Cure of the Clay

Honduras

In this world of advanced technology, increased health research and heroic medical treatments, you might think that we would no longer need the simple remedies that God has given us in the natural world. Yet I can testify that this is

Mixing up clay.

not so! Day after day, in our work in Honduras, we see the need for the balm of Gilead to soothe a suffering world. We are told, “It is God’s purpose that His gospel shall go to all nations, kindreds, tongues, and peoples. And medical missionary work is the right, helping hand of the gospel, to open doors for the proclamation of the message. . . .

“Women should be educated in medical missionary lines, that as they go forth to heathen countries they may help those of their sisters who need help. In His service the Lord will open doors whereby His word can find entrance. . . .

Elsa Willis explains treatment.

“In reading the Word of God, we see that Christ brought medical missionary work into His ministry. Cannot our eyes be opened to discern Christ’s methods? Cannot we understand the commission He gave to His disciples and to all His followers? . . . As the medical missionary works upon the body, God works upon the heart.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 14, 270, 271.

Quotes such as this inspired us to come to Honduras over 15 years ago and continue to inspire us to do all we can to alleviate the needs of the people around us. Many poor and needy families occupy the nearby villages, and when there is a need, they often ask us for help.

Applying clay to Don
Quintin’s legs.

Recently, I had the privilege to be of service to an elderly couple in El Cerro del Toro who live alone and try to support themselves. Word got to me that Don Quintin’s legs had swollen up, causing him so much pain that he could not get around to do the little bit of work he does to survive. The day after I heard it, I went with one of the church members to visit Don Quintin. I could see the pain on his face. He told me that someone had taken him to the hospital but all they did for him there was give him a bag of ibuprofen. He said he had taken the pills for a week, but saw no improvement. In fact, his legs were getting worse.

As I examined him and asked him questions, I prayed for wisdom on how to treat the swelling. The next day I returned with a bag of green clay for his legs and some fresh fruit and vegetables, which I knew the couple couldn’t often afford. As I applied the wet clay to the swollen limbs, I explained its benefits and told of the instances in the Bible when Jesus used clay. I also shared one of my favorite stories to tell when doing treatments: the story of Naaman the leper and the muddy Jordan River. I emphasized the importance of obedience to God’s Word, telling my patient, “If God says seven, He means seven!” Mr. Quintin really enjoyed that story.

Don Quintin told me he felt almost instant relief when I covered his legs with the clay. In three days his legs had returned to normal size, and the pain was relieved. Thank God for natural remedies!

Mrs. Quitin receiving
her new shoes.

While ministering to Don Quintin, I could not ignore his wife’s needs. On my first visit I noticed her wearing worn-out sandals, so on my next trip I brought her a new pair of shoes. When she put them on, she acted as excited as a little girl!

“The Christian is to be an agent for God, dispensing his blessings to others, and thus laying up for themselves treasure in heaven. His treasure will thus never be lost. . . . In blessing others, they are made glad with the thought that God has not forgotten them, and gratitude springs up in the hearts of those who have been suffering and oppressed.” Signs of the Times, September 12, 1895.

Please pray for us as we continue to minister to the needs of others using God’s natural methods of healing!

By Elsa Willis of Maranatha Medical Ministries. Support for this ministry may be sent to PO Box 390, Keysville, VA 23947.