6/3-6/10

Sunday marked the beginning of the 2^nd week and due to the demand for preachers, the team of 3 divided to maximize the group’s ministry opportunities. The 3 men went in different directions to different churches; their host Stephen Kaindu, IPICM’s regional director, attended the church he pastors in Chingola.

Peter ministered at Redemption Shalom Church; the church the team ministered to the previous week. There were about 40 church members present. No healings were noted but there were about 15 who responded to accept salvation.

Harrison attended a new church; one that no one knew anything about. This is not normally a good idea for a variety of reasons. Actually, the church’s leader requested Peter initially but because Peter is still relatively new to mission work in Africa, our host and our team believed Harrison would be a better choice. As it turned out, we were correct.

Several things seemed out of the ordinary to Harrison such as whistle blowing during the music and even the unusual attire some were wearing. But the thing that bothered him most was when the pastor asked him to promise to give financially to the church, and that if he promised but failed to do so, a curse would come upon him and the pastor’s congregation. Harrison was completely unsettled. However, regardless of his experience and concerns, 12 individuals from the attendance of 70 prayed to receive Jesus.

Michael attended a different branch of Redemption Shalom Church. With a congregation of 64 in attendance, Michael preached a sermon based on the Kingdom of God message. At the conclusion of his sermon, 17 responded to the invitation. To witness so many regularly committing their souls to Christ after years of serving in a local church never ceases to amaze the missionaries. How little so many people seem to understand of the basics of the Christian faith.

Following the invitation, the Spirit fell upon the congregation. When asked if anyone needed healing, 12 persons responded by lining across the front of the church. Six individuals received prayer, with everyone demonstrating their healing (except possibly one individual sporting a cold). Most notably was the older man with crippled knees and terrible eyesight. Surprising everyone, he immediately danced a rather wild dance and then declared, “I can see the people in the back of the church!” Running short of time, a verbal healing command was addressed to the last 6 people in need—all of which immediately demonstrated their having received healing.

That evening, a family of 4 came to the guesthouse where the team was staying, seeking prayer. Harrison and Michael met the family. Although the intent was to pray for whatever needs might be expressed, the Spirit had something slightly different in mind. As prayer began, suddenly a barrage of personal information was revealed to the missionaries in a manner that insured the couple that God was in charge of their family problems—none of which Michael or Harrison were aware of. The couple validated the revelations and thanked the missionaries for their prayers, then departed. Thinking they were finished, a young man approached the men with his own needs. The same thing happened again. Matters revealed by the Spirit were very different from the previous couple but equally validated by the young man. The Lord certainly works after hours.

On Monday, the team travelled back to Ndola to begin the 2^nd week of ministry. Along the way, a loose rock from a passing truck travelling the opposite direction cracked our driver’s windshield. Turning around, he caught up with the truck to discuss the situation. After a few minutes, we got back under way without the slightest hint of road rage. A short time later, the vehicle was pulled over at a police check. Because the front seat passenger was a white man, it seemed there was an opportunity to squeeze the riders for a bribe. When no one produced any money, the car was released to continue its journey. Similar stops have occurred over the years.

Peter and Harrison ministered Tuesday morning at Bethel Mission Church. Harrison preached and a few sick people healed. That evening, the church showed the Jesus Film outdoors for people living in the area. Presented in the Bimba language, approximately 50-60 people responded to the evangelistic message given by Peter, including a Muslim and a 90-year-old man. Fourteen received counselling.

Wednesday morning was the 1^st day of a 2-day pastor-leadership conference for Ndola ministers. Michael again taught on the Kingdom of God with 40-50 ministers and congregants present. At the conclusion of the meeting, several individuals received healing including a man with cataracts and bad knees (the 90 year old man from the night before), and 2 ladies with multiple afflictions. Later, Harrison and Peter continued the day’s ministry to approximately 120 persons, with 45 professing their need for Jesus Christ. Numerous eyes, ears, and various pains were healed.

The 2^nd leg of the training seminar continued Thursday morning with a hermeneutics study. That evening, Peter and Harrison held a service with approximately 120 in attendance. At the conclusion, 45 prayed to receive Jesus, followed by a healing session in which eyes, backs, stomach and heart pains, knees, and more were healed.

Friday morning marked the final day of ministry with Harrison and Peter continuing the church service where they had ministered the previous day. Michael ministered the Kingdom of God training to a citywide gathering of 40-50 pastors. Following the pastor meeting, Michael and his host returned to rejoin Harrison and Peter at the church. Harrison brought the message and Peter led the healing service. Approximately 45 people were present with 1 receiving Christ. Michael joined the healing service and then moved to prophetic ministry.

On Saturday, the team departed Ndola for home, arriving Sunday afternoon and evening.