Liberia Update #3
Imagine this…
A young man walks off the streets, stands at the back of the crusade services, then presses in at the altar time because he desperately needs healing. And God is such a Healer!
The young man comes to the platform at the end of service to share his testimony and it was real – too real – given in the raw language of the streets (got the crusade in an uproar of laughter – we wish we could share the miracle but it is of a personal nature given in non repeatable language, but yes, he was healed). He was so thankful to God, since doctors have not been able to help him and he’s been in such pain, that he gave his heart to the Lord and declared he wants to go to Bible College and be able to minister to people about God. We’re going to help him – he can reach people on the streets!
Then on Friday night, the last night of the crusade, we stood amazed in the presence of God. The people poured in all night (starts as small crowd, and then grows as it gets later and darker). They sit everywhere on and around the soccer field, and they stand for hours just listening intently. You can now understand why Jesus loved to preach on the mountainsides!
At the end of the service, I gave a straight ‘repentance’ call to the young people of Liberia. They have either come through war or were born in the war – either way this generation from 1-28 are now living out the unexplainable effects of war ruins. Some are numb, despondent, angry, searching for reality, looking for love, desperate for a family life, empty, feeling hopeless, afraid of the future, rebellious, everything seems meaningless. Yet, there are many who are asking God for HELP! And when shown the True Way, many reach out for His hand of mercy.
The average attendance count sheet handed to me states that approx 2,225 people attended this outdoor crusade on average, with the highest night being Friday with a count of approx 3,200 people on the football field. Of course, those on the streets, hillsides, shops, edges, etc. are just bonus! But the joy is this; a total number of 794 salvation decision cards were turned in to the altar workers. This was the first time ever in the country that a ‘completely youth focused crusade’ had ever occurred, and needless to say it was marvelous to behold. The response was genuine, the crowd kept changing each night (with the exception of the core church folks who hosted it) and most of all, God not only gave us great weather each night, but has also shown us His mighty wonders!
So, when the General Superintendent and Youth Director asked if I would return to help the youth again – what do you think I said?
YEP – I’ll be going back this coming August, 2010 to assist them, this time with a National Youth Conference that will be for the Youth across the nation. Monrovia touched our hearts, but the rest of the provinces in Liberia need the same touch.
Please pray for a Holy Ghost move upon this generation of Young People! Liberians know for surety – the Youth are the Hope and Future of their nation!
Thanks to all for your prayers for myself, Patrice and Irving Whitt. Patrice and I are now in Ghana conducting another 2 day outdoor crusade – THANKS FOR YOUR PARTNERSHIP & PRAYERS!
Liberia Update 2
What Colour am I?
What a joy to return to Liberia and see so many changes already. God has truly blessed this nation, and we are all now believing that the people will turn their hearts towards God in massive numbers. In 2007, there were no banks open, hardly any cars, not many shops, people everywhere living on the streets… etc… etc… I could go on and on! Now, approximately two years later, we see signs of economic strength returning to the country: gas stations open, cars everywhere, shelves stocked, marketplaces filled with goods from China, cell phones everywhere, and buildings being constructed. This gives me great joy to see what a gracious and compassionate God we serve.
On Sunday, we ministered in two different churches, and both had exuberant services. We enjoyed the rich worship of the African culture which we do need to capture in North America – “in spite of the multiplicity of struggles, they choose to worship!”
We have already visited many high schools and conducted their general assemblies. Basically, the schools paused and had as many students as possible who could fill up their main halls, outside the halls and doorways – all come to be encouraged and challenged by us. One school was “tough slugging” – these kids seeming so hopeless and empty, yet another school was overjoyed and extremely receptive. In spite of it all, we just poured out love and encouragement on all. On Monday, the first night of the open air crusade meetings, Patrice saw some students from the schools we visited. There are many more schools to come as well as four more nights of crusades to minister in. Awe – yes – the crusades … we hope to have some pictures to show you the stories as each picture will tell a story. People sitting in their shops listening, cars stopping on the main road, people flowing in from all directions and young men sitting by trees pretending they are not listening, yet when the “salvation” altar call was given, you could see hands raised in every corner – too many hands for counsellors to tend to, so we will organize and attempt to find ways to do this better. A great problem to have!
