The most recent mission trip to Zambia marked IPICM’s 26^th year of overseas work, having previously ministered 19 seasons in the Caribbean, a onetime visit to Nepal, and across much of south-central and East Africa over the past 7 years. The May-June venture differed little from previous journeys, with God continuing to advance his work in the copper region of northwestern Zambia. He is always faithful to blaze the path he chooses and in this respect, even potential hurdles worked for the good of all.

The IPICM team consisted of 3 veteran missionaries: Dr. Michael Lanier, Harrison Hunter, and Peter Valenzuela. Michael and Harrison have worked together since they first teamed-up in Jamaica in 2007. Peter began his partnership 3 years ago.

Travel to Africa is never a breeze and usually requires 38-40 hours of travel time. For example, Michael flew from Dallas-Fort Worth to Toronto, Canada, where he slept overnight in a corner of the airport. Departing the next morning, he flew to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, then to Lubumbashi, D R Congo, and from there to Ndola, Zambia. His return flight took him from Zambia, to Malawi, then to Ethiopia, Ireland, Canada, and finally home to Texas, USA. Harrison and Peter’s itinerary was equally harrowing.

5/26—6/2

The men departed from Arizona and Texas on a Saturday and arrived at their African destination the following Monday. Tuesday was a much-needed day of rest. On the next day (Wednesday), with all their baggage in tow—something that is never assured—they departed Ndola for Chingola. That evening marked their first night of ministry.

Peter ministered first to a gathering of 40 plus individuals at the Redemption Shalom Church, in the Lulamba Redemption Center. Following the message, he called for those in need of healing to form a line where he and Harrison prayed for healing for approximately 25 people—all of which declared their prayers had been answered. At the start of the healing ministry, the Spirit revealed two specific needs to be addressed; one was a deaf ear and the other a shortened leg. Both individuals came forward to have hands laid on them and both received their healing. Other healings included a swollen knee that immediately lost its swelling as the person ran around the room; eyes were healed from assorted afflictions; and miscellaneous pains were relieved.

God certainly doesn’t work his wonders only in church. Earlier that same day, as the team travelled to their place of rest following a run to the grocery store, the cab driver abruptly queried, “Why do difficulties come?” An explanation from the Book of Job was given and then upon their arrival at their quarters, Michael took the driver aside for further ministry as the Spirit revealed a number of personal struggles Eddie (the driver) was experiencing. Details—included various pressures he was experiencing with his family, job, and from certain friends, along with some immanent decisions and haunting thoughts, and even a detailed description of how God had rescued him from a danger in order to show his love—were spoken over the man. In brief, many things that only God could reveal were brought to light; all of which were verified by Eddie when asked if the ministering words were accurate. As a result of the Spirit’s ministry, Eddied gave his life to Jesus Christ. Whoever said God no longer speaks has never experienced such a revealing encounter; the kind that results in the salvation of the lost.

Thursday marked the first of 2 pastoral-leadership conferences. Michael taught in the morning and afternoon sessions on the Kingdom of God, to a gathering of 89 individuals. The 40 booklets he was asked to bring fell way short of the actual number of participants. The first day of the 2-day conference was striking in at least two ways. First, no one had ever heard of, or imagined, the meaning of the kingdom. (Most African pastors are very limited in their training and understanding of biblical matters in general, as their comprehension is largely based on cultural influences.) Even more striking was the response to the invitation to receive Christ, which resulted in 21 salvations! The assembly was comprised of pastors, evangelists, and church leaders. How important it is to present the Gospel message; even when there is not expected to be a need. The afternoon meeting ended with a much needed and lively Q & A session.

Friday morning concluded the 1^st conference with a discussion on hermeneutics. Michael taught on the concept of Interrogative Hermeneutics; a method of interpretation that requires few printed or computerized tools; a method that sprang from his doctoral dissertation. Group reception exceeded all expectation.

That afternoon, Harrison and Peter ministered to an assembly of approximately 120 church members. Peter preached on healing as part of the kingdom and when finished, called for those in need to form a healing line. Everyone in need of a healing had his or her needs met. Healings included a man with a short leg was able to run around the room; a woman with severe cataracts was healed; a man who’d been deaf in his left ear for 15 years had his hearing restored, claiming “I’m so surprised”; and a multitude of aches and pains dissipated.

On Saturday, there were two general meetings for all church members. Harrison brought the message to about 120 congregants. There were 8 salvations and approximately 40 persons were healed of assorted afflictions. That afternoon, Peter preached to the same 120 and offered several prophetic utterances. Michael stayed in his guesthouse room for some much-needed rest. (Michael gets an African cold on average every other year, simply because the team always visits during African winters and cold seasons. Normally, Michael’s colds endure for about 5 weeks but this time was different. On the 2^nd day of sneezing, coughing, and night sweats, he called Brandon, his oldest son, back in the States, who prayed for him. Two days later the cold and fever were gone. Amazing!)

The first week was a good one. The 2^nd was yet to come.