Introducing Raphah As Healing Ministry
Raphah Ministries believe in the Trinity of God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Our mission is to provide Christian spiritual nourishment and inner healing to the spirit, soul, and body through prayer, encouragement, restoration, deliverance and teaching.
WELCOME TO RAPHAH MINISTRIES where hope, healing and restoration are happening for those experiencing brokenness. We explore together God’s design for your life and walk alongside as you seek His unique purpose for your life.
Raphah also involve other role players who can positively contribute towards the same “healing” (“Healing” have different characteristics and outcomes for each individual) goal for each person who we work with. This includes: medical professionals, hospital services, legal system, support groups, social services, community services, welfare services, psycho-social care/services, as well as activities such as scrap-booking, flower arrangements, knitting etc – anything that can positively contribute towards a person’s “healing” process.
Vision & Mission as Healing Ministry
Vision:
To have all members of the body of Christ to be in health and walking in the truth as their souls prosper to the extent that they live in the fullness of Christ.
Mission:
To minister to the sick and unwell by the power of the Holy Spirit through prayer, spiritual and biblical-based counseling and deliverance including equipping people to walk in wholeness of health through the sanctification of the spirit, soul and body in accordance with the Word of God and living a healthy life style.
This is in line with the global Mission of Raphah Ministries, namely:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised
(Luke 4:18)
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
(Isa 61:1)
Understanding “Ministry”
What is a ministry?
To minister means to attend to the needs of someone. So a Ministry is helping someone. Christian ministry is helping someone in the name of Jesus. Christian ministries are generally orchestrated by a church, but some Christian individuals take it upon themselves to serve their community in the name of Jesus.
The calling to ministry is unique. It is a calling from God to a specific individual for an exceptional purpose. To be part of full-time ministry is a grand privilege because it is from God to join His work in such an extraordinary way. Not every person is called to such a gifting and not every person is gifted for such a calling.
What is the difference between a church and a ministry?:
A Church is associated with a building and congregation while a ministry is associated with a service.
Is Raphah Ministries a church?
Raphah Ministries is not a church (place of assembly), but a Ministry.
Although Raphah Ministries does have a church on its premises and it provides church services to those in its care and welcomes any one to attend the services, its focus is not to be a church. Rather provide church-related services as a secondary service
What is A Healing Ministry?
What is spiritual/biblical/faith healing?
- There is no one specific definition – for it embraces so many aspects of life.
- It is a ministry often to preach the gospel and heal the sick. (Luke 4:18 and Isa 61:1)
- It is meeting people at their point of need and helping them on their journey to wholeness.
- God’s desire is that people who are hurting and broken in body, mind, emotions and spirit, should know healing, love, peace, forgiveness and reconciliation.
- To bring Christ into the situation through listening and prayer, and being guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit
- Healing through divine intervention as in response to prayer or because of faith
- A method employing prayer or faith in the hope/trust of receiving such healing
- Literally
a. making whole or well (Ecclesiastes 3:3)
b. It occurs in prayers for restoration to health (Numbers 12:13; Psalms 6:2; Jeremiah 17:14)
c. In declarations as to God’s power to restore to health (Deuteronomy 32:39; 2 Kings 20:5-8) - Metaphorically
It is applied to the restoration of the soul to spiritual health and to the repair of the injuries caused by sin (Psalms 41:4; Jeremiah 30:17) - The restoration and deliverance of the afflicted land is expressed by it in 2 Chronicles 7:14; Isaiah 19:22.
- It is applied to the forgiveness of sin (Jeremiah 3:22).
Why is healing so important?
- A longer part of the healing journey centers on emotional, mental and spiritual healing. It’s vital that broken people take care of their emotional well-being.
- Healing allows us to reclaim our power.
- It gives us the opportunity to fit the pieces back together in such a way so that we are stronger than ever before
What is the Hebrew name for God the healer ?
Jehovah-Rapha – The God Who Heals
What Does the Bible Say about Healing?
How Can Christians Pray for Healing in a Biblical Way?
Because there are many opinions about healing, and those who use healing in self-serving ways, it’s important for Christians to go to the Bible for direction and guidance. Christians should want to approach healing in a biblical way, and in Scripture we discover the source and purposes for healing, as well as instruction and models for asking in faith.
Here are 9 things the Bible says about healing and praying for healing.
