Juba for Jesus 2010

When Jesus talked about the advancement of His kingdom in Matthew 11:12, he said, “From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.”
Jesus’ words are at the heart of the African Enterprise Southern Sudan Pan African Mission that will be held in Juba in September this year. Because there are few places in Africa, much less on earth, where the spiritual battle is as intense – and where the Kingdom of our Lord’s love and grace is more needed.
Decades of civil war. Millions of lives lost. Widespread displacement of people groups. These words alone cannot describe Sudan’s recent history.
Yet in the midst of this, there’s another force – a Kingdom force – that is being organised to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ in Sudan.

A Kingdom Force … for Recovery

For the past 45 years, African Enterprise has engaged in our Pan African evangelistic efforts across the continent of Africa, and they are extremely effective. In fact, our 2009 mission in Monrovia saw over 3,700 men, women and children make first-time commitments to Jesus!
This year’s Pan Africa campaign is called A Kingdom Force… for Recovery. This massive effort will include up to 100 meetings a day in factories, businesses, schools, marketplaces, prisons and hospitals. As in the past, the key to the success of this year’s campaign will be the training, the follow-up to all those who respond, and the necessary resources.

Stories from Monrovia

In the last few days prior to leaving Monrovia, we met with some of the zonal counsellor co-ordinators to hear the stories of those they were now in the process of following up. Although time was short, the few interviews that we were able to fit in were tremendously encouraging, and opened up the human element to the thousands of response cards we had received. What was particularly touching was the fact that it would not have been easy for any of these people to share their new or rediscovered faith. Throughout the interviews we often had their peers standing by and watching, often laughing, but they continued unperturbed showing the genuineness of the change in their heart.

The first young girl we met was 13 years old. She had fled to Sierre Leone with her parents during the war and during that time had started going to a Christian church, despite her parents belonging to the Muslim faith. She continued going to church when they returned to Liberia, but said she didn’t really understand. A team of local and African Enterprise evangelists visited her church during the mission week, preaching the gospel and sharing how they had come to know the Lord themselves. She began to understand the relevance of Jesus Christ’s life giving work for her own life, and decided to give her life to Him as her Lord and Saviour. She was very positive when she spoke about her new life and relationship with Jesus, particularly considering her background. She prays now that she might be a good witness to her parents, and they might also come to know the Lord.

Another young man was born in Monrovia, Liberia and was gifted soccer player. During the war he fled to Ghana, then travelled onto Indonesia where he started going to church and committed his life to the Lord. He said however, that when he returned to Liberia he stopped going to church, and only read his bible occasionally. When the Christ Mission for Monrovia team started setting up their equipment in his neighbourhood he became very excited and welcomed them to the community. He danced along to the music and said he was so touched by the message preached that he recommitted his life to the Lord. He prays that now the Lord would strengthen him so that he could serve God, even as a footballer. He was very thankful to African Enterprise and his local pastor for helping him to overcome his lapse of faith.

Please continue to pray for these young believers, and the many others who turned to Jesus Christ during this time. Pray also that the Lord would guide and protect the local churches as they continue to followup and disciple these precious people.

A.E. evangelists preach last sermon in Monrovia…

Monrovia Mission, 15-22 November 2009

This last day of the mission, evangelists were distributed around the city to preach for the last time in local churches.  Short term missionary Cathy Ahern describes her time at Dupont Road Baptist Church.

“After a very Pentecostal style church service last Sunday with Pastor James at Buzzi quarter, this week we went to a much more main line Baptist Church lead by Pastor Perrick. We asked him about his experience of the war as we have with most of the people we’ve met here. He stayed in Monrovia during the war and told us of weeks on end when they couldn’t leave the house because of the bullets flying around. The service ran from 11am – 1.30pm and was a fantastic time of praise and worship.

Pastor Perrick has a great heart for protecting his flock and making sure they are taught well. After meeting with the elders to pray, he took us aside and interviewed us for 10 minutes or so before the service just to satisfy himself that we were ‘okay’. It was wonderful to see the care he takes with his congregation. After a tremendous time of prayers (including for a couple who had been married for 29 years), singing, worship and notices, Adrian spoke on Ephesians 6 and the armour of God. It was well received and pastor seemed genuinely delighted. It is worth mentioning that this church is a mission church and has both planted another congregation in Monrovia and sent short term missions into the country side.”

