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| Bukavu Democratic Republic Congo May 2003 | |||
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Amidst war and turmoil in the Eastern Congo the power of the Holy
Spirit swept mightily through the city of Bukavu. I have just returned
from 5 weeks in Congo and after many battles we had an overwhelming
victory. Charlene Harris and I had weeks of preparation with the local churches doing intercession, counsellor training, choir rehearsals and pastors meetings and then all was ready for the opening day. The whole region knew about the crusade as I had been doing several radio programs and had been advertising the crusade on the air. The broadcast reached far into the mountains of eastern Congo where the war is ravaging and I know that God’s word will not return void but will accomplish the purpose for which it was sent. As the gates of Kaduta stadium opened I could hardly believe my eyes as thousands poured into the stadium as the gospel choirs were singing the praises of God. The first day 40,000 gathered and by Sunday we estimated close to 90,000 were present. Everyday Roger preached the Gospel message and when the call for salvation was made every hand was raised and all prayed the prayer of salvation. Each day Roger prayed for the sick and also the broken hearted. The war has caused so many to give up hope and as he prayed especially for those affected by the war it was like the sweet comforting presence of the Holy Spirit descended into the place. One lady ran to the stage to testify that a huge growth had disappeared on her leg and you could even see where it was as the skin was still stretched. A young man testified how he had been healed of deafness the first day and could hardly believe it so waited until Wednesday to come and tell the exited crowd. I met with the ushers and counsellors before each meeting and they told me of how God had been healing them. One elderly man said his arthritis had left him and another lady who brought a raped lady to the meetings said the young lady felt a peace come to her heart that she had never known before. More than 250 churches were involved and we hosted a Pastors Banquet for all the Leaders of the various churches. Some of these dear men have been faithfully serving the Lord for more than 60 years. In the 1940’s there was a great revival brought to Eastern Congo by the Swedish and Norwegian missionaries and now 60 years later huge churches exist of more than 5000 in many congregations. Every morning more than 800 pastors and leaders gathered in a nearby church for the seminars. Paul Stern and Moses Vegh were the guest speakers. It was wonderful to see the leaders encouraged and given new vision for their ministries. We were able also to bless them with some good teaching material. It was the most wonderful week of our lives and we have been changed and I know thousands of others also. We have tasted honey and will never be satisfied with less! As I write our technical team is winding their way through the rugged mountains of Rwanda into Uganda where they will leave the truck until the next crusade in Congo . In just two weeks our organizer is leaving to start the planning for the next two crusades in Butembo and Beni in August very close to where all the trouble is currently. We will believe the Lord to make a way for us. Congo must be saved and we are doubling our efforts now to bring in the great harvest of souls in that county. |
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