“Healer” Song - some sad news…

35 Comment(s)

1. ms. vicky beeching…
   you are kind to say such nice things about me and promise, i think you’re quite great too! i’ve had many comments on the little write up on my blog today regarding the subject (which i had no idea how wildfire that would go), however, i’ve just been a little weirded out (to be honest) and not quite sure how i’ve felt about the whole thing. all that to say…i think i might as well respond here!!!

   clearly, the song ‘Healer’ is packed with some great truths that we all need to sing and for some people the words in that song are like the words they’ve been needing to say but didn’t quite know how to say. i think that’s what’s made it such a fantastic, fast-moving and global song. when we come to the end of what WE can do is when we really, so clearly, must depend on what only HE can do (hahaha…gotta love spiritual catch phrases). really though it’s true and i can say that from my own personal journey and walking along the dark roads and valleys with people in my life; brokenness enables a liberating dependancy (whether we choose Christ to depend on is to up to us).

   the part that’s so tough for me is the sincerity with which this fellow told this story. i mean…honestly…it was one of those things for me that as i was taking it in the first time i watched this video i was thinking…WOW that is some fantastic faith from a ’seemingly’ dying man. he was so articulate, so believable, so spiritual, yet, so involved in this horrible lie that he’d made up.

   i mean to get to the place where you’re deceiving your wife, family, church staff team, hillsong/they’re gang, etc… it’s just such another level of sickness and ultimately Mike really does need Gods restoring redemption in his life. i can’t imagine like arranging an oxygen tank, buying a nasal canula (breathing tube) for the Hillsong Conference, tracking along with a cane for the cameras, etc… the pre-meditation was wild and then to allow it to get to a documentary and make it on the Hillsong CD/DVD deal. WOW, WOW and WOW! that’s really deep, serious sickness that needs professional attention and Gods deep restoration. the beautiful part is that it’s available to the lad (as vicky beeching might call a person) if he’s got a repentant spirit (the skeptics will question, rightfully so as he’s proved he cannot be trusted by admission of his words, but, God knows His heart intentions).

   in terms of the song and using it, well, honestly, for me as a worship leader it’s a tough sell. i haven’t introduced the song to our community yet and i haven’t really decided if i will at this point. we had it slated in our rotation for the next couple months, but, i think i’ll probably hold off on it for now, simply because it just kind of feels weird. it’s not that the song isn’t good, the guy wrote a prolific song, but, i’m not sure that the story behind the song will allow the attention to be where it needs to be and i LOVE to do everything i can to eliminate distraction, even if it’s my own distraction, and i just don’t think that story is gonna sift to the back of my brain.

   i think it would be great to hear a statement from Mike G., hopefully a repentant one, but, at any rate, just an honest one. time and space are needed for him to sort through the reality of what he’s caused in all of this stuff.

   i know the direct of feelings of this kind of betrayal and mistrust and it’s REALLY REALLY a difficult thing to walk through. the family will and has been put in such an awkward position, they’ll experience the ripple effects of this thing way after all the hype of it settles down. my hope is that God would carry them with great compassion and mercy as they sort through what to think of this person they thought they knew. very traumatic stuff.

   i think the church will be fine. it’s a bummer to see another reason for people to question the sincerity of leaders, artists and ministries, but, the truth is God is bigger than a lie and His Kingdom is still here and coming.

   our worship must go on and we need to continue to join Jesus as He continues to work in our local communities and around the world!!! what an incredible invitation we’ve been given to partner with Him in ushering in His beautiful, restorative, redemptive, life-giving Kingdom! that is the hope we have in spite of who we are in our flesh and when the ‘who we are’ gets the worst of us!

   that’s my take!
   brian

   brian wurzell | Aug 22, 2008 | Reply

2. bri wrote a book…. geez and he ALREADY blogged about it. hahaha. I will continue to love the song. But it may take some time. and i think thats okay. I love that GOD is still GOD, and that those words still ring true when even at the end of the day we are not.
   loves
   -promise

   promise tangeman | Aug 22, 2008 | Reply

3. The words of the song are definitely still true, but right now, I can´t sing it. Maybe later. Mike G got so much public praise for worshipping God through his pain, preaching while sick etc.

