AN internationally reno-wned healing minister is coming to Droitwich Spa to 'cure' the sick.

Evangelist the Rev Melvin Banks claims he uses the power of God to heal and has a number of miracle stories under his belt.

He will be at the Emmanuel Church, in Blake Avenue, next month.

Mr Banks, aged 62 of Wiltshire, says "the deaf have heard, cripples have walked, the blind have seen, arthritics cured and crutches and hearing aids carried home", after his divine touch.

He has toured 50 nations and 18,000 people once gathered at Crystal Palace football ground to see him in action.

The married father-of-two claims he was touched by God as a child when he almost drowned.

He said: "I was pulled out from a river and no-one could revive me until my mother arrived and prayed for me.

"I was raised from the dead."

The ordained minister joined the church at 17 and believes he is a channel for God's gift.

"It's a great sense of responsibility and I feel humble to have been chosen," said Mr Banks.

"We cannot guarantee anything.

"For many people I'm their last hope and if they're not cured many find pain is relieved."

The faith healer said while healing and praying he feels a "powerful force move through his body" and the sick say his hands become very hot.

Mr Banks usually stays with a parish family during visits and said he hopes for many cures in Droitwich.

The three-day mission beginning on Friday September 15 is free.

Contact (01905) 795809 to reserve a seat.