There is still much to do for the evangelists who travel home tomorrow, so more detail about the fantastic closing ceremony will be posted tomorrow. Please continue to pray for those who came to know the Lord, and the vital discipleship processes that now need to be implemented. Please also pray for those who are travelling tomorrow.

Many thanks and much love from the team in Monrovia

“Let the young people come to Me…”

Monrovia Mission, 15-22 November 2009

With over 50% of Monrovia’s population aged under 18 years old, there is a great need for youth ministry. Many of these young people were born during the war which ended around 5 years ago, and have suffered much during their developmental years. Some were child soldiers.Many children continue to suffer greatly in Monrovia as poverty impacts their family life, education, health and future opportunities. In a desperate attempt to free themselves from the shackles of poverty, many young people turn to prostitution, sexual relationships, drugs, theft and violence.

The three Foxfire teams from Kenya and South Africa have been in hot demand throughout the week. Their energetic dances, beautiful singing and powerful testimonies have deeply impacted young and old Monrovians, so much so that the Mission Chairman announced tonight that he would like them to stay another week so that they can train key youth leaders in local churches.

The Foxfires have ventured into many schools in Monrovia, reaching hundreds of young students. Nonkululeko (South Africa) shared her testimony at one of these schools, describing how she was born out of wedlock to very young parents who were not ready to care for and love her. She shared how rejected she felt as a result, and the impact this had on her relationship with her mother and father. Her self image was destroyed and she tried to find fulfilment and her identity in destructive relationships and behaviours. At her lowest point the Lord spoke to her about who she is as His creation and daughter, and her life was transformed. The students’ were deeply touched by her testimony, and some of them visited her at the team base today. One of them wrote her a letter saying “your teaching has really done well for me. I just want to say thanks and I love you, thanks for changing my life…” Her team was also invited to speak during an one and a half hour youth program on a local radio station regarding youth culture and faith.

The week’s youth ministry culminated in three youth rallies which were held in accessible locations around the city. Although being advertised as youth rallies, these meetings also attracted people from a wide range of ages. The local performers sang and danced alongside the Foxfires, who also shared their stories, and the gospel was preached. I attended a rally in one of the busiest market districts in town. The music and dancing very soon drew large crowds. Many were young people who were passing by with all sorts of items for sale balanced on their heads, but who then paused to listen.

At the time an altar call was made, one of these young girls removed her wares from her head and asked one of the attending evangelists to look after it as she wanted to receive Jesus, but had not sold anything yet that day, and needed to do so before she went home. He agreed to, but was distracted and left her items unattended. Another evangelist observed that nearby people had started helping themselves, and went over, insisting that they pay for what they had consumed. The young girl returned to discover that some sales had been made, and went home saying “praise God, Jesus gave me money. I can go home now”.

 The response generally was enormous, with each counsellor surrounded by up to 20 people, all earnestly wanting their details recorded for follow-up. The youth rallies at other venues were just as successful, with many young people coming to the Lord. It was a fantastic finale to the youth ministry, and a good precursor to the closing rally tomorrow.

Earlier this morning, we officially opened the Health and Sanitation project at the Buzzi Quarter with a “ground breaking ceremony”. The gathering of people was made up of Buzzi residents, local Christians, representatives from the Association of Evangelicals and other church umbrella organisations, and a large contingent from African Enterprise. Local Buzzi pastors led us in a time of worship, as bricklayers who were laying the foundations of the toilet block danced in the mud. The ceremony was held in a particularly smelly part of the community, at the bottom of the hill adjacent to the waterway flowing with rubbish and grey water, and next to the small UNICEF toilet block. It was another hot day, but it was a joy to be with this community, and to share with them God’s love in word and deed.

Stephen spoke about how Jesus stopped for people who others had ignored or oppressed, and explained God’s heart for the people of Buzzi who have been so overlooked for so long. At the end of his message he made an altar call, and over 30 people came forward to receive Jesus as their personal Saviour. As these people were counselled, representatives from Monrovian churches, African Enterprise, and Buzzi community leaders “broke” the ground, officially opening the process of development in the Buzzi Quarter and putting the community’s needs on the agenda of the local authorities.