As you continue to pray for us, please know that the area that the crusades are being held in is a Muslim stronghold with great tensions. Our AG Church in that location was burnt by an Islamic faction recently and the tension still exists. We are praying that this crusade will bring great hope to the region, see a great multitude of souls saved and also great healing. Please pray for “Miracles” – as this is the drawing force for all sides! Romans 4:16 – in the midst of all impossibilities, Abraham believed God… and I am believing for a mighty outpouring of God’s spirit, and for signs and wonders to follow.
On the coattails of my ministry in Liberia, I will have the privilege of being with Pickering Pentecostal Church for Passion Week. Please pray for me, as I prepare for this holy week. As well pray for PPC’s Senior Pastor (and FM’s Board Chair), Rev. Colin Gittens, who is preparing to do a Pastors’ Conference in Kerala, India, from March 16-25, 2010. He will also be speaking in a few different venues and doing a dedication service of a church PPC helped build.
Thank you again for continuing with me in prayer!
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Liberia Update #1
What a joy to return to Liberia and see so many changes already. God has truly blessed this nation, and we are all now believing that the people will turn their hearts towards God in massive numbers. In 2007, there were no banks open, hardly any cars, not many shops, people everywhere living on the streets… etc… etc… I could go on and on! Now, approximately two years later, we see signs of economic strength returning to the country: gas stations open, cars everywhere, shelves stocked, marketplaces filled with goods from China, cell phones everywhere, and buildings being constructed. This gives me great joy to see what a gracious and compassionate God we serve.
On Sunday, we ministered in two different churches, and both had exuberant services. We enjoyed the rich worship of the African culture which we do need to capture in North America – “in spite of the multiplicity of struggles, they choose to worship!”
We have already visited many high schools and conducted their general assemblies. Basically, the schools paused and had as many students as possible who could fill up their main halls, outside the halls and doorways – all come to be encouraged and challenged by us. One school was “tough slugging” – these kids seeming so hopeless and empty, yet another school was overjoyed and extremely receptive. In spite of it all, we just poured out love and encouragement on all. On Monday, the first night of the open air crusade meetings, Patrice saw some students from the schools we visited. There are many more schools to come as well as four more nights of crusades to minister in. Awe – yes – the crusades … we hope to have some pictures to show you the stories as each picture will tell a story. People sitting in their shops listening, cars stopping on the main road, people flowing in from all directions and young men sitting by trees pretending they are not listening, yet when the “salvation” altar call was given, you could see hands raised in every corner – too many hands for counsellors to tend to, so we will organize and attempt to find ways to do this better. A great problem to have!
As you continue to pray for us, please know that the area that the crusades are being held in is a Muslim stronghold with great tensions. Our AG Church in that location was burnt by an Islamic faction recently and the tension still exists. We are praying that this crusade will bring great hope to the region, see a great multitude of souls saved and also great healing. Please pray for “Miracles” – as this is the drawing force for all sides! Romans 4:16 – in the midst of all impossibilities, Abraham believed God… and I am believing for a mighty outpouring of God’s spirit, and for signs and wonders to follow.
On the coattails of my ministry in Liberia, I will have the privilege of being with Pickering Pentecostal Church for Passion Week. Please pray for me, as I prepare for this holy week. As well pray for PPC’s Senior Pastor (and FM’s Board Chair), Rev. Colin Gittens, who is preparing to do a Pastors’ Conference in Kerala, India, from March 16-25, 2010. He will also be speaking in a few different venues and doing a dedication service of a church PPC helped build.
Thank you again for continuing with us in prayer!