Physical Therapy

It has been my honor and privilege to work with City Gates Ministries over the past month. Pastor Phil has been willing to open his incredible ministry to me and I have been so blessed to work beside a group of dedicated and God-fearing volunteers who open their hearts each week to those they serve on the streets of Olympia.

I am in my 26th year of practice as a physical therapist and have always enjoyed the challenges I have faced in the field of Rehabilitation Medicine.  However, it wasn’t until about four years ago that my eyes were opened to the opportunities I had to bring glory to God by using the giftings that God has given to me. Unfortunately, I had been guilty of being so absorbed by my own interests and issues that I did not notice the deeper needs of so many patients that were right under my nose on a day-to-day basis. Once I began to shift my focus from being a member of a healing profession to healing as a calling, God miraculously began to open my eyes, ears and heart to those in my midst who were hurting at a deeper level than just the physical. At the age of 50, I am finally asking God “who can I serve?” and “how can I serve them?” rather than “who’s going to serve me?”

I have learned through my work in this field that many of those dealing with chronic pain are experiencing the consequences of repressed sin and/or emotional scars that have manifested in physical pain and/or disability. I have also learned that my skills as a therapist are not the answer for these individuals. The answer is Jesus. He is the Great Physician and the source of healing for all disabilities and pain. He knows how to cure all conditions, no matter how small or large, simple or complicated. His healing power is not limited to the physical or emotional realm, but His healing goes all the way to the heart.

Therefore, my goal for this healing ministry is to address the symptoms of physical, emotional and spiritual pain by sharing with each individual I encounter the love of Christ and the promise of healing that comes through salvation. Pastor Johnny Hunt once said “The deepest needs, the deepest hurts and the deepest wounds can only be healed in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.”    

The key component to my work at City Gates Ministries is the ‘laying on of hands’.  Mark 16: 17-18 says “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name . . . they will place their hands on sick the sick, and they will get well.” Furthermore, in John 14: 12, Jesus states “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” 

Touching those who come to me breaks down barriers immediately and, when combined with prayer, opens the door to God’s miraculous healing power. Knowing the healing work that Christ performed as documented throughout the New Testament, how can I not believe that He still performs miracles when Hebrews 13:8 tells us “Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” 

I want my humble service to those hurting bodies and souls at City Gates Ministries to be a testimony about how God can free us from the bondage of our pasts. I myself have made some sinful choices in the past but through repentance and a conscious decision to be obedient to His voice and commands, I believe God is still able to use me to bring His healing to others. In fact, if people ever doubt that God can use you because of your past, they are denying the power of the blood of Jesus Christ and the many examples of those ‘heroes of faith’ in the Bible with sinful pasts. 

God is not using my abilities; He is using my availability. He is not looking for a spiritual superstar; He is looking for a servant. I know that God has given me a heart of compassion for those in pain.  I know that He has given me giftings in the area of discernment with regards to those with repressed emotional pain. And ‘I know that I know’ that God has called me to be a conduit for His healing power. Jesus is the healer . . . It is not my responsibility to heal those I work with. It is my responsibility to lay hands on others and pray . . . it is by His stripes they are healed.  Joan Hunter says “Jesus is God’s heart, the Holy Spirit is his mind and believers are His hands.” To my utter amazement, God has chosen to use my hands to physically ‘touch’ those in need. Though I am undeserving of His grace, the Bible tells me He can and will use me if I am willing. Therefore, I have chosen to be a willing vessel and accept on faith that He can and will work through me to bring about healing in this ministry.  Furthermore, if I faithfully surrender my talents as a therapist to be used for His purposes at City Gates Ministries, God will multiply those talents and grow this outreach program.

Again, I am so grateful that God has allowed me this opportunity to serve those using City Gates Ministries.  1 Peter 4: 10-11 (NLT) says “God has given gifts to each of you from His variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God’s generosity can flow through you . . . Are you called to help others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies.  Then God will be given glory”. I have enjoyed my brief work with City Gates Ministries and I especially enjoy working with those living on the streets. I believe the closer I can get to the sound of someone’s spirit crying out “please help me” the better my chance of hearing it. Providing hands-on therapy and giving hugs to those I serve on the street is as close as I know how to be. 

In the few short weeks we have been offering this healing ministry we have seen a sprained wrist completely restored to full motion, we have witnessed long-term back pain completely resolved, a shortened leg lengthened and chronic mid-back pain totally eliminated. I pray that God will continue to bless this healing ministry and that the power of Jesus Christ will continue the work He has begun to open my spiritual eyes, ears and heart to those in need of healing. To Him be the glory . . .

Brad Payne, PT

 Luke 9:11 (NIV)  He welcomed them, spoke to them about the Kingdom of God, 
and healed those who needed healing.