Objectives Understanding of hospital visitation Sharing with: a) a Christian – give encouragement b) non-christian- to realise the need for salvation & sharing the gospel

Contents Definition of health Biblical view of man Types of patients Approach of Jesus Christ Sharing the gospel Do’s & don’ts of hospital visitation

What is it?

WHO definition – A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being & not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

What is it? Complete harmonising of every part of our being with God, man & creation which finds its ultimate expression in the state of Biblical salvation.

Shalom (Hebrew) Sodzo (Greek) Shalom well happy welfare - health prosperity peace Sodzo – to preserve unharmed, keep safe to cure, heal, restore to health, make well to save, preserve from being lost to rescue, deliver from evil, physical affliction

Unhealthiness (result of sin) Disharmony in one or more of these relationships: with God others self or creation

Self-sufficiency, self-assertion Be his own Master Disobedient to GOD Alienation from GOD Satan holds sway over him Diseases, suffering, death UNHEALTHINESS SIN

Murder - Cain = Abel Idolatory: Rom 1:18-22 ‘groans in travail’ Breach in fellowship

Spirit-heart mind Soul - world body God 1 Thess 5:23 May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul & body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Christ.

Greek Hebrew What it consists of Spirit Pneuma RuachConscience Communion with God Intuition Soul Psuche NepheshWill Emotions Mind Body Soma The different anatomical systems & organs

Interaction between spirit, soul & body Sin Ps 38:3, 32:3 Adultery Prov 5: 3-11 Anxiety Prov 12:25 Anger, envy, jealousy – rotteness of bones Prov 14:30 Happy heart Prov 17:22 Cheerful look Prov 15:30

Psalm 139:16

Genesis 1:27 Basis of our worth

Matt 22:37-39

Rom 14:12  Responsible to God, man & creation.  Responsible for our actions, reactions  & responses to our environment

Matt 6:33 Gen 1:26-28 Whose kingdom are we building? Build according to the example of Jesus Christ.

Eye to eye contact Attentive listening Wise words Loving motivation Comforting touch Prayerful life Serving feet Approach of Jesus Christ to Patients

Types of Patients Suffering patient – often ask why suffering?  Originally because of sin/disobedience Gen 3:6,16,17,19  Suffering for our good, Rom 8:28  How do we cope? 1 Pet 4:19  How can we trust/obey when not healed? 1 Thess 5:18; Matt 6:34b

Types of Patients Unconscious patient- hearing last sense to go before death; tender loving care Confuses/geriatric patient- Word of God breaks through all confusion Psychiatric patient- don’t be afraid; Word of God brings clarity in their mind

Dying patient Death inescapable for all Majority of terminally ill patients know they are dying without being told Most neglected in hospital Theatrical performance-actors- pat,relativies, staff, visitors Patients need the close relationship & sympathy from someone who knows & can relate to him

Do’s & Don’ts of Hospital Visitation Refrain from insensitive help:- Deacon from church “reflect on what God is trying to teach you” Cheerleader to the sick, reading happy Scriptures, singing songs Healing is the answer-if you have enough faith Spiritual man- praising God for everything Pastor- ‘You’re on a select mission, appointed to suffer for Christ’

Do’s & Don’t of Hospital Visitation  Be sensitive to the situation. Avoid visiting after surgery or during a doctor’s ward visit  At bedside- take an interest,observe, be sensitive, learn to read in between the lines, dispel fear, read scripture & pray. Involve the family  Offer practical help to patient- deliver a message, make a phone call, wash some clothes, get an errand etc.

Do’s & Don’t of Hospital Visitation  Do not attempt to tell them why they are sick & what they have to do to get well, but tell them of God’s love, God’s Word & His faithfulness  The only One who can really help is the Holy Spirit (the Paraclete=one who comes alongside) the comforter  For the christian, help them to find a deeper relationship with the Lord; for the non-christian, help them to find the Lord (salvation)- share the Gospel

Do’s & Don’t of Hospital Visitation  Ask the patient if you can pray for them & do so discreetly with their permission  Leave them a Scripture booklet  Always be prayerful in all you do & ask God to give you wisdom, understanding & words of encouragement

Do’s & Don’t of Hospital Visitation  Go with a heart filled with compassion and LOVE  Do not talk to others about what a patient has shared in confidence with you  Follow-up your visit in prayer & if you are able, re-visit as soon as possible