Monday, December 01, 2008
CLEVELAND'S OWN CATHOLIC FAITH HEALER
has been enjoying the California sun while branching out to the Episcopalians.
A Bay area news site reports:
One day after Thanksgiving, while many Americans were invading shopping centers and outlet malls, a group of around 40 people gathered at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Redwood City, where they sought relief from illnesses and disabilities beyond the reach of money.
The healing service, one of three performed during the weekend in San Mateo County, was led by Dr. Issam Nemeh and his wife, Kathy. Nemeh is a cardiothoracic anesthesiologist who practices acupuncture in Cleveland. He also purports to heal the sick and disabled through the power of his faith....
Forming a semicircle in front of the church's altar, the attendees first received a blessing from the Rev. Channing Smith of Transfiguration Episcopal Church, followed by Nemeh and his wife, who quietly asked each person to "just let yourself go."...
As Nemeh cradled one woman's face in his hands, she collapsed and was caught by one of the 30 volunteers who traveled with Nemeh to the Bay Area. Others attendees broke out in tears, or just stood with their eyes closed.
When people go to Fatima and Lourdes in the hope of being healed, do they experience this "slain in the spirit" reaction? I have never heard of it happening in either place. Yet so many faith healers from the Protestant denominations seems to invoke this, so also does the Pentecostal-Charismatic movement.
