Community of Healing Believers

by Lauren Corley
Winter 2014/15

It has been a privilege and joy to see the light of Jesus shine through CHM's School of Healing Prayer® alumni members this past year. From coast to coast alumni chapters have launched and grown. The Lord has raised up new chapter leaders as well as refreshed and energized active prayer ministers. Our team at CHM is constantly inspired by what the Lord is doing in and through each of them.

Five new alumni chapters were launched prior to this summer, with a dozen more cities in sight. Here is what has been happening from chapter to chapter:

San Diego
by Doug Shannep

We had two initial meetings at the beginning of the year to get acquainted with alumni in the San Diego area. Due to the exciting response we received from local alumni members, the group began to meet regularly. Margie and Bob Alvarado (co–chapter leaders) facilitated a SHP^® Level 1 class, which had a good turnout. Our group gradually made contact with churches, pastors and ministry leaders. We’re enjoying this opportunity to meet and encourage various ministries in our community.

New England
by Curtis Horton

The New England Alumni Chapter met every other month at Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church (UMC) in Ridgefield, CT. Members were welcomed to attend a healing service and luncheon following the service.

During our meetings, we used CHM materials and recapped SHP^® teachings as refreshers for our prayer ministers. We also reminded our members of the role of the prayer minister as defined by CHM. Everyone enjoyed the discussions and commented on how valuable it is to review the material that CHM provides.

The Alumni Network is filled with Christians who believe in healing prayer; it is wonderful to see the powerful impact these dedicated prayer warriors have within their local communities. Healing prayer is very contagious and the Alumni Network understands how to spread this throughout the world. Our alumni chapter is growing — with new groups being formed in Albany, NY; Poughkeepsie, NY; and hopefully in Scarborough, NY; New York City; and the Boston area in the near future. I thank God daily for this amazing ministry.

Jacksonville
by Gemma Wojciechowski

The Jacksonville Alumni Chapter supports the many opportunities for prayer ministry at CHM. The past year has been quite busy with the School of Healing Prayer^® Levels 1, 2, and 3; Intensive Prayer Ministry; Journey to Healing Retreats; Days of Healing Prayer; and daily prayer appointments.

With such a full schedule it is important that we gather together and relax over a meal and good fellowship. We met for a meal every month this past year. Our times together included soaking and individual prayer, and a time of teaching facilitated by CHM Prayer Ministry Coordinator Lisa Howard and other guest speakers.

At CHM we’re all a part of a wonderful family. If a family enjoys a sit–down meal together, prays together, or just takes time to chat with each other, the family becomes stronger. For me, the Jacksonville Alumni Chapter of active prayer ministers affords us the time outside of ministry to enjoy fellowship as well as participate in ongoing education and receive prayer.

Orlando
by Cindy Thurman

The Orlando Alumni Chapter growing and expanding so much that we are looking for a new location to meet. We are facilitating the School of Healing Prayer^® classes along with meetings of encouragement and continued learning. The Lord has been faithful in directing our chapter and it is exciting to see what doors are opening in His timing. Our network of available prayer ministers is growing. It is an honor to be able to “Listen, Love and Pray” with our vast community. We have a tremendous advantage of being in close proximity to CHM, and many of our prayer ministers have completed SHP Level 4 in Jacksonville and participated in the Internship Program.

The relationships I have developed through this chapter have enriched and deepened my own relationship with my heavenly Father. The fellowship, encouragement, growth, and leading of the Holy Spirit have been beyond my comprehension. Thank you, CHM, for being our umbrella and continuing to nurture us in healing and listening to where He is leading!

Maryland
by Lucinda Nelson

The Maryland Alumni Chapter met every other month at Calvary United Methodist Church (UMC) before its scheduled healing prayer service. We taught the Schools of Healing Prayer^® to numerous churches close to our area, participated in a Forgiveness Workshop, and held prayer practicums for all those who had completed SHP Level I. Our leadership team also led an Introduction to Healing Prayer workshop in West Virginia and worked to create a structured two–hour program to take to churches in our area.

Two of our members met with the Calvary UMC youth group and introduced them to healing prayer and soaking music. We then worked with the youth with the goal to teach them healing prayer.

Whether we gather together in a physical location, electronically, or in prayer time on Tuesdays, we do so in Jesus’ name and He has said He is there also. There is no better place for me than to be with Jesus. Being part of the CHM Alumni Network helps me come into His presence where I am transformed again and again and become better equipped to be His hands and feet to a broken world.

Mid–Hudson
by Gayle Chaky

The Mid–Hudson Alumni Chapter met at Poughkeepsie United Methodist Church (UMC) for the first time in February 2014, at which time members decided to convene regularly every other month. It was an excellent first meeting. We also periodically attended the New England Alumni Chapter meetings in order to remain in contact and collaborate with them.

Pittsburg
by Katherine Bull

After two initial meetings, the Pittsburgh Alumni Chapter met monthly throughout 2014 at the Burning Bush House of Prayer. Freedom was the theme of most of our meetings. We worshipped together and prayed for one another. We will continue to follow His lead as we grow.

During the past few meetings, I have noticed how beneficial it is to gather, not only as a community of believers, but also as fellow alumni members in order to encourage one another to keep moving forward. People have mentioned several times to me how much they need the support of this group as they grow in prayer ministry. We need each other so that we can press on and finish strong! These groups are designed to grow us into a stronger community as well as into more of what the Lord is calling us to do individually. The only way we can continue is if we know we are not alone on this journey and have people to hold us up when we feel like giving up. I am very grateful to have this community forming here in Pittsburgh and am excited to see what is next!

Richmond
by Carol VanHoosier

The Richmond Alumni Chapter met monthly at Welborne United Methodist Church. Members noted this group is the answer to a 20–year–long prayer request. Each meeting included a teaching and a time of praying for one another. Our goal was for all those attending our meetings to have the opportunity to receive prayer.

We have found it very beneficial to be a part of the CHM Alumni Network. Through our chapter, we’ve met a number of alumni who have longed for such a connection for many years. Our common background enables us to bond quickly and pray effectively together. We are able to support one another, pray for each other, and provide training according to individual experiences. Each alumnus brings something special to the group. There are no other healing prayer networks like this in our area! The members are very excited to have this opportunity.

Alumni Information

If you have completed SHP^® Level 1 and are interested in becoming an alumni member, please visit us our alumni page and register to become a member. It is our hope to connect you with other prayer ministers in your area. Thank you for bringing forth the Kingdom of God by being used as a vessel for His glory.

Lauren Corley is a former staff member of CHM.