Copyright © 2009 Grace Family Church of Rhode Island

IMPORTANT!

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Dear friend in Christ,

We are saddened by the fact that you or one of your loved ones are ill. Of all the trials we face in life, illness and pain are the most personal, and they remind us of our frailty and vulnerability. They affect us not only physically, but spiritually as well, as they bring us face to face with the very purpose and the preciousness of life.  

  As the early church grew and the message of hope and of salvation in Christ began to be proclaimed to all people, the apostles were powerfully used by God to bring hope and healing to many. Not always, however, they could be physically present to anoint those who were ill with oil and pray for their healing directly over them (James 5:14). When this was the case, as we read in Acts 19:11-12, “God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.” Pieces of cloth were used to extend the physical contact through which the gift of healing was conveyed.

  Even today, when an elder is unable to anoint the sick personally, an anointed cloth can be utilized as in the days of Paul. Of course, we should clearly understand that there is no power in these cloths. They do not heal, but are merely symbols of our trust in the Father and in our Lord Jesus Christ. The oil with which we are sent by God to anoint also has no power in itself. It is merely a symbol of the presence and of the work of the Holy Spirit, who cares for us and binds us all together, especially in our time of need. As we partake of the same Spirit, we are made members of the same body, the body of Christ. Here below you, too, can request the anointing of which it is spoken in James 5:14 for yourself or for a loved one who is ill. If you live too far, we can send you an anointed cloth.  I anoint each cloth personally and pray over it for the healing of the person who is to receive it. As I do so, I am often reminded of the profound bond we have in Christ, and of the fact that He has chosen to experience our suffering and then give His life for us. There is no suffering that falls upon us that God Himself has not been willing to endure for us in Christ. His love transcends our understanding, and His Spirit binds us together in such life-giving love.

  The necessary instructions on how to use the cloth while you join us in prayer for your healing will be enclosed. After you have prayed, we ask that you throw away or destroy the cloth. We want to make sure that you remember that it is God who heals, of course, not the cloth or any man.

   God loves you and is with you right now. It is not unusual for Christians to receive an answer even while they are waiting for the anointed cloth. We are with you, too, both in prayer and in spirit. I hope to be able to be of service to you in this way, and extend to you the love and caring greetings of your brothers and sisters in Christ.

  May God bless you abundantly and may He manifest in you His awesome grace and love.

  Sincerely in Christ,

  Luciano Cozzi, Pastor