MISSION JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2007

Saturday, February 10, 2007

There is nothing like a refreshing dip in the canal to start the day right... especially when you have just given your life to Christ and the dip is an emersive baptism. For many new brothers and sisters this morning will be a moment in time that they will never forget.

They came in a procession from the site of the Pastors' Conference.to the water's edge. The pastors formed a line in the water and extended hands of love to those who would come and symbolically die to their old life and rise up new creatures in Christ.

And each time a new line of believers emerged spiratually white as snowfrom the muddy, dirty water, those standing on the bank broke into a celebratory chorus, complete with drum, praising God.

The simplicity of their faith and their confident actions of submission and humble obedience were inspiring. It was one of those scenes that makes one ask "What am I doing to say 'Yes Lord' in my own life." Click here to see these faithful take this important step in their walk with Christ.

Following this wonderful celebration, we all headed back to the tent to hear Bishop Tony Slay teach on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. This is important teaching for these pastors because their fight is filled with battles that can not be won on their own strength. The power that goes with the manifestation of His Spirit brings victory over circumstances and principalities that would leave an un-empowered man face first in the dust. But praise God as He brings forth the anointing on these men and woman, no power against them can prevail. Hallelujah!

You see, that is a big part of why we are here... not only to win 100,000,000 souls, but to empower these warriors with the weapons they need to do battle. We are here to raise up an army of widows as intercessors, and to nurture the children into becoming powerful men and women of God who can stand firm against the enemy. When you support these efforts to make warrior disciples, God will bless every thing you lay your hands to! And God confirms that in Deuteronomy 14:29. Click here to learn more about how you can sow into this ministry and receive a Deuteronomy 14:29 anointing.

As the week progresses, time seems to be passing faster. Before we knew it it was time to head for the fair grounds. As we turned into the gates it quickly became apparent that many of those who heard the message last night took serious the request to bring a friend. Before time came for Dr. Pete to begin his message the crowd had grown to nearly 100,000. Men, women and children of all ages and obvious socioeconomic status, clapped and sang praises to the Lord. The crowd was energized with a sense of expectation that something monumental, even life changing, was about to happen... and God did not let them down.

Do you remember the "Bad Man" Dr. Pete prayed for earlier this week in Hyderabad. His name is Michael Vijay Kumar, and he brought his testimony of God's grace and forgiveness to the crowd just prior to Dr. Pete's message. It was a powerful story of miraculous mercy, fabulous favor and tremendous transformation. It was the perfect lead in for the evening's message.

Dr. Pete taught the crowd about the story of the adulterous woman, and how the Pharisees tried to trap Jesus with the legalities of the situation. Jesus turned the tables on them with one sentence... Let him who is without sin cast the first stone...

The message to Amalapuram was just that simple and yet profound. If Jesus could love and forgive a woman caught in the act of adultery, then he could and would forgive them no matter what they did... It was a message they obviously took to heart.

Dr. Pete asked everyone to stand right where they were and all pray the sinners prayer together so no one would feel intimidated to come to Jesus. Following the prayer he asked those who had prayed that prayer for the first time to raise their hands. It is hard to believe that following 3 incredible nights that such an outpouring could happen again. Thousands upon thousands upon thousands of hands rose into the night sky proclaiming Jesus as Lord. Praise God!

Pastors from around the region went into the crowd to meet the new converts and gather the information necessary to plug them into the area churches.

Dr. Pete and team then gathered across the front of the stage and prayed that God would unleash a miraculous wave of healing over the crowd and God stepped up with miracles beyond our wildest expectation... paralysis healed, deaf ears opened, heart pain vanquished, blind eyes restored. The same Jesus who raised Lazars from the dead, touched the people in Amalapuram and this city will never be the same.

We praise God for our roll in this spiritual revival. We have one more night to go. Please pray that His Spirit will draw those who have not yet responded... God Bless You...