The key to success in missionary work is that it must happen “in word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders.” If it is missing, we are missing something essential!

Unfortunately, missions have been far too much about words, words, and an incredible amount of words. It didn't resemble Jesus. Researchers have found that two-thirds of everything Jesus did in his three-year ministry was to heal, perform miracles and signs, and cast out evil spirits. That's why he was successful in his ministry. People believed in him “when they saw the signs he performed” (John 2:23). Here is Jesus's description of his ministry:

“Behold, I cast out demons and heal today and tomorrow, and on the third day I shall be perfected.”

Luke 13:32

On the third day he rose from the dead, and the gospel was complete. Miracles every day! It resembles our everyday life at Jesus Heals Ministries!

The world will not be won by sermons

Who would buy a car without first trying it? If it is better than the old one, then maybe it will be bought. People want to know if the new worldview is better than the one they have. The best way to find out is to see if it WORKS. Many are in search of good health and a better life. What can Jesus offer? In Sunday school and at confirmation, we heard about Jesus the healer. “Let us see and experience the power and healing! Do you have anything to offer us?” the world cries out to us. And then we just continue to organize one conference after another, preach and preach – without producing results.

↑ Mission trip to Canada: The Sikhs were very interested in hearing the gospel preached.

If the world could be won just because of good sermons, it would have been long ago! People attend meeting after meeting after meeting after meeting – and hear thousands of words – without the demonstration of the gospel's power. Are there realities behind the thousand words? Does it work? Sometimes it works well. We hear about scattered miracles. But Jesus wants many more miracles and LESS preaching. In many places, there is a lineup of preachers waiting to speak at meetings. While in other places, there is a great shortage of preachers. Not to mention missions among unreached peoples!

“And Jesus went around to all the cities and villages. He taught in their synagogues and preached the gospel of the kingdom, and he healed EVERY disease and EVERY ailment.”

Matthew 9:35

Healing was at the center of his ministry – and not something “on the side” – as it often is today. There are very few preachers today who are like Jesus in their ministry.

“The Nazareth Syndrome”

Jesus was dissatisfied with his mission in his hometown of Nazareth. They didn't receive him there. They shut the door of faith on him. They knew his family and his past as a carpenter – and now he had become a well-known rabbi! It was too much for them. The small-town mentality erupted in criticism and anger. “He thinks he is more important than us!” I call this “the Nazareth Syndrome.” This attitude stifled the healing power and the gift of grace in Jesus.

“And He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He marveled because of their unbelief.”

Mark 6:5–6

“He could not.” The spirit of unbelief stifled the healing power in Jesus's life. We would have been jumping with joy if “a few sick” were healed at our meetings, but not Jesus! He wanted much more, for “he was moved with compassion” for the sick (Matthew 14:14). He was full of love for the needy. They did not receive him in his hometown of Nazareth. It is the same today. They were simply rude and did not honor him as a preacher. Jesus stated:

“No prophet is accepted in his own country.”

Mark 4:24

Healing preachers are often not welcome in churches around. The topic is too hot, and criticism from church members may arise. All for the sake of peace. Evangelical truths are withheld due to fear of man! And people continue to fill themselves with words, words, words, and more words – from preachers who enjoy words and theories, interpretations more than what Paul promoted. He stood for a ministry with “word and DEED, by the Spirit's POWER. Hence I have FULLY proclaimed the gospel of Christ from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyria.” (Romans 15:18–19)

Paul was not content with theories, but with preaching that led to a demonstration of God's power:

“My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. That your faith should not rest in the wisdom of men, but in the POWER of God.”

1 Corinthians 2:4–5