   My dad died of cancer 5 years ago, when I was 22, and it was so so so so painful for him and us the last few months. To see him go from a big strong man to a very fragile man, not being able to talk, etc.
   I can´t (yet) get over the fact that someone would lied about it and arrange an oxygen tank etc (?so weird?)… it’s crystal clear that he’s mentally ill. My father never got any public praise but trusted God till the very end.
   It too personal for me and if they’d sing it in my church I wouldn’t be able to sing along.
   NOT because I’m judging Mike G (I’m not judging, but I AM astounded), but because it’s too painful for me that something that was so true for my father was just a big lie for Mike.

   I can imagine that some people don’t take it so personal, but I do.

   Anna | Aug 22, 2008 | Reply

4. What a downer of a story this was. I had just read the story before reading your tweet about how great the song was. Tried to tweet the bad news to ya but twitter said we’re not friends anymore… So double sad for me. : ( Guess someone else filled you in though.

   It’s a tough, tough situation. On the one hand I feel compelled to lean towards grace, knowing that even those who stumble can do great things for the kingdom. I know the imperfection of my life and yet still lead people in worship with songs I have written. If we only sing the songs written by those without imperfection we would sing nothing.

   That said, I feel their is something greater than a simple stumble or a moment of misguided devotion here. There was an intentional deception that was fabricated to bring attention to a song and its writer. And who knows the cost of such an act… the extent of damage caused to believers who trusted this leader, and the damage caused to the cause of Christ to those who do not believe. It is difficult for me to celebrate through a song that is currently causing turmoil and pain to so many.

   Too many Christian leaders have fallen in these past years. I think God has been issuing a wake up call, and we have yet to hear it and respond. We need to be in earnest prayer for our leaders, those in every church covering this whole world. Those of us in leadership, and those of you in the limelight need to be transparent in our walks and bring Godly people alongside us to keep our feet on the way. Many things can be achieved, but if we fail to hold true to the cause of Christ, if we fail to produce fruit… I don’t want to be there.

   My prayer is that Michael Guglielmucci will understand the lyrics of his song in fullness at some point in the future. That God will heal what is sick in him and the song will then speak of true healing, healing that the church and world can see. Then it can again be a great song of celebration.

   Nathan | Aug 22, 2008 | Reply

5. Hey Vicky, I’ve been asking the same question, should I continue to use this great song? We’ve been having extended meetings at church for a month since my parents went to Lakeland (another hot potato) Todd wasn’t there that week, but since they have come back the church has gone to another level, the presence of God has been more tangible than ever, we’ve seen salvation, healing, deliverance, restoration! A new hunger and thirst for God has developed! - The main song I’ve been using is healer, it’s an awesome song! –
   The words are truth, but now we’ve found it was written out of lies and deception.
   I’m still trying to work it out in my head, be great to hear what people think

   Ian

   Ian | Aug 22, 2008 | Reply

6. As a fellow Australian I feel this personally. I can’t think how MG got so deep into this that he does the whole thing with the oxygen tank. My heart goes out to his wife and family, they must be so crushed by this sad event. In what I am about to say, I cannot dismiss what he did and I agree that he needs counselling.

   BUT…

   He needs to be counselled by someone who loves him and wants to see him restored. What he needs is to be lifted back into the Kingdom to work for God’s glory NOT punished because he allowed himself to do something really stupid.

   Of course, the media will feed on this. I am watching it blossoming on our local media. How they love to parade fallen saints as proof that the whole Christian thing is false. Those of us who believe and love Jesus know that it about the purity, sincerity and integrity of our Jesus not some person who allowed his life to spiral down to this. For me, it has given me a chance to talk to non-believing friends about the centrality of Jesus in our faith.

   My challenge is how I will handle this. To quote DC Talk, “what is I stumble, what if I fall….”. This is where my faith goes from theory to practice. I read Luke 6:36-38 and KNOW that I must practice it. Unlike Anna, I have not lost a loved one to cancer. God was gracious to heal both my mum and dad of cancer a few years ago, so forgive me if I sound insensitive to those who have had wounds opened up by this. I feel for all your pain guys.

