Healing in the Heartland set for Sept. 10

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
August 25, 2005

It is with the loving memory of their son that a Sioux City couple has organized Healing in the Heartland: Siouxland Extreme Spiritual Makeover.

Donna Culver, a parishioner at Nativity Parish, pointed out that plans for this spiritual gathering began prior to their son's death. Kevin Culver, 34, died on March 7, 2005.

"We are bringing this to Sioux City for his wishes," she said.

Joan Hunter, a Protestant minister from Houston, Texas, will lead the healing rally that is slated for 6 p.m., Sept. 10, at the Tyson Event Center in Sioux City.

Bob Culver, Donna's husband, had attended one of Hunter's services a couple of years ago when their son had his first affliction with cancer. Kevin had wanted to spread the message of God's healing power after his cancer when his initial affliction had gone away.

While Kevin's second affliction with cancer resulted in his death, the Culvers said they still firmly believe in God's healing power. They are uncertain as to why Kevin didn't receive physical healing, but believe he received the ultimate healing - to be with Jesus.

"It is a comfort to be able to spread and share with other people the things that we are going through," said Donna.

The Culvers involvement in the healing ministry didn't begin with their son's illness. Years ago they had gone through the Life in the Spirit series at Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City and through the years have attended numerous Healing Masses in the diocese.

The Sept. 10 event, which is open to all denominations of Christians, will include praise and worship.

Hunter pointed out that this ministry centers more than healing to the "physical body. It is to the body, mind, soul and spirit - mentally, physically, emotionally - all areas of life." Hunter teaches that it is the spirit first, then the heart and the body.

Hunter mentioned that prior to her involvement in this ministry and between her parents and herself 175 such events have been held throughout the world. She has participated in 125 to 150 of them and mentioned that Catholics, including Catholic Church leaders, have been part of several of the services.

"It is going to be a night of miracles. They will see hundreds of people healed that night - not only physically, but God will touch their hearts and heal their hearts, too. God has given me a real strong ministry to broken hearts. I am of the thinking that if God can heal my heart, he can heal anyone," said Hunter.

There will be four sessions scheduled Sept. 8 to 10 where "believers" will be trained how they can lay hands on the sick. The training sessions will be held at the Convention Center and are slated for 7 p.m. on Sept. 8, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Sept. 9 as well as 11 a.m. on Sept. 10.

"Those that come for the training - their hearts will be healed - but also they will be trained how to minister to the broken hearts that will be coming," she said. "It will not end Sept. 10. It is an ongoing thing where they can take the healing power of God to the world - all through prayer."

People who attend the Sept. 10 main event at the Tyson Event Center will have personal ministry time with hands being laid on them by trained believers.

"I've never known anyone who didn't need a prayer," she said.

For many who attend, Hunter said it should be a life-changing event.

Those wishing more information can check out joanhunterministries.com. Persons who plan to attend the training sessions can call (281) 358-5020.