Westlake- The phenomenon of Dr. Issam Nemeh continues to grow.
Thousands packed St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Westlake hours before a Saturday night healing service led by the Bay Village acupuncturist.
Many expected to wait into the early hours of Palm Sunday to be prayed over by the black-clad Nemeh, who has been drawing overflow crowds in recent months.
A piano played softly in the background as Nemeh began the service, praying over children and the critically ill. People sat quietly in meditation through much of the service, which was interspersed with testimonials from those claiming medical cures. Among those waiting patiently was Carrie Driskell, a 58-year-old Baptist from Cleveland. “I believe in faith healing,” said Driskell.
Church and medical officials agree that faith should not be a substitute for medical attention. Nemeh’s next scheduled public healing service is 11 a.m. April 3 at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center.