   I just want to see grace and know that the church loves the fallen as much as God does. I need to know that “where sin abounds, the grace (of the church) abounds even more. Those whose lives are lost in sin need to know this. They need to see the church as the place where the fallen can come and be restored. Sorry if this sounds like preaching, but I feel that this is an opportunity that God has allowed for us to grow into the bride that His son loves and adores.

   I will play and sing his song because (a) it is a truth about our God, (b) I will not hold MG’s past against him and not play a really nice song.

   Mark | Aug 22, 2008 | Reply

7. I will continue to play it vicky..and here is why http://cecworship.wordpress.com/2008/08/21/healer-thoughts-now-what/

   thanks for your houghts as well

   klampert | Aug 22, 2008 | Reply

8. This might seem really strange to you guys because : 1) I’ve never heard the song (yes I am on a praise team) 2) I think it cuts out any bias about feelings, emotion, etc. on my part.

   Could God have used the song that MG wrote just for him? Other questions I have are, how long ago did he write the song? How long had his ruse about cancer been going on? Was he caught or did he just decide to come clean? All good and important questions, but not as important as, Is God restoring him? Obviously, God is doing some serious heart surgery with him and his family.

   I’ve read the lyrics, so I know what the song is about and what it is saying. Milli Vanilli this guy is not, but he is being discredited right now by many. What needs to happen is the Christian community needs to forgive, support, and pray for him and rest in the fact that God is more than just a physical healer, but a life healer.

   Let’s go a little further. Is it possible that MG’s church would mature further in God if his action of coming clean inspires others to come clean about their shortfalls inside that church? Would not the church experience a major healing and truly become the church it’s supposed to be? It would not be an easy thing, but I have to believe if that happened their church would thrive or receive a healing they never knew they needed.

   I’m hoping and praying for God’s will to be done in this man’s church so that the healing can begin for both him and the church.

   I believe that our praise team would still play the song in our church based solely on the lyrics and not the story behind it.

   Brad Hafner | Aug 22, 2008 | Reply

9. Vicky, I think you really hit the nail on the head. At the end of the day, in God’s eyes, Mike’s fall is no different to any one of us, and as Paul stated in Phillippians, we should purpose to rejoice that God’s goodness gets declared anyway.

   More of my thoughts along these lines are on my blog… http://www.immersionworship.com

   James | Aug 22, 2008 | Reply

10. Though my song be taken from me, yet will I sing, yet will I praise You.
    Though the joy be taken from me, yet will I laugh, yet will I shout unto You.
    Though the light be hidden from me, yet will I walk, yet will I run after You.
    Though my heartbeat be slain within me, yet will I trust, yet will I follow you.
    - Audra Lynn

    Joe Louthan | Aug 22, 2008 | Reply

11. wow, tough. This man definitely needs to hear his own song. He needs healing in a psycological way. If he was lying to his family to the point that they believed him, there are some deep problems.
    I don’t think it automatically dismisses the song, however at our church we just lost one young woman with a young child to cancer, we also have a woman in our congregation battling a non-curable cancer. Out of respect for thema and their families I don’t think this song is appropriate. The healing message is important, but I think a different avenue should be used to give it, at least for a while.

    Meghan | Aug 22, 2008 | Reply

12. perhaps i’m thinking too simple, and i truly understand that some people who have lost family or friends in similar situations cannot hear the song anymore, but i’d say that the devil would really welcome it, if he’d make us stop singing these truths.
    perhaps this is a chance for the church to stand up and live out love and forgiveness for the broken by singing the song anyway because our flaws and sin do not change or diminish God’s power and might.
    in the end it’s all about grace. it’s grace that i don’t drop dead, when i enter God’s presence, and the same grace is valid for MG.
    we don’t have to and probably will never completely understand the reason and effect of grace, but it’s still there and in some way it’s part of our “job” to let it come to action…

