The enemy did his worst.
Days before we were to lead the worship seminar, the facility owner refused to rent to “religious groups.” Then she demanded quadruple the rent rate. The facility was left in shambles; traffic delayed the worship team, and few locals attended after all our efforts.
But God was glorified. Our worship, prayers and teachings hosted the presence of the King of kings. God’s presence filled the space and radiated to the surrounding community. At the ministry time, a woman who had been bent and in pain for 17 years received her healing. God changed the name of a man previously called “Shametime.” God named him “Righteousness.” These are just two examples of the many healings and deliverances. God shook the spiritual atmosphere of that poor mining community.
The enemy also attempted to thwart our VBS at the local school. He used the headmaster (aka principal) to spit venom and throw up obstacles. But God sits in the heavens and laughs at the pitiful schemes of the enemy. The smiles and excitement on the children’s faces declared that we had accomplished our goal of loving them in Jesus’ name.
At my art station, the children read and drew memory verses. They thrilled at the opportunity to earn a sticker by reading the verse aloud. They relished in the privilege of having crayons and colored pencils in their hands. What a joy to watch them giggle and titter while drawing.
Two spur-of-the moment ministry opportunities convinced me of God’s promise for revival – in seed form. We witnessed a turning toward God in the community’s two industries, mining and farming.
The first opportunity seemed an unlikely place for revival. Music blared from the miners’ bar, which was a simple, crumbling cement structure. Ruckus miners spilled out of the bar shouting and fighting. Our ministry partners canvased the crowd to invite them to hear the gospel message. I doubted anyone would come. But come they did.
We started with half a dozen young men listening intently. Others joined – some still holding their drinks. The crowd had swelled, and the mocking laughter had disappeared by the time we offered personal prayer. Those hardened miners waited in line for an hour to receive prayer. No one gave up.
Many asked for deliverance from addictions and other strongholds. A couple of them received Jesus into their hearts – a seed of revival.
The second seed was planted in the neighboring farm. More than a dozen farmworkers listened to the gospel message with open hearts. Almost half of them asked to receive Christ, including the foreman. Doesn’t that look like the promise of revival?
As the resident missionaries continue to dig for God’s gold and plant His seeds in their community, they can rest on the promises of God – revival will come.
Yes, the enemy will continue to throw up a smoke screen, but he is a defeated foe.
God is the Victor!