I (Dr. Michael Lanier) would like to leave you with a few final thoughts regarding IPICM’s most recent mission trip to Zambia, Africa.

Every mission journey is an adventure of its own. (This venture marked my 25^th year—a quarter century of service in far-away corners of the world and I can confidently say that every quest is different.) Some will undoubtedly wonder if the challenges were a bit too costly for most people, but as the one that was knocked to the ground by an automobile, and one of several who patiently waited by the desolate roadside while a plan was devised to overcome the challenge of the blown out tire, I think the potential cost (in terms of experience) should never be feared. God provided us with numerous experiences we could never have otherwise encountered—and learned from. Our team was privileged to witness firsthand the wonderful works in which we were invited to share. These are the very memories we’ll forever remember, even with fond recollections after we reach that which lies beyond the boundaries of this life.

No one can ever truly know how many souls responded to a salvation message or even the number of bodies that received God’s miraculous healings. However, to summarize the 2 weeks of ministry, it appears that somewhere in the area of 278 individuals acknowledged their need to make Jesus Christ their Savior. Unfortunately, there is no way to know how many persons may have been divinely touched over the 3 nights of radio broadcasts, but God knows and that’s all that matters. In addition to the salvations, an estimated 625 received healing. Please keep in mind, whenever our team intercedes for the sick, immediately afterward, we tell each recipient “Now, do what you couldn’t do before.” We do this because we don’t want just to hear what God has done–but instead, we want to see the proof. As a result, healings are almost always clearly demonstrated!

While numbers can never be certain, I personally am left with the knowledge that many wonderful things–especially salvations and healings–took place during our time of serving the people of Zambia. Many were restored to a right relationship with God through the acceptance of Jesus Christ, and many more were physically healed.

I pray that everyone who desires, can someday experience events similar to those I’ve tried to describe through the many IPICM posts over the years. You can never truly know the blessings and wonders of a mission trip apart from experiencing an actual encounter. If you ever have an opportunity to go, do what Jesus always did: proclaim the Kingdom of God (remembering that Jesus is the King of that Kingdom) and heal the sick.

Thank you for your prayers. They are the fuel that drives our engine!

Dr. Michael Lanier, Executive Director