Click “More” to read more
More
1. HEALING COMES FROM GOD
No Scripture condemns the legitimate use of doctors or medical science, but one of the names of God is Jehovah-Rapha meaning “the Lord who heals.”The Father has the power to heal the whole person:
- Spiritually (Psalm 103:2-3; Jeremiah 3:22; 1 Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:5)
- Physically (2 Kings 5:10; Isaiah 38:15-16; Psalm 41:3; Psalm 107:19-20; Matthew 14:14)
- Emotionally (Psalm 34:18)
- Mentally (Daniel 4:34)
Healing also comes through the agency of the Holy Spirit working through believers’ spiritual gifts (Acts 3:1-13a). Jesus healed “every disease and sickness among the people” in Galilee (Matthew 4:23), Judea (Matthew 19:1-2), and everywhere He went (Mark 6:56) to authenticate His Messiahship (John 7:31) and give Israel a taste of the kingdom (Luke 11:20).
2. THE GIFT OF HEALING IS BIBLICAL
The Holy Spirit gives gifts to the Church (1 Corinthians 12:8-11), like the gift of healing (1 Corinthians 14:1). God knows best and He distributes the gift of healing according to His will (Hebrews 2:4).Besides honoring God and glorifying Jesus, healing is also for the common good of the Church (1 Corinthians 12:7). Healings are also a strong sign the reign of death will come to a redemptive end (Romans 5:17; 8:20-21).
Jesus healed while proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom (Matthew 4:23) and gave His disciples and others power and authority to heal diseases as they also proclaimed the kingdom of God (Luke 9:1-2; 10:1-9).
It’s wise to distinguish between physical and spiritual healing. For example, Isaiah 53:5(quoted in 1 Peter 2:24) is often misapplied. The context of this passage is spiritual healing, not sickness or disease.
3. GOD MAY SAY ‘NO’
In the Old Testament, when Moses cried out to God to heal Miriam’s leprosy, the Lord did not heal her immediately (Numbers 12:1-15). Ahaziah was refused healing because he consulted with a pagan deity (2 Kings 1:1-17a).In the New Testament, Paul left Trophimus sick in Miletus (2 Timothy 4:20b), had to deal with his own continuing affliction (2 Corinthians 12:7-9), and counseled Timothy to “drink a little wine” to help with ongoing ailments (1 Timothy 5:23).
God doesn’t give bad things to His children (Matthew 7:7-11). The One who sent Jesus for us will graciously give us “all things” we need to do His will or honor Him (Romans 8:32). But as a loving Father, He may say “no” to healing and instead use afflictions directly to sanctify us.
4. CHRISTIANS CAN HINDER THEIR HEALING
Christians can hinder their own healing in at least 5 ways.- 1. Christians may have unconfessed sin
James 5:16 says, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed….” Confession is important preparation to healing. We must take care with this, however. Some believe all sick people are guilty of secret sins. That idea discounts Scriptures like John 9:1-3 where Jesus made it clear neither a blind man’s nor his parents’ sin caused his blindness. Critics can act like Job’s friends who didn’t tell the truth about God to Job—and God rebuked them (Job 42:7-9).
2. Christians may neglect healing by failing to ask for it (James 4:2b)
In John 5:6-7, Jesus looked into the heart of a lame man and asked, “Do you want to get well?” A strange question for a man who had been lame for 38 years! Maybe Jesus saw he was reluctant because he was addicted to the attention and charity he received. Perhaps his lameness became entwined with his identity. Sometimes the Lord wants to heal us, but we haven’t bothered to ask him!
3. Christians may fail to surrender to God’s purposes
Believers’ humility and readiness to receive what God has for them helps them cooperate with the truth of Romans 8:28-29. As believers pray for healing, they must believe that all things are somehow woven together into the Father’s good and holy plan to conforming them to the image of His Son. Some may feel it’s a cop-out to pray a surrendered “your will be done” in regard to healing; but even Jesus qualified His prayers, and He wasn’t sinning (Luke 22:42).
4. Christians may hinder healing through lack of faith
Lack of faith can hinder what God wants to do (Matthew 9:20-22; Matthew 9:29; Mark 6:5-6; Luke 17:19; Acts 3:16; James 5:15). He is more inclined to respond to prayers of faith in powerful, sometimes unexpected ways, as He did with Elijah in James 5:17-18.
5. Christians may come to God with timid prayers
Christians need to pray with confidence, trusting God’s goodness and grace (Matthew 7:11), and pray with conviction that God will reward those who pursue Him (Hebrews 11:6).
