray for the sick, help the needy, visit the lonely, comfort the sorrowing, and reach out with the gospel to those bound by sin. We are all part of a healing community.    — Herbert Vander Lugt