    Christine | Aug 22, 2008 | Reply

13. the story behind a song is important- I think of Spafford’s It is well with my soul..and when you know the story behind that hymn whether you like it or not… emotionally you connect on a different level knowing all he had been thru.
    When someone uses manipulation/lies to Sell a song–it is just wrong…whether or not this invalidates the sentiments expressed in a song is sujective..I am very black and white… I believe he is very clever and marketed his song very effectively… This man is a salesman, what better way to sell a song called Healer than with a deadly diagnosis and an oxygen mask. I remember when my friends showed me the video-they were in tears… it makes me wonder what the body of Christ is willing to swallow.It’s well and good to talk about grace but please someone sound the alarm and raise up a standard–of Holiness …otherwise what do we have that’s any different than the status Quo

    Marla | Aug 22, 2008 | Reply

14. I am in a worship team at a church where MG preached at several times. I remember seeing him and thinking ‘Wow! How great is our God!?’

    This man was a dear friend to us, and we had kept hm in our prayers for the entire 2 years that he faked this illnes.

    But now that this news has come out, should i alter my thoughts? Should i change my views? Should i stop praying for this man?

    The answer is ‘no’.

    We had a question and answer time after the service last night, which really hepled our congregation and answered alot of their questions. And i believe that many other churches need to do this aswel. Not as openly as we did, as it was much more personal for our church, but rather, spend time with the congregation, answer their questions, even if it is individually, and then determine whether this song should still be sung or not.

    It is a different case for every individual church. For us, we most likely will not sing it, for the congregation will remember the story behind it, not the words itself. And there are other songs we can sing that bring the message of ‘healing’. But that is not to say it is the same for each church.

    I believe that this song was actually created out of worship to God, even if the motives behind it were decieving. If you watch the hillsong dvd, soo many people came together to worship to that song. And not one of those people in that room could say that the presence of God was not there.

    And as for us, we r still praying for this man. As is many others. For a sickness in the mind should not bring any less attention then the sickness of cancer.

    I love you all and pray that you will all use this to glorify God and bring more to Jesus.

    John | Aug 22, 2008 | Reply

15. If i may just add…

    a song does not depend on the heart of the song writer, but the heart of the person that sings it.

    MG is insignifficant in God’s plan.

    Phillipians 1:15 - 18 talks about the motive behind someone using the name of God. No matter what the motive, if Christ’s name is used (and is not blasphemus) then we should rejoice!

    In saying that, i believe it is still up to every individual church, and i do not alter what i said before, but just remember, if your congrgation needs this song, and no distraction will occur, still sing it, for it is thier hearts that count, not MG’s.

    John | Aug 22, 2008 | Reply

16. Hey Vicky,

    I have been a bit heartbroken since I found out about Mike’s lies because I would hate to see this song destroyed because of his lies. The devil would love nothing better. I know the song has ministered to many people around the world, myself being one of them. I was diagnosed two weeks ago with ovarian cancer and my only hope in life is cling to those words that God IS my healer and He does walk with me through fire and nothing is impossible. I cannot fathom how a person could or would fake having this disease. That is truly sickening and Mike definitely does need a healing from that warping of his mind, but he is no more a sinner than I. God used a donkey, he can use a liar. I still listen to it daily and it strengthens and encourages me. Only because I know He is my healer can I face the next period of my life with expectant hope.

    Traci | Aug 22, 2008 | Reply

17. I hadn’t heard anything about this song, I guess I should hear it

    Oh broken we are all. What would we do if we weren’t forgiven over and over again?

    Ceci White | Aug 23, 2008 | Reply

18. In sort of a circular logic fashion, the song, perhaps even more so now, is very much on the mark. While he did not need healing from cancer, there is no question he was and is in need of healing in other areas.

    As a result, I dont think the chain of events is necessarily all bad, and that God can and likely will use this for good. There are a multitude of very positive messages, that can come from this.

