Each month, a member kindly shares some of their story about linking health and faith, and why they enjoy membership of the GoHealth Community
Name: Stephen Gemmell
Location: Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
What do you value about the GoHealth Community?
The breadth and depth of experience and engagement amongst members is just amazing. As well as providing a variety of very helpful resources, the community is a safe space, a sanctuary which is especially valuable in these uncertain times. Gillian and her team continue to do a brilliant job in promoting the work of the Guild and the GoHealth Community, together with providing the growing number of resources and support materials.
In what way do you link health and faith in your life?
Through discernment, I feel drawn to a healing ministry which means that there is a strong link already between health and faith in my life. I have the privilege of serving as a certified Worship Leader (lay-preacher) with the Church of Scotland and acting as session clerk in a congregation with hundreds of members; both roles provide an opportunity to express my healing ministry. I am also a certified Thought Field Therapist (TFT) meaning I know how to help folks overcome trauma, anxiety, guilt, shame and debilitating phobias by tapping on specific meridian points (which admittedly some church folks might find a bit awkward or woo-woo!). Some tapping sessions allow me to share my faith and a prayer for help during a session is always a part of my preparation. I really do believe that my faith has called me to this place. My overwhelming sense is that tapping is amongst God’s gifts to me and that all healing is through the Lord.
Do you have a top tip for staying healthy in mind, body and spirit during lockdown?
I’m not sure about me giving a top tip (!), not least because I’m not always consistent in practice. Reading, walking, exercise (our youngest son is a personal trainer and keeps me on my toes!), contemplative prayer/ meditation and TFT tapping have all helped. Getting the balance right and covering body, mind and spirit is essential. I have shared with others how to ‘cure’ stress and build immunity through tapping and know from experience that this works. But my top tip through these uncertain times is to stay close to God through prayer, (online) worship and walking and talking with Him continuously.
When you are having a difficult time, now or in the past, what has helped?
Prayer and my faith. The mantra I use in contemplative prayer is ‘maranatha’ (see 1 Corinthians 16:22) which means ‘come, o Lord’. In difficult times I call on the Lord through reciting ‘maranatha’ day or night, as the need arises. As I have been guided to learn tapping, I can also integrate this with my ‘maranatha’, as I call it. I also look to others for help – family and friends locally plus Noon Day prayer and other Go Health Community resources.
What does Christian healing mean to you?
Helping others through faith, hope and love. Sometimes that is just being there, being (virtually) alongside with unconditional love. Other times, it can be more kinesthetic through tapping therapy. It is always knowing, though, that I am just a facilitator of healing, an intercessor and that the real power is with God through Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In my tradition, I am saved through faith alone but it must not be a faith that remains alone. Following the example of our Lord, Jesus, we are called to help the vulnerable and broken in our community in any practical way we can.
What motivates you?
Compassion for others. I feel compelled to live out my calling, even when that involves an alternative method such as tapping. I do believe that God is with me, that I’m doing His work and have had glimpses of Jesus being present (in the room) during some healing sessions.