Lew Keith Brings Lifestyle Medicine to Wayne County

Lew Keith was launched to Lifestyle Medicine when he took his pregnant spouse to the emergency room at Wildwood Hospital, a small missionary hospital close to Chattanooga, TN. The baby was stillborn. Just previous to that tough time, Lew had skilled a conversion to Christianity; he noticed the worth of well being care blended with ministry to the soul, and the way caring and compassion aided the therapeutic course of.

A 12 months later, Lew and his spouse Darlene joined the Wildwood Hospital employees. For the following three years Lew, studied below a retired medical evangelist named W. D. Frazee. Recognizing that well being is extra priceless than wealth, and that straightforward way of life adjustments can halt and even reverse many way of life illnesses, Lew started a profession as an administrator and trainer that will span three a long time.

Q: Lew, trying again during the last 30 years, what experiences are most memorable?

A: Lew: There have been loads of challenges and blessings. The most tough expertise was throughout our first abroad mission task. In 1996, Darlene and I moved to the Philippines; we lived within the jungle and resided in a bamboo home—fairly a change from life again house. We didn’t communicate the language or perceive the tradition; we didn’t acknowledge lots of the meals. Just getting from level A to level B was an journey—we rode on bikes with sidecars and open buses known as jeepneys. And we have been homesick. Often Darlene would cry and say, “I want to go home.”

Over the following 12 months, our expertise modified – we developed friendships and realized that every one individuals are the identical on the within. We labored with folks affected by severe well being issues and noticed firsthand how easy way of life adjustments proved to be completely efficient when put into apply.

Another fascinating expertise was within the desert in northern Kenya in a spot known as Kakuma, a refugee camp of about 175,000 folks. We lived with the folks of their mud huts, ate their meals, and have become a part of their households. Most of the folks have been battle refugees; they led troubled lives, each mentally and bodily. I’ll always remember, despite the poverty and illness, the kindness and hospitality of the folks. Although our objective was to minister to their bodily and religious wants, we ended up receiving way over we gave. Though poor on this world’s items, they have been wealthy in religion, charity, and hope.

What few tough instances we had have been forgotten as we witnessed modified lives and renewed hearts. We had a younger woman from Tennessee come to one in all our applications who was hooked on heroin. Her life was in shambles – she misplaced her kids, her well being, and her happiness. Her life was uncontrolled and spiraling downward.

This younger woman attended our 30-day program and had an amazing expertise. She left as a renewed lady with a hopeful future. I knew it wasn’t the “essential elements” of fine eating regimen, train, going to mattress early, well being training lessons, and different elements of our wellness program. The important aspect in her expertise was what God did for her. That’s the rationale I’ve been working as a medical evangelist for 30 years – to level folks to the Great Physician who heals physique, thoughts, and soul. Exodus 15:26: “I am the LORD that heals thee.”

On November 11, Lew Keith will start a 15-night Bible-based well being seminar in Waynesboro, Tennessee. The conferences might be on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings. The seminar might be on the Woodmen Life Hall, positioned subsequent door to the Waynesboro submit workplace. All are invited to attend this free program. Health is by alternative, not by likelihood.