    Yet, there is a downside… especially in the local church, where this could hit way too close to home. I think discernment and knowledge as concern’s ones flock is absolutely critical, and local concerns should be key in making the call as to whether to include this song or not, at least for the short term.

    mnphysicist | Aug 23, 2008 | Reply

19. I have not heard this song yet. As for Mr. Guglielmucci, his church will handle the disciplinary matters the way they see fit. There have been priests in our Church that have done things they should not have done. Their bishops disciplined them or deposed them, depending on what had been done. There are even bishops in our Church that have done some things that they should not have done. Their fellow bishops disciplined them or deposed them. Their is an ancient Christian writer who wrote a lot of things that is Orthodox, but later in life, he left the Church and became a Montanist. Montanism is an ancient heresy. We still use the Orthodox things that he has written even though he died a heretic. This man’s name is Tertullian. As for Mr. G’s song, people will have to decide for themselves if they wish to continue to sing it. Our worship is liturgical. So, we have pretty much already decided what we will do when we meet to worship.

    Your Orthodox Christian friend,
    Steve

    Steve | Aug 23, 2008 | Reply

20. I hope that people will look beyond the person who wrote this song or any other worship song for that matter! If the truth of God was based on the one delivering it….you better start ripping out the pages of the bible now! Keep on Keeping on!!! Peace.

    Jay King | Aug 23, 2008 | Reply

21. Hiya Vicky,

    Good to see you this summer.

    Well I don’t think I will use the song, purely as it’s proving to throw up so much discussion. I think the role of a worship leader is that we’re there to serve, to be invisible and point people to God.

    For me, by using a song in the knowledge of all it’s goings on, and thinking about what it could cause amongst people that have already suffered enough (or maybe suffering). With the reality of the anguish of loosing loved ones to cancer - bringing the song, with its story is not really what I want to do for fear of bringing up bad feeling/memories/emotion, when all we all want to do is worship God and cast our cares upon Him. Not be distracted and be wound by anything else. That goes back to what I see my role as - not to distract but to lead/serve lovingly and sensitively. Not to provoke.

    Also, it’s not that I’d not use it because I’m in judgement of MG, but because of the context it’s all in now. I don’t think I could get up in front of the congregation and look my mate Linda in the eye who really did loose her husband last year. Knowing that the guy used such a sensitive issue to cover up his real issues/con people!

    That’s me though, I do think it’s a fab song though. Its a shame, but there will be more fab songs and it doesn’t change the fact that God is our healer, He just restored Paul’s cousins sight only last week…..Hallelujah PTL!

    We are all indeed sinners and who is anyone to write worship songs? That’s why I strugle so much to write em. However that said, I think the link with the dishonesty about the cancer and the content of the song/ lies about the writing and the fact that I don’t know any of his other songs does sway me to say don’t think I’ll sing it.

    Cathy Burton | Aug 25, 2008 | Reply

22. I have to agree with Cathy B. on this. Regardless of how good or true the song might be, as a local church worship leader I have think about more than whether I personally like the song or not.

    Since this story could be a stumbling block for people in the congregation and a distraction from worshipping God then that is enough for me to let it go. Thankfully, this is not the first song about the healing power of God, nor will it be the last. There are plenty of other excellent song choices for worship leaders to sing. God forbid we hang on to this one song because it is ‘popular’.

    King David wrote some of his most amazing psalms out of a place of brokenness and repentance, however, his heart was genuinely seeking after God. I believe God wants our best in worship, especially in terms of the heart behind the melody. If I know a song has been written out of dishonesty and perhaps manipulation (of people’s emotions/wallets) than I think it is better to be safe and offer something else to God in worship.

    Kenon Chen | Aug 25, 2008 | Reply

23. I’ve been thinking about this issue a lot since I heard the news at Momentum (UK Christian students conference/festival) a few days ago… I had heard the story, heard the song, and worshipped whole-heartedly with the song at Soul Survivor only a couple of weeks before, and it was one of my favourite new songs of the week.

    It was such a shock to find out the truth. My first thought was ‘I hope they still use the song this week’ - not sure entirely why, but I think that my initial gut reaction was such because it is a song full of such TRUTH, and a song that so many people identified with.

