Into the Fire

I thought you might want to see that Christianity is alive and well in other parts of our world. This is a newsletter excerpt from a pastor and his wife who are frequently called to do short-term missions trips. Just a reminder of God’s power and presence . . .

“Just returned from an amazing trip into Pontianak (the place Steve was born). If we were to sum it up in one word, we would say “Fire!” or another word would be “Joy!”. God poured out in awesome ways, and our hearts really connected with the people there. They were so hungry for more of God. We saw salvations, healings, deliverance, outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit with many signs and wonders. One night 100% of the people prayed for were healed. Another night, over 90% were healed – healings included such things as lumps in breast, kidneys, back and neck injuries, asthma, knee injuries, etc., etc. We spoke and ministered in seven official meetings, over four days, plus a gathering of pastors and leaders (about 50 leaders), and over eight unofficial meetings, where there was a lot of pulling on us for guidance in how to stay in the “River” of the Holy Spirit.

When we flew back into Jakarta on Tuesday, we ministered at another church in Jakarta, where again God poured out, and we saw everyone who needed healing receive healing, except one man in a wheel chair, and one lady who needed deliverance. One woman’s ears that were ringing and hurting were completely healed, shoulder rotary cuff injury healed, many back injuries and lung problems healed. Praise God!

The power of the enemy is very real in Indonesia through witch doctors, etc, etc, and unless you are moving in the power of God, you do not have much to offer them. However, many people, even those who have never heard the Gospel message, know that Jesus heals, and expect to be healed by someone declaring the Name of Jesus! Wish that were more so the case in America! (believing for healing, that is) So even Muslims, Buddhists and Animists receive healing, and often afterwards, or during the service, give their lives to Jesus Christ.

Darrell Stott who is also in Indonesia at this time has been sending in amazing reports of what God is doing in his meetings! Victor and Liz Owens are also in Indonesia at this time, and though we haven’t heard any reports back from them, we know God is pouring through them also. The churches are thriving and growing in this country with many salvations. The pastors in Java believe that somewhere between 25 to 30% of this nation are now strong believers in Jesus Christ. That is way more than any country in Europe that I am aware of. There is a definite spiritual warfare going on in this land, and Christians continue to be martyred, but the blood of the martyrs is opening up a huge harvest in this country. One pastor in Jakarta who’s church we ministered at several times, is now being escorted and helped by the army as he goes into different areas to minister and bring aid, medical supplies, etc