Christian Healthcare Ministries’ history goes back more than 2,000 years, when Jesus’ disciples—empowered by the Holy Spirit—emerged from the upper room to spread the Gospel message in the streets of Jerusalem and beyond.
They brought a zeal that was contagious. Their message was powerful and daily thousands were added to the number of believers.
The first recorded deed of that group of believers was to recognize there were those among them who had a need. Immediately a plan was implemented to provide for that need. The plan had its foundation in what Jesus taught.
Jesus told His disciples, “The world will know you are my disciples by the way you love one another.” At Pentecost the believers began to love one another, not just in word but in deed.
Many believers sold their possessions, pooled their resources and provided for others so that all needs were met.
Down through the centuries Christians became known for the way they sacrificially gave to help others in need.
The personal responsibility of each person to carry his own load reflected healthy productivity. But when the load became a burden that was too great to bear, fellow Christians came together and provided for each other.
Because of their example, the Body of Christ through the centuries looked out for those of their number who were in need.
In the 1940s things began to change. Getting someone else to provide for us became a bargaining tool. Perception slowly changed, and today it is common for people to believe they should get something for free—in this case, health care.
That form of thinking has now become standard. Who will provide for me? Seldom do we ask, “Who can I provide for?”
In health care we find one of the most potentially devastating expenses known to the American family. One major illness and they can be destroyed financially.
But if we go back 70 years that wasn’t the case. What has made the difference?
Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) accomplishes two things: we provide financial assistance for medical needs and we provide awareness of what things cost, how much they should cost and how to make those numbers align.
In matters of health insurance, a third party pays medical bills. Therefore, people generally don’t pay attention to what is being done or what it costs.The members of CHM decide with their doctor what treatment they receive and agree on how much it will cost.
For nearly 30 years we have been coordinating Christians working in harmony to assist one another with their medical bills. In the past 20 years alone we have shared over $500 million.
The Body of Christ provides for CHM members in the same manner as the early Church helped each other. The love that Jesus commanded we show for one another is demonstrated every day at CHM.
We are eager to serve you with this simple but effective method of the Church being the Church.
What people say about CHM
We can never thank Christian Healthcare Ministries enough for helping us with our medical needs. We like to tell everyone we know how good God and Christian Healthcare Ministries have been to us. That is what Christians are supposed to do – join together and help each other. -Billy & Patricia Cox, Conway, SC
Thank you for organizing and executing this wonderful program. We believe it works because it is based on biblical principles. -David & Etta Franklin, Shoals, IN; $1,537 need met