    However, as the week went on, and they didn’t sing the song, I did think more about it and I think it’s right that Soul Survivor/Momentum decided to not use the song any longer. It would just bring up the hurt of deception and betrayal. I think that the feelings were all still too raw for people to be able to focus on God while singing it.

    I would hope that in time, it might be possible to use the song again, maybe once things have cooled down. But I do think that in some situations (especially ones where churches/people have been particularly involved with Mike) it just may not ever be possible.

    For the average church environment, where people are not aware of the controversy behind the song, I see no reason not to use it. It is a good song! And as someone mentioned, we are all sinners. Yes, his deception was particularly large-scale, and hurt many people. But, if we choose to not sing songs written by people who sin, we would never have any songs. :o)

    That said, I would fully understand if any worship leader decided to not introduce/continue to use the song at their church. It may not be worth the risk of bringing up the whole controversy?

    Joy | Aug 26, 2008 | Reply

24. I found out about the news actually from your twitter page, and was greatly saddened by the news. I’m not a worship leader, but I’d like to think I try to keep up-to-date on the new sound of worship that is emerging. I heard the song “healer” a while ago, and even teared up at Mike G.’s testimony. As far as using the song in church I think you are SOOO right in saying the song still has power because it IS the Word of God. Mike G. was another broken imperfect vessel that still brought glory to God. I also believe that God strongly ministered to people attending Hillsong’s event. I remember Darlene Zschech remarking that she’s NEVER seen her church worship like they did to that song. While I do NOT approve of what Mike G. did, I think that the only thing wrong with people receiving the song, “Healer” is their own reaction to this news. I pray the song’s reputation will be saved by mature Christians who can get past the lies, and see the TRUTH of God’s Word in the song. People need to hear this song. If they don’t receive it, God will give another song to do the same work. That’s what I believe anyway.
    Thanks for opening this for discussion.
    Much Love in Jesus,
    Laura

    Laura | Aug 27, 2008 | Reply

25. For the church to be invaded and taken advantage of by a fraud is nothing new. No new ground has been tread upon. Unfortunately we see it all too often. For this reason we must keep our eyes on Christ. Because King David committed a sexual offense so we discredit the Psalms? Because Paul admitted that he did the very things that he preached against do we throw his epistles from the cannon of scripture? Because Pastors and preachers prove time and again that they are human - do we question whether their words were ever filled with the truth of God’s Word? NO! To all the above - NO!

    God is my Healer. He is all that I need. He is more than enough for me. Never were such words more true. For anyone to judge or point a finger is not the heart of God. His Word says that to him who shows mercy - mercy will be given. It is now that we need to show the love, forgiveness, and restoring power of Jesus Christ.

    Let us worship with all of our hearts to a song that has encouraged people around the world. Let it continue to bring hope and strength in time of doubt and weakness. He is our Healer!

    exploring the wonder,

    JFlo

    JFlo | Aug 27, 2008 | Reply

26. Why not continue to use the song - that way he can continue to RAKE IN THE ROYALTIES each time.

    blogwatcher | Aug 28, 2008 | Reply

27. Our choir sang the song this morning at Church. After much prayer our music director decided to go with it….because the message is true, the words are true, and it’s true. HE is our healer. I pray for Michael G’s healing.

    Jody | Aug 31, 2008 | Reply

28. I just heard about this… I saw the song on youtube awhile ago… this bothers me more than a little… No I won’t be singing this song in my church, and I am glad that I haven’t introduced it… this guy has brought such a reproach on it that my community wouldn’t stand for it, no matter how good a song it is, no matter what the truth is behind it. He has erased any good that can come of it…

    Blake | Sep 3, 2008 | Reply

29. hi i have bipolar and god won’t heal me for his own reasons he gets more glory from me living my life for him. mike lied about the cancer and wouldn’t be surprised if he lied about the porn he needs forgiveness and serious help. which is more important healing or salvation? mike was a very good liar (deception). Please pray for mikes salvation and for discernment in believers.

    dave | Sep 4, 2008 | Reply

30. funny sometimes how things happen, at first what an awesome song, God must have sat with him to write it. now we can´t believe he would do such a thing.
    Really this shouldn´t scare anybody.
    Remember Balam was a prophet for hire, yet God used him to bless the people time and time again. God uses us as vessels, either we want to be vessels of honnor or dishonnor. The song is anointed and has touched many and will continue to do that becuase He will do want he wants with what He has created.