Tomorrow, evangelists will be preaching in over 20 local churches before the Closing Ceremony commences at 2:30pm. We have been assured that the Vice President, and possibly the President herself, will be attending. We are excited but sad that the proclamation phase of the mission will be finishing up – there are still so many, many open doors for the gospel here, and so many hungry people who are willing to listen and need to know new life in the Lord.

Thank you again for persevering with us in prayer. We are again in awe of our great God whose wisdom and power is beyond anyone and anything we can imagine. Please continue to pray for:

1. Stephen as he preaches tomorrow at the Closing ceremony. Pray particularly for special guests such as the Vice President, and other city leaders who contribute to the leadership of this nation.
2. The evangelists as they preach in churches around the city
3. Songe’s shoulder – we can praise God that Songe was strong enough to join us for a short time at the groundbreaking ceremony in Buzzi Quarter, and then in the evening for devotions. Pray that the Lord might continue to strengthen and heal him.
4. That the Lord would protect all those who have turned to the Lord this week, and that they would find a bible believing church near their home
5. That the Lord would strengthen local counsellors and disciplers as they implement follow up programs, and disciple new believers.
6. For safety and health as the AE team winds up and travels home

Dancing in the streets…

Monrovia Mission, 15-22 November 2009

We praise the Lord for His goodness and demonstrations of power in so many lives. The last two days have been packed full of very fruitful outreach events reaching a range of different people, and there is great celebration amongst the local evangelists, counsellors and set up team as they publicly worship their Creator on the city streets.

A small group went to Monrovia Central Prison yesterday, a dusty, grey high-walled facility which currently accommodates three times as many prisoners as it was designed to accommodate. As we passed the large contingent of UN soldiers, who are currently charged with ensuring security, prisoners peered through iron bars and goats wandered around the small yard. We were later told the cells were so over-crowded that prisoners sleep sitting or standing up.  We were ushered into the small chapel which was crowded with men and a small group of  women. The volume of their singing surprised me; they sang with great gusto. But as we have learnt many times over, singing and clapping to choruses does not necessary indicate a living faith in Jesus.

Grace (Tanzania) encouraged the prisoners to see this time as a testimony in the making, as God leads them into His plan for their lives. Stephen (Intl CEO) shared much of his testimony then Dino (South Africa) preached powerfully about the power of God to transform empty, broken lives. Out of 200 men, over 100 stood indicating they wanted to give their whole lives to Jesus, as well as more than half of the group of women. It was a moving experience, and tomorrow another team will visit again, hopefully also ministering to the juvenile section.

Meetings took place throughout the day in many locations around the city. During one of them Enoch (Malawi) preached on corner surrounded by small businesses and a taxi/motorcycle rank. He shared how many people and powers in this world call us to come to them, but they offer disappointment and shame. He explained that Jesus calls us to Him, and he offers to take our heavy burden, giving us rest. Over 30 people responded, appearing from nearby shops and taxis.

The city leaders dinner was a little like parable where the rich man’s banquet is snubbed by his friends who make excuses.

Stephen Lungu (CEO) with Prophetess Esther Nyemah, Religious Advisor to the President of Liberia, Mdm Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

 However, a committed group of high profile leaders did come, including the Religious Advisor to President, and one of the City Mayors of Monrovia. The Deputy Minister for Commerce also attended, remarking publicly after the proceedings that he was very grateful for our work in the Buzzi Quarter, which is located within his constituency. He hopes to attend the “ground breaking” ceremony tomorrow, to officially launch the project. The Special Assistant to the Minister of Immigration also attended, recalling how the Lord had prompted him to help us to obtain the visas for our Malawian team members in record time.

Today, ministry continued in market places, schools, businesses and busy junctions. Team members arrive back to our base very tired but excited about what the Lord has been doing in our midst. They reported that a number of people were delivered from evil spirits, a lady deaf in one ear regained her hearing, and a number of people who formerly followed another faith decided to follow the Lord who has worked so powerfully in our lives and deals with our sin once and for all.

One meeting was held in the Liberian Petroleum Refinery Corporation, a large industrial site where the petrol fumes were inescapable. Staff gathered to hear Leonard (DRC) speak about the destructiveness of “toothless” Christianity, particularly mentioning his angst that although 90% of the population of his homeland claim to be Christian, the rate of corruption was one of the highest in the world. He spoke convincingly about the necessity for individuals to stop blaming governments, structures or life circumstances for the compromises they make in their own daily lives. It was a convicting message, and many of those present were clearly deeply touched, praying for forgiveness, and a number surrendering their lives to the Lord.

Tomorrow three youth rallies will be held in strategic locations around the city, as well as other meetings in market places, football fields and even some schools. The “ground breaking” ceremony for the Sanitation project in the Buzzi Quarter will take place in the morning. The team are quite tired, but joyful, and are quite disappointed that there is so little left of this week.

Thank you so much for your prayers. We praise the Lord for safety, energy, opportunities, and the local churches who have been so creative and committed. Please continue to pray:

1. That many would attend the youth rallies which will be held in three locations in the city tomorrow. Please pray particularly for the Foxfires who have worked extremely hard this week, and will be ministering to the many youth.
2. That the final preparations for the Closing ceremony would go smoothly, and that it would be a great finale to the mission week
3. For protection and guidance for the local believers who have worked so hard this week
4. That the Lord will protect and strengthen the many who have responded to Him, particularly those who will encounter difficulties from their families.
5. That the follow up procedures would be well organised and that people would be welcomed into churches.
6. Songe continues to experience significant pain, and today received a steroid injection to relieve his discomfort. He is barely able to sleep, and has been forced to rest for the past day.
7. A couple of team members have stomach upsets, and have had either to rest or return early from preaching engagements.

The momentum builds…

Monrovia Mission, 15-22 November 2009

We can say that “things are moving!”, as is often said over here in Africa. The hiccups and logistical challenges which we encountered during our first two days of stratified evangelism seem to have been ironed out, and momentum is building. We are so thankful to the Lord for answering our prayers regarding the weather, as we have not had any showers which have affected our outreach meetings. We didn’t realise though that the lack of rain would result in searing heat! It is extremely hot and humid during the day, and most of our meetings involving standing, preaching or dancing (in the case of the Foxfires) in the scorching sunlight. This is starting to take its toll on team members energy levels, though has certainly not quenched their enthusiasm.

We had a busy and fruitful day today, with meetings taking place in the five zones around the city. Some groups started off before 8am devotions to minister to children at school assemblies, whilst others travelled early to cover long distances before the traffic clogged the roads. I joined the group at the Ministry of Information, a building which had been gutted in many places by the rebels during Charles Taylors’ war for leadership. Grace Masalakulangwa (Tanzania) encouraged the staff fellowship group as they interceded for their city, and was very well received, so much so that they requested a group photo.

Grace later spoke evangelistically at the University of Liberia in a “palava” house – a round hut which traditionally was used for discussion and conflict resolution. Her vocal cords were tested as she competed with the very loud political meetings which were taking place in nearby palava houses, in preparation for the upcoming run-off Senate elections. One young man we spoke to afterwards shared with us how he had backslidden from his Christian faith when he started university, but after being reminded that focussing on Jesus is the only way to pursue our true purpose in life, he was convicted and wished to recommit his life to Jesus.

At another meeting conducted by a different group, a man who had grown up following another faith was struck by the grace of God which extends to him the gift of forgiveness, and he gave his life to the Lord. Although his new found faith will cause a deep rift in his family and with believers of his previous belief, his main concern was how he could continue to preach the gospel to others.

In the afternoon, another group started sharing outside a gas station. Their team leader was concerned that it may not be a place where people would gather, but after the performance of a local gospel singer, and a team of South African Foxfires, a crowd of around 80 people had surrounded us. David Chigamba (Malawi) stood up to preach, assuring people that he would not be long, as sometimes the crowd disperses after the “entertainment” is over. However, by the end of his message a greater number of people had gathered, some nodding earnestly as he talked about the destruction which the “storms” of sin, sickness, bad relationships, drugs and prostitution cause in our lives. As he was encouraging people to turn to Jesus in the midst of their storms, just as the disciples turned to Jesus in the middle of a life threatening storm, I noticed a man with both hands raised, looking to the sky. He was already praying to the Lord. He looked as though he didn’t need to hear anymore and just couldn’t wait to give his life to the Lord who cares for us. When David eventually made the altar call, we noticed that instead of a crowd of children rushing forward as is usual, a number of grown men came over with their hands raised. David was soon completely swamped by young men who had realised their need to turn to the Lord.

There are many other testimonies which could be shared if we had the space. Enoch (Malawi) reported that at one market place women were running over to join in the singing and dancing. Local evangelists started personal evangelism and were praying with people even before the preaching started. Counsellors have been reliably and quickly assisting those who respond to the message. At another venue, policemen who had initially objected to a meeting being held, were saved. At least one of our drivers have given their lives to the Lord, or been renewed in their Christian walk. Overall, we can confidently say that hundreds of people are being saved each day, and we are continually overwhelmed by the piles of decision cards which are returned to the mission office . 

Thank you so much for your prayers and support. Please praise the Lord for His continued grace and anointing as we move around the city safely, enjoying the privilege of being His hands, feet and mouth.

Please continue to pray for:

1. Those who have committed their lives to the Lord – that the enemy would not snatch the seed, and that the Word that was sown would grow deeply into their hearts producing a fruitful harvest.
2. Meetings tomorrow taking place in various areas throughout the city, including “red light” (very busy market), the Central Prison, schools, busy junctions, the National Museum, and sports fields
3. the city leadership dinner which takes place tomorrow night. Pray for those who are speaking, and pray the Lord will draw many people to Himself
4. for the youth rallies on saturday
5. those involved in the counselling and follow up programs – for commitment and wisdom.
6. Songe Chibambo’s shoulder continues to cause him pain – please pray the Lord would give him relief from this ongoing problem. A number of other team members are struggling with headaches, asthma, and tiredness generally.
7. Stephen Lungu was forced to rest today due to a serious stomach bug. Please pray the Lord would heal and strengthen him for ministry at the prison tomorrow

Mtwara back to God Final Rally: A Blessing in the midst of confusion

Mtwara Back To God final rally was indeed a great blessing.   A good number of people gave their lives to Jesus and several were touched by the Lord through the healing power.  This took place after a big confusion between Christians and Muslims as to who had a right to use the town council rally ground.  On the final day of the mission, Sunday 21^st, was also a Muslims Eid Al Fitr Day, and the Muslims had acquired a permit to use the rally ground, while the ‘Mtwara Back To God Mission Committee’ already had a permit and was using the grounds for eight days including that Sunday.

It took the wisdom of God to solve this confusion, since both groups claimed to have the right and that Sunday afternoon Christians as well as Muslims  The police approached the leadership of both groups and had a meeting with us.  It was obvious that the Muslims were not ready for anything less than what they claimed to be their right to use the grounds on the day.  We Christians, knowing that our Lord is the Lord of peace, we made a decision very fast to submit and leave the grounds.

The Lutheran pastor who also was the chair of the mission committee offered the church grounds for the final rally.  The Lutheran church happened to have been close to that ground; so it was not a big problem to move the P.A system and the stage.  We were amazed at how peaceful Christians of different denominations took this issue and moved to the Lutheran church singing praises without any arguments.   Some Muslims commented saying that it was not right for Christians to leave the grounds, because they had used the grounds to provide good things for them such as medical treatment and clothes throughout the week, while the Muslims had never done anything like it.

At the Lutheran church the P.A system was connected in a minute, while the rest of the people were singing and others finding a place to seat.  It so happened that the Lutheran church is situated on the main road and the other side of the main road there‘s a big disco theater.  Being a big day of celebrations, there was a very big crowd of people at the disco hall who could not escape from hearing the gospel plus many people who passed on the main road.  Because the P.A system was so loud, and the Christian music was so attractive, many people ended up leaving the disco and came closer to the gospel rally.

The gospel was preached until 8.pm (Police offered a permission to preach until 8 p.m at night), and when the preacher called people to give their lives to Jesus, even those who could not find room inside the fence, but heard from outside raised their hands and accepted Jesus. This final rally was more than a celebration.  People danced, and praised God for such a blessed ending of ‘Mtwara Back To God Mission’.  Praise the Lord.

By Grace Masalakulangwa

AE Tanzania Team Leader