September 19, 2009
In my previous email, I described the Sunday services at Nairobi Pentecostal Church, which were exhilarating. Now I trust you’ve got your seatbelts on as I’d like to share some of the celebration moments of that week with you (by the way, thanks for the many prayers of support – I could not have done it without you!).
Each morning the Deputy Bishop, Rev. David Oginde gave the morning Bible lesson from the book of Esther – everyone sat glued to their chairs, wishing the time would not slip by so quickly. His insight into the Word of God was magnificent. The second morning sessions comprised of the Bishop of CITAM, Rev. Bonifes Adoyo, his wife, Mrs. Adah Adoyo and Rev. Dennis White (former pastor) sharing strong rebuke and encouragement to the leaders who will now take CITAM into the future with grace, dignity and a clear vision. They called all of us to account!
The afternoon sessions comprised of the various missionaries and pastors who had all devoted their lives to the building up of this great ministry which began its work in 1959. Because of these life investors, such as Meryvn & Sheila Thomas, Roy & Vera Upton, Arn & Elsie Bowler, Gerald Morrison, missions leader Murray Cornelius, and many other great Canadian missionaries, CITAM proudly celebrated 50 years of ministry! The stories of God’s goodness and favour over the years served as a reminder to all of us that this is God’s work we are in – and that as one plants, one waters and another reaps, it is truly God who gives the increase.
I was responsible to speak at the first three revival sessions – God was faithful and anointed for these assignments! Each night, we saw incredible miracles. For example, my Wednesday message, ‘A Futuristic Vision’ was directed towards the young people, challenging them to remember that each generation, young or old has a responsibility to the next… It was a strong message but no one (myself included) would have ever anticipated such a response as young people streamed down into the altar in earnestness before the invitation was fully given. They ran, pushed, and filled the aisles, doorways, and balcony stairs – everywhere!
The Word of God says ‘be ready in and out of season’. On Sunday morning, we all arrived at the huge Nyayo Stadium for a full day crusade. Rev. Dennis White was the morning speaker and the atmosphere was charged spiritually, but there was also excitement in the air as the President of Kenya agreed to join the celebration that morning. CITAM’s eight churches were all in attendance, along with thousands of others. Rev. Dennis White entered that pulpit and preached one of the most ‘masterful’ messages I have ever heard. I am praying and believing that Rev. White will preach that message to any and all Pastors Conferences who are ready to challenge believers again to the true mission of the Church. The local newspaper carried his illustration as the feature story on the front page of their Monday newspaper – ‘The Nation’. A master preacher delivered a masterpiece under the anointing of the Holy Spirit!
At 10:00 am that morning, I was informed that the afternoon Crusade speaker had to return to his country, and I would now be on to speak in his stead. My first response ‘you are joking!’ However, since it was not a joke, I thank God for your dutiful prayers for both me and my ministry because that morning I had to hear from God quickly and prepare to preach. YES – God’s Word is true; He will never leave us nor forsake us. On Sunday afternoon, we had another great crusade service as many came forward and dedicated their lives to the Lord. Although I have done several outdoor crusades and evangelism in Africa, this was my very first ‘organized stadium’ Billy Graham style crusade, and I must say – I pray it is not the last!
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September 1, 2009
Well praise God for His marvelous love towards us, the children of men! What a mighty God we serve.
It was a most exciting day this past Sunday as I had the privilege of ministering in the three morning services at Nairobi Pentecostal Church. The 8:00 am service was their ‘youth service’ and the 5000 seat auditorium was comfortably packed with young people. Now you know my heart was leaping for joy! The 10:00 am & noon services are their family services, and they were both packed to capacity with awesome, exuberant worship just as it was in the first service. WOW! I thank God that the Word went forth with great impact, and I thank you for your prayers. There are many other great ministers of God here for the 50th Celebration, and they all ministered in the various churches. Together we all rejoiced on Sunday as we shared our news about each of the services we participated in. God is at work in Kenya, and for such a time as this, we are able to be apart of His great work.
Kenya is still suffering from the horrible political upheavals which transpired last year and left thousands dead, homes and churches burnt and great hurt among the people. Their tourism industry suffered terribly and coupled with the recession and current fear that foreigners hold in coming to relax, it has put this beautiful and progressive country a step back. But the Church is poised to move forward and with God they know they can encourage the nation to seek God for restored blessings.
The 50th Anniversary Celebrations begin tonight and everyone is excited about this grand occasion. My challenge is to open the night with a Word from God, and while it brews in my spirit, I must confess it is nerve-racking and yes, ‘intimidating’ – yep, even for me! Yet I know that God, who is with me and is my strength and portion, He is the One who anoints, appoints and equips – so I am encouraging myself as you pray for me.
The newspapers gave full coverage of the history of this PAOC church which began with the works of humble missionaries in 1959 and took a quantum leap forward under the leadership of Rev. Dennis White. What an incredible heritage to be a part of.
I will update you later on, but for now, continue to pray with us and I wish you all ‘God’s presence, peace and power’ as you strive to live out your daily journey with His loving kindness and help.