Early one summer morning in 1979, Gloria Copeland woke up and slipped out onto the back porch of the family’s cabin in southwest Arkansas. While everyone else slept, she took the opportunity to pray.
It was in those quiet moments alone with God that Gloria remembered a prophecy she had recently received from someone that said she was about to hear from the Lord concerning something He wanted her to do.
Thinking about that prophecy, she spoke from her heart and said, “Lord, You know I’ll do anything You want me to do. Just tell me what it is.”
When she finished praying, Gloria went inside to get ready for the day. A few moments later, as she was bent over a sink washing her hair, God spoke to her and said, I want you to start teaching on healing in all the meetings.
Gloria heard the voice of God in her spirit in such a way she had never heard it before. It was strong and powerful. But what was really shocking was what God wanted her to do.
Me, Gloria Copeland…preach? And on healing?
Yet, she loved the Lord and His Word more than anything, so she never questioned whether or not she would obey. She just decided she would be another living example of 1 Corinthians 1:26-31…God calling the simple ones of this world to confound the wise.
I want My people well. I have desired for My people to walk in health. I have desired for My people to know how to walk in health regardless of what ministry is in town.
I want My people to know how to take My Word, and stand on My Word, and receive My healing power and know that I am the Lord. I want My people to walk with Me in health and life and know the good things that I have prepared for them.
I have set a table before you in the presence of your enemies. You shall not be an orphan group. You shall not be hungry. You shall not be in want, for I am the God-Provider. I am the Lord God that heals you…. I will have My people well, saith God.
So My instruction to this ministry is: Continue this Healing School…until I return.
- Prophecy spoken to Gloria Copeland by Kenneth Copeland, 1980
In September 1979, three months after that encounter with God, Kenneth and Gloria Copeland obeyed God by adding a Healing School to each of the meetings they had scheduled for the rest of that year — and Gloria began teaching on healing. It was during those meetings that the Lord also instructed her to begin laying hands on the sick and praying for them. So she did.
By the beginning of the next year, with a few meetings behind her, Gloria thought she was finished. She had obeyed God, and thought she could stop now. But then another prophecy came. And this time, it was clear to Gloria when God intended for Healing School to end. He wanted her to preach healing, and He wanted her to preach it until Jesus returns.
Today, almost 28 years later, Gloria Copeland has taught Healing School around the world to countless numbers of people. In Healing School, she steps out onto a platform in an auditorium full of people and boldly declares-Jesus always comes to Healing School!
And thousands of people have received God’s Word on divine healing and have applied it to their lives-and thousands have seen the results. To God be the glory!
Kenneth Copeland Ministries
Kenneth Copeland Ministries Blog