5. THERE MAY BE QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
It’s important not to question people or beat them up over a perceived “lack of faith.” Only God knows the human heart, and He is the righteous Judge (Psalm 139:1-2; 50:6).But regarding healing, Christians might ask themselves some questions: - Do I have courage to ask God for healing in faith? - Do I have the kind of pleasing faith that honors God? - Do I believe God won’t answer me? - Am I afraid I’ll make God look bad if healing doesn’t come? - Am I afraid of my image and reputation—do I think I might look unspiritual if nothing changes?
The key to greater faith is intimacy with God, rooted and grounded in Christ (Colossians 2:7). It’s not about personal reputation.
6. CHURCH LEADERS HAVE AN IMPORTANT PART TO PLAY
Many Christians forget they can call on church elders to pray—a biblical truth not taught or practiced in many churches.In James 5:14-16, the elders of a church were called in to visit a sick person under their spiritual care. They anoint the sick person with oil and offer up prayer “in the name of the Lord.” If the person’s illness was the direct result of personal sin, the elders called for confession and repentance.
7. SATAN OPPOSES HEALING PRAYERS
Sickness and death are consequences of the fall (Genesis 2:17; 3:19b; Romans 5:12). Satan is a murderer and liar (John 8:44) who wants to steal Christians’ health and tell them lies about God’s goodness. Some illnesses are directly caused by spiritual or demonic influences (Luke 13:10-13; Acts 10:38; 2 Corinthians 12:7; Mark 1:34).Christians who want to press forward in praying faith must stand against Satan’s evil schemes (Ephesians 6:12-13) and resist him in prayer while submitting to God (James 4:7).
8. BOTH HEALING AND SUFFERING CAN SERVE A HIGHER PURPOSE
God may use physical suffering for a higher purpose than we understand (Isaiah 55:8-9). God sometimes heals to bring glory to Himself and encourage others to put their faith in the Savior. We see this with the death of Lazarus and Jesus raising him back to life (John 11:1-45).Other times, healing does not come. But even with impending death, there can be a higher purpose. A dying believer can point the living toward the Father and His message of hope in Christ.
9. ULTIMATE HEALING AWAITS IN HEAVEN
For the believer, death brings ultimate healing—no more death, sorrow or pain forever (Revelation 21:4). To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).Believers can hate sickness and disease—just as God does—while longing for that day when they’ll be safe in heaven from the ravages of pain and all disease.
HEALING SCRIPTURES
- “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).
- “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18)
- “Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases” (Psalm 103:2-3).
- “The LORD sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness” (Psalm 41:3).
- “‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ said Jesus, ‘but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him’” (John 9:3).
- “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well” (James 5:14-15).
- “‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
Less
( Source: Christainity.com)
“Journey of Faith” Cottage/Retreat
Coming soon:
Raphah also offers a cottage (as part of our healing services) set aside for married couples, individuals, parents, families etc, needing comfort, counsel, deliverance and training. This cottage is also available to pastors and/or spiritual leaders who need to take a break to pray, study the word of God for an hour or 2 – getting away from the normal day-to-day schedules and routines.
Located on the premises of Raphah Ministries, in a quiet area in Newcastle, Kwazulu-Natal – the cottage, which is currently in ‘n poor condition, needs some serious TLC, some elbow grease, a bit of paint and other maintenance/construction work to be done. Once it has been fixed up, it will be a symbol of the people who will seek restoration and healing here.
All are welcome!
Once the cottage has been fixed up, it will be available to provide comfort, rest, renewal, intensive counseling, training etc and a personalized plan for any one who is referred to Raphah or who feel they have lost hope for reconciliation, healing, restoration, etc. A reasonable fee will be charged, mainly to maintain the cottage and for its upkeep and will be a self-generating project, as well as to cover any administrative costs, training material (if applicable) etc.
We are excited to make the cottage available to use as a “getaway”, once it is operational. For a fee of R….. (price on request) per night for the cottage…… you may request a reservation by checking for available dates with our office. It will be a self-catering unit with a fully functional mini-kitchen, bedroom with double bed, lounge/dining, basic bathroom. Private entrance and parking facility on site.
Please keep in mind the following guidelines:
- Our Cottage will be a biblical/Christian retreat to relax and reconnect – please, no children (if possible).
- No pets
- No alcohol
- No smoking inside the cottage
- No loud music/parties
Get involved:
- Financial contributions/support
Thank you for your support of our ministry. We are currently accepting funds to finalize details of this project. If you would like to help financially, visit our “Donate” section. Above all, we seek your prayer support in our ministry! Please clearly indicate “Retreat Cottage” as your donation topic. - Other methods
Should you wish to get involved in another way (e.g. supply of materials, services, labour etc), please contact our office during office hours on 03431-52637 or through our business whatsapp number on 0343152637 or email (raphah@jenny.co.za) or fax (086 606 9400) - Raphah is registered as a Public Benefit Organization (PBO) at SARS, therefore your donation (in which ever form or shape, big or small) can be claimed back from your annual income tax. Please discuss this with your bookkeeper.
How Does Raphah’s Retreat Work?
In Luke 4:18-19 Jesus quotes part of the Old Testament saying
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the downtrodden will be freed from their oppressors, and that the time of the Lord’s favour has come.”
What is a Healing Retreat?
A week-end (2 nights and 3 days) where a family, married couple or individual stays in our on-site self-catering cottage and receives intensive counselling, prayer, deliverance, training, teachings etc., to address their brokenness in a safe and loving environment.
What is the Teaching Content?
During the Retreat key biblical principles are shared relating to receiving healing for spirit, soul and body. Topics covered include: forgiveness; understanding and knowing the Father Heart of God and His desire to heal, restore and fill us with His Holy Spirit; the place of spiritual warfare; the importance of making Godly choices; and walking on in victory
What will the Times of Prayer Involve?
Personal sharing and prayer ministry often includes time working through areas of forgiveness, repentance and inviting Jesus to be Lord. It can also include recognising the work of the enemy in our lives and overcoming it through the power of the cross of Jesus. The purpose of a Retreat is to bring God’s love and healing power into someone’s life. It is not usually possible to deal with a life-time’s problems all at once, but the aim is rather to facilitate a significant step forward in the Christian journey. Individual needs and the guidance of the Holy Spirit will assist the team in knowing what to pray about. There is also time for personal reflection.
How many of the Ministry Team will a Person See?
The Ministry Teams work in pairs (or occasionally as a team of three). At least one ministry team member will be the same sex as the person seeking help.
Is it Confidential?
Yes. What is confided, both in writing and during prayer ministry, will be kept in strictest confidence. Application forms and details will be kept locked and secure. We will not release any details to anyone without your written permission, unless legally obliged to do so.
What are the Results?
God works in different ways with different people. Most people give immediate testimony of significant changes. Improvements will be progressive and continued over months or even years after their Retreat. This will increase faith, strength and hope. For some, deep levels of pain may begin to be touched for the first time, which initially can result in feeling worse. Advice and encouragement will be given on the way forward.
Will it Solve All Problems?
No guarantee can be given of what the Lord Jesus will do in an individual’s life during the Retreat. For some there is powerful and complete healing, but for most it is a process which means a continuing walk with God.
How Much will it Cost?
Raphah Ministries does not make any charge for Healing Retreats to those less fortunate or low incomers, so as not to hinder anyone from receiving help. However, operating our facility/Ministry does cost money and there are bills that have to be paid! We invite those coming on a Retreat to donate whatever they can afford towards meeting some of our expenses. How much is given is left to their own discretion.
Those who are in a position to contribute financially and are not seen as low incomers, will be required to pay a fee of R……… (price on request) per night. Fees are not charged per person.
Where and How is an Application Made?
A request can be directed to us by contacting us. An appointment will be made to have a meeting with the applicant/s to consider the needs of the individual/couple and may offer a place on a Healing Retreat. In some situations a Healing Retreat may not be considered to be the best way forward and alternative advice may be given.
How We Serve the Church
Raphah Ministries is not a church, but rather seeks to serve the Church. Although no formal approval from a church or Pastor is needed for attendance on a Healing Retreat, for the best and most effective results, we believe it is right and preferable if the blessing and support of the local church is sought. We do recommend that individuals tell their Pastor of plans to come on a Healing Retreat. We like to send Pastors an information pack and answer any questions they may have about our work. Ideally, Raphah Ministries would want to work alongside the local church in helping those who attend the Healing Retreats.
What is the Next Step After the Healing Retreat?
We recommend committed involvement with the local church and encourage people to receive ongoing pastoral care and ministry wherever this is offered and appropriate. Those praying/ministering with you will discuss the next step for you and may suggest suitable training courses that would be beneficial.
For some people, following a Healing Retreat, additional personal Ministry appointments for further inner healing may be considered necessary. This will be discussed with each person/couple before/after the Healing retreat and to make suggestions on the way forward.
