Hello ,

 

Chiropractor Perry Hefty and his wife, Arlys, wanted to be in what they considered "ministry" for many years. One day when Perry was crying out to God about this deep desire, he heard God speak: "Begin with what you have."

 

So instead of getting the $2.5 million he would have needed to start a healthcare ministry and retreat center for missionaries, pastors, and other full-time Christian workers, Perry started doing what he could: giving free chiropractic services to Christian workers who were in financial and physical need. That was in 1994. Since that time, Perry's office has given away hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of services-about a third of his business-to help restore physical, and often spiritual, health.

 

"Many of the missionaries and Christian workers who came to the office were deeply discouraged," says Perry. "But they felt they needed to put on a bright and happy face so they could raise ministry support. So we dedicated ourselves and our facility to being used by the Lord to heal and restore his people." Perry and Arlys prayed for people in the office, encouraged them, and counseled them, often building relationships that continued long after treatment ended.

 

When Perry constructed a new office building in 1999, he and a prayer team prayed over the land, the building project, and the business and ministry that would take place there. Even after they moved into the building, Perry says he often stayed late to anoint the doorways with oil and pray for the people who would come in the next day.

 

"Patients noticed the difference. They would often comment, 'Wow, it just feels so peaceful here,'" Perry says.

 

The Heftys still dream of building that Christian retreat center. But in the meantime, they've learned that God is happy to use them to minister, whatever business they're in.

 

"Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear..." Isaiah 59:1 

 

God can use us where we are, and bring something beautiful out of a (perhaps) seemingly trivial or mundane situation.  God doesn't necessarily need our ability as much as He desires our availability.

 

 

Have a great day and God bless!

 

 

 

Pastor Mike / The Open Word