Ministries
Why do you feel the need to return to Zambia each year?
The Eastern province of Zambia, in particular the town of Katete, was part of the unreached people groups. Very few in this province had heard about Jesus and nobody in the jungle regions had heard about Him. Therefore, what God started in 2007 is not only important, but a continual work; a work of not only salvation and deliverance, but a work of changing a whole culture to a culture of Jesus Christ. The need there is not of just preaching the word but teaching the leaders about the word of God and how to apply His word so they can continue to effectively reach others. And because God is interested in the entire make-up of man, we have also built a school, churches, and wells. Every aspect of life is touched in providing food, seed, fertilizer, hoes, and clothing. I have taught, and continue to teach, how to generate an income to sustain their livelihood. I’ve taught on relationships between husband and wife and what the Lord expects and respects. I’ve taught about the importance of tithing. I’ve taught about how you should love your neighbor, and about the importance of forgiving one another- which is a commandment by God. So as long as God has this door open, we are going to walk through it. We cannot only give a sermon and wish for the best, but we have to disciple them until they know how to lead like Christ.
Has anyone who was freed from demon possession gone on to lead others to Christ?
In Zambia and the villages surrounding, those who have not been in hearing distance of a Christian witness have never heard the name of Jesus. The only help that they know of comes from witch doctors who keep them under demonic possession. They are bound to the ones who come and plunder their belongings and take their children for sacrifice- to maintain fear in the people and keep them in their grips; in the grips of Satan. BUT GOD! When the name of God infiltrates their hearts, and rips them from the possession of the demons that have taken residence within them- through a missionary or disciple of God praying over them and commanding the demons out in the Name of Jesus, it is only in the Name of Jesus that they can continue and stay free from the bondage of Satan through the demonic power of the witch doctors. There have been witch doctors themselves who have been freed from demonic possession and have come to Christ. It is now their personal mission to tell others, including other witch doctors, about Christ. Many of these people who have been freed have started churches; and many others have taken part in the choir and in women’s ministries. The bondage is so severe and so violent that when they are freed from it, their only thought and passion is to share this freedom with all they can. One has even taken it so seriously that she had her birth name changed, a name that meant “bound; failure” to a name that meant “friend of God; associated with God”, and through her faith, passion and the changes in her daily life from being freed, her entire family came to Christ! It is a night and day obvious change in these people. There is no mistaking it for those who see them; and those who see this want it too. Many are led to desire Christ simply from the life-witness of the new believers!
This question has been presented to us many times...
“Why do you go to Africa every year when there are so many people in need right here in America”?
When someone is called by God to go to another country as a missionary, especially when it is in third world areas, it is not easily accepted. It takes prayer and faith to comply. And even though scripture says, “go in to all the world and preach the gospel”, it is a struggle when your comfort is overturned. Yet, we live in a country where there is a church on almost every corner. We live in a country where public transportation is easily accessible. We live in a country where these churches provide local outreaches. Our government offers health and food support. So much is indeed being done in this country. That is why God calls some to go to other countries. In the place where I am called, they did not have churches but rather witch doctors who kill and destroy in return for their help. They do not have government help due to fear of karma. They do not have churches in each town. In fact, some walk barefoot for 10 miles or more to get to church. Yet, they are there every time there is a service. They truly want God. They truly want a change in their life. I could not be more honored to be called to do missions in Africa and share with them the Hope we have in Jesus Christ and disciple them to share Him with everyone they meet.
Did the villagers understand what it meant to accept Christ?
When the evangelistic message of salvation was preached, and the altar call was given, it was explained to the people, through the interpreter, what they were standing up for: that they must realize they are a sinner, lost and on the way to a devil’s hell, and the only way to heaven is by Jesus Christ. They are told that if they are ready to accept Christ now as Lord and savior, rejecting all that stands against, and are wanting life to change, not for the American who is asking- but for Jesus to actually become Lord of their life.... stand up. So they stand. And as they stand, this is explained once again to be sure they truly understand what they are standing for. Then they are told that all who truly meant this declaration, and all who promise to live for Jesus Christ all days of their life... all of heaven is rejoicing now! It is explained to them the seriousness of that prayer: and told when they stand before God and the devil tries to take their soul to hell, Jesus will say, “wait they are mine, their name is written in the Lambs book of life”, and the devil can do nothing about it! Our soul is bought with the blood of the Lamb! Many people who have accepted Christ have gone on to become leaders and are continuing to reach others deep in the jungle with this life changing message.