    Hmmmm.

    Either way it is tough.
    Lets not forget the downfalls of Religous other leaders. God is still God and he will take care of those that have been hurt by this.

    Rudy

    Rudy | Sep 5, 2008 | Reply

31. Without going into all the things that the church of today has done wrong, Worship is and always will be about our heart’s connection with God. For me as a worship leader, I look into the heart and motives of a song, it’s origination and goal, etc. so that our team is able to lead comfortably using songs that promote our faith.
    To me, there is no way I would use the song again in a service. It is definitely a great song lyrically, musically it’s ok, but then again, if all we are looking for is great songs, there are plenty of diddies out there by stevie ray vaughan, damien rice, etc, etc, that are ‘great songs’. I’d never use those in a service either, the motive for the song’s creation wasn’t to glorify God.
    I feel much the same towards this song now. It was written out of a lie, with malicious intent. The man was trying to glorify his own name above the name of God, in essence, and to get his music and himself in the public eye.
    This happened in the bible too, with wizards proclaiming the name of Christ, we don’t hold to their teachings, to me this song might stay on my ipod, but not in my corporate rotation.

    we need more people with integrity in the christian music industry. It never ceases to amaze me how many are simply out to make a buck and could care less about the fruit of their actions, or whether God is really being lifted up and glorified.

    hey dave, Jesus said ‘i am willing’ to the leper, if he was willing then, he’s willing now. God wants you well bro.

    Caleb Miller | Sep 5, 2008 | Reply

32. This story hasn’t reached the shores of our little island yet, but I just wanted to share another thought.

    Following the tsunami of Boxing Day 2004, the church I was attending decided to put on hold playing one of the worship songs, as one of the lines spoke of waves (of God’s love..) ‘crashing in’ - the imagery was so powerful, and it would have reminded everyone about the devastating situation in Asia. We couldn’t think of the song without also thinking of the tragedy affecting so many people. So we put the song on hold. That didn’t in any way indicate that the song was poor or not worth singing, but that during this season, it wasn’t appropriate. Songs are written for a particular time. Though they may not be suitable for a while, they may come back into season later. Although MG’s song contains biblical truth that is helpful to many, the current revelation may prevent those who sing it to fully engage with God; their mind may be distracted by other thoughts that take them away from reflection on the glory of God and the all-sufficiency of His salvation. It is ok to remove these songs from the play list and then return to them at a later stage, when you and the congregation feel able to sing them again. There is a time for everything, and maybe this song has been made for a later time..

    GayleO | Sep 6, 2008 | Reply

33. After the shocking news of MG broke out,i am not able to listen to the song anymore, the other day i put the cd on & the song was playing, i changed it imediatley, but i can still sing the song,’Healer’ is a beautiful song with words of truth, i dont have a problem singing cos i beleive in the words but hearing MG singing it makes me feel sick, I pray that his breakthrough will come & his healing will be completed so when we do hear the song again we can truly say that God has been his healer in areas of his life.My heart truly goes out to all the cancer patients out there & i can truly understand how upset they may be but please remember that the healing words in the song is true & please continue to pray for MG

    Louann (South Africa)

    LOUANN | Oct 27, 2008 | Reply

34. The problem is with the singer, not the song.

    Mervin | Nov 4, 2008 | Reply

35. as christian and as a worship leaders we often forget that worship isnt all about music or neither about who wrote or who plays a song its about if we can take the words of each song we lead and use that to get our members off there peers and out in the street reaching people. Yes this man made a mistake, but its the part being human God never said that being a christian would be easy, we arent perfect and even the best minister messes up, so we have no right to throw a stone at this man unless we are living a life thats not worth throwing a stone at. Yes I do use this song because its not all about mike or hillsong, what matters to me is the words and message this song sends to the people I sing it for or lead

    Jermane Smiley | Nov 11, 2008 | Reply

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