Faith
Healers

UMTV Web Brief #42 3/12/03

Prescription for Poverty – Intro:

I’m Reed Galin. Welcome to a UMTV Web Brief.

We’ve all heard stories about sick people turned away from a doctor’s office, or even a hospital, because they just don’t have insurance. Lots of Americans choose between medical care and food or other necessities.

A doctor in Memphis is on a mission to rewrite such horror stories with happier endings.  He is trying to heal bodies and souls in one of the poorest places in the U.S.

Prescription for Poverty – Story:

Melanie McDonald has suffered with heart problems most of her young life.  Dr. Scott Morris hopes he can help mend Melanie’s heart  … and her mother’s.

Elizabeth McDonald, Melanie’s mother: “See, they want to run an EKG on her to check her heart out, and the first thing out of my mouth is ‘OK, how much is this going to cost me because right now my budget is to the limit?’ And he said, ‘Nothing.’”

Dr. Scott Morris/ Founder, Church Health Clinic: “I think we have an obligation to take care of those who are the least among us.”

After graduating from Emory Medical School and Yale University, Dr. Morris set out to find the city with the most of the least.

Dr. Scott Morris: “Memphis is historically the poorest major city in America.  That’s not something to be proud of, but it is something that drew me to Memphis.”

He was also drawn to ministry, becoming the associate pastor at St. John’s United Methodist Church.  In 1987, his congregation, and others in the faith community, started the “Church Health Clinic.”

Dr. Scott Morris: “I really think of myself as a pastor who acquired a particular skill.”

Dr. Scott Morris, talking to patient:  “Are you working?”

Patient: “No, right now I’m not working.”

Dr. Scott Morris: “I fully believe that poverty unto itself is a spiritual disease.  And spiritual diseases require spiritual solutions.”

Dr. Morris has created a network of more than 400 medical professionals who volunteer at the clinic.

Dr. Scott Morris: “The people we look out for are those who work to make our lives comfortable.  They shine your shoes; they cook your food. One day, they’ll dig your grave.”

Elizabeth McDonald, talking to Dr. Morris: “You all do a lot of good and I’m grateful.”

Prescription for Poverty – Tag:

Doctors at the Church Health Clinic see a couple of hundred patients every day.  There is a nominal fee, but only if the patient can afford it. And Dr. Morris says after practically every Sunday service, someone will approach him, wanting an on-the-spot diagnosis.  He doesn’t mind.  He just sees it as part of a job that’s 24/7.

Hotline for Hope – Intro:

Healthcare concerns are not the only problems on people’s minds these days. The threat of terror and constant anxiety of what’s going to happen next have us all a little on edge, perhaps. A lot of people are turning to a 24-hour, toll-free prayer line funded by the organization, United Methodist Men.

Hotline for Hope – Story: 

The 800 number rings incessantly.

Phone Volunteer: “And what state are you calling from, Judy?”

This is no late night call-in show … it’s a 24-hour prayer line.

Mary O. Benedict / Director, Upper Room Living Prayer Center: “The volume of calls is up and people are concerned.”

Phone Volunteer:  “And your friend’s name?”

These days, the worry is war.

Mary O. Benedict: “I had a grandmother on the line the other day just crying because her grandson has been deployed.”

Royce Monk / Phone Volunteer, praying on phone:  “And we just come now lifting to you our leaders …”

Royce Monk – one of a legion of volunteers – has prayed with strangers for 15 years. She believes prayer can make a difference.

Royce Monk: “I wouldn’t give two hours a week if it didn’t.  In other words, I don’t believe in spending my time on something that’s not effective.”

Phone Volunteer, praying on phone: “Lord God, I thank you …”

This ecumenical ministry, in partnership with The United Methodist Church, is often the call of last resort.

Mary O. Benedict: “And they call here because they’re desperately lonely or they have no else in their lives.”

Greg / Phone Volunteer, praying on phone: “So, Father, we just pray, Lord, for your healing hand …”

Cancer, deaths, divorce … there is a world of hurt.

Royce, praying on phone: “… that she can leave it at your feet and in your hands …”

With so many crises, volunteers at the Upper Room Living Prayer Center say they answer 30,000 phone calls a month – each caller seeking peace.

Mary O. Benedict: “We’re not the hope, but we point them to the hope.”

Royce, praying on phone: “Amen.”

Hotline for Hope – Tag:  

The Upper Room’s Living Prayer Center opened in 1977. Since then, almost 2 million people have been prayed for over the phone.  

That number, by the way, is (800) 251-2468.

On the next UMTV Web Brief, a warm welcome for some tiny patients.

“I kind of feel like maybe they know that we love them.”

Thanks for watching. Make it a good week.