MISSION JOURNAL - OCTOBER 2006

Thursday, October 5, 2006

This is it... the reason we came to India... our first day of ministry to the pastors and the first night of the Redemption Festival. We are like horses at the starting gate of the Derby. God has shown us what he is about to do and we can't wait to be part of his plan.

After breakfast, we headed off to the Manna Ministry Center for the start of the Pastors' Conference. Over 800 pastors from all across the region gathered to soak in the teachings brought by Bishop Tony Slay and Pastor Micah Pelkey.

After a time of praise and worship Pastor Micah began the session with a talk on perseverance. He shared with them that it is not as important that you fall... because we all will at some time, but that you get up each time you fall. One glance across the sea of faces let you know immediately that his message was well received and appreciated.

Pastor Tony was up next with a teaching on tithing for pastors. He taught that pastors were required to tithe and that in order to grow your ministry, you must do what God commands.

According to Bishop Ernest, this is a difficult concept for many of the pastors since many live on just over a dollar a day for their whole family.

Both Bishop Ernest and Dr. Pete reinforced this message to the group.

Before, after and during the conference, our team of chiropractors were busy in the adjoining tent offering adjustments to all in attendance. Many of those who came had never had a chiropractic adjustment and although the attendees were slow to "dive in" to the chiropractic pool, word soon spread as to the relief their touch brought that soon there was a steady stream of patients.

According to Dr. Matt, they saw several healings early in the day, ankles, knees and body pain. One man in particular had been suffering with debilitating ankle pain for several years and now he is free. Dr. Matt is quick to point out that it was Jesus who heals and they are just willing vessels. Oh, that we should all have such an attitude. Praise God for healing hands.

Following the morning sessions it was back to the hotel for another "home cooked meal" from the Manna Ministries folks. And although most returned looking for some air conditioning and a shower, the weather this time of year is nothing near the 115 degrees we experienced in April. Our weather has been mild with temperatures in the low 90s and with partly cloudy skies. It has rained a couple of times, but so far nothing has interfered with any of our events.

At 2 o'clock, our widows ministry team, or women of might as Dr. Pete refers to them, went back to the conference center and spoke to the pastors and widows about their rolls in mobilizing this mighty army of God. Sister Peggy lead worship, Judi addressed the leadership and Carol Marie spoke to the widows. They then ministered to the widows through prayer and the laying on of hands. It is absolutely amazing to see how the countenance of a widow, who has always been taught that she is worthless, changes when she realizes that she is of royal lineage and need never be ashamed again. There is true power in this message... and it is spreading like wild fire. We praise God for these "Women of Might."

The festivities began with music from a 200 member choir that was put together with young people from around the city.

Their music set the mood for what was to come. The team was introduced and honored with flower leis and then it was time to begin.

As Dr. Pete took the stage there was already something beginning to stir among the thousands gathered there. It was as if the people could sense that God was going to do something very special there this night.

Dr. Pete preached a warm and welcoming message about the ONE name above all names that was open to all, including Hindus and Muslims... He lovingly introduced them to his best friend, Jesus Christ.

They responded by being right on board with his message and spent much of their time raising their hands in agreement with his message.

When it came time to offer them the salvation of Christ, a sea of hands rose up in response to his invitation. There were so many that it was hard to imagine that anyone did NOT raise their hand.

Then he invited them to come forward... but not just come... he told them to run and run they did.

Click here to see what it was like to be in the crowd as they ran to Jesus.

It looked as if they would never stop coming... thousands and thousands came forward to ensure their salvation. And when the front was filled to capacity, there was still many, many that could not make it past the fence.

Dr. Pete then lead them in the sinners prayer and ushered them into the Kingdom of God... and all of heaven rejoiced. Click here to watch Dr. Pete lead thousands to Christ.

Following the salvation message, Dr. Pete called on the Lord to begin to minister healing to the crowd. He called on deaf ears to be opened, for blind eyes to see, for the lame to walk and for sickness to be healed. And just as promised the spirit of God settled over the crowd and people were healed! One after the other came forward with stories of God's miraculous touch. A woman, blind for over three years had her eyesight restored. Men, women and children had their healing restored, people who had not been able to walk without walkers and canes were now traveling on their own. For those of you who question whether God is still in the miracle business, you just need to come to India and ask these folks. Praise God!

What a wonderfully full and exhausting day. And yet you will not find a single team member that does not know in his spirit that it is only going to get better... and we can't wait.

Tomorrow we have a similar schedule. Please keep us lifted up in prayer. We are pushing pretty hard and are counting on God's covering to get us through. You are a critical part to the success of this mission. We need you.