“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor heigh, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39, ESV).
The above verse leads into the the devotional “Bookend Stories” on the National Christian Medical and Dental Association website. I had the opportunity to attend the local Memphis chapter’s banquet recently and loved hearing about the impact of the organization and God’s work over the course of decades through this ministry.
The Christian Medical and Dental Association works on medical school campuses to spread the Word and encourage those going into the medical field. Their mission statement is listed below.
OUR MISSION
To make God’s name and glory great among the nations and advance God’s kingdom throughout the earth.
To reach and equip students at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center to be lifetime disciple makers and use their skills and training for God’s purposes and Kingdom.
To encourage and mobilize medical, dental, and other health professionals to serve the Lord both locally and throughout the world.
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These students join Bible studies and go on medical mission trips. They use the skills and knowledge they learn to bring healing and hope to others. For some people, this is where they found community in those stressful days. For others, this is where they met Jesus.
Lord, tonight we lift up the Memphis CMDA chapter and the work Chris Sturdivant and others, like Dr. Jeff Harris, are doing. We pray that these men and women going into the medical field know You and Your love and power. Lord, may they see their patients like Jesus looked upon the lost, with eyes and heart full of compassion and love. Bless them in their work, that they may help heal bodies and hearts. May they bless others with the gifts You have blessed them.
Raise up support and open homes for the men and women seeking Jesus on these campuses. May they be surrounded by fellow believers who will walk alongside them. Lord, encourage current and retired doctors to support the next generation.
Lord, when we pray, we often pray for miracles that culminate in a life or death situation. May Your power manifest and Your spirit guide these medical professionals in their cases. Show them how You can use them for Your kingdom. Keep the adversary away from them, that they not get lost in self-importance or monetary rewards. Keep the doors open to the work of this organization in a world that wants to separate God and science, when all science does is reveal Your creation.
We ask all these things in Your name, Amen.