Caroline Petrie – Power of Prayer
Update: Wednesday 11th February 2009:
Praise God, North Somerset NHS Trust have now reinstated Caroline Petrie with no disciplinary action and allowed her to return to work – Click here for the full update on this story.
The story of NHS community nurse Caroline Petrie has been in the news quite a bit this week. She has been suspended and faces disciplinary action by offering to pray for someone to be healed. She was quoted as follows on the BBC website:
“My faith got stronger and I realised God was doing amazing things in my life. I saw my patients suffering and as I believe in the power of prayer, I began asking them if they wanted me to pray for them. They are absolutely delighted”
Christians in the UK don’t generally suffer persecution in the same way that our brothers & sisters in other parts of the world do. However, I believe that as we stand for the radical truths and claims of the Gospel, which include healing the sick in the name of Jesus, we will increasingly face opposition and ‘persecution’ of the type that Caroline Petrie is currently facing.
Throughout the pages of the Bible, and throughout history – the good news of the Gospel has always prospered & advanced amongst persecution. The message of the gospel of the Kingdom is increasingly gathering pace in the UK. Yes, that may awaken persecution, trouble and opposition, but we can take great courage from the words of Jesus Christ below in all that we face as we boldly proclaim that Jesus saves, Jesus heals and that Jesus is transforming lives in this nation.
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 (NIV)
Click here for a good response to this news story in the Daily Telegraph today from Dr Trevor Stammers of the Christian Medical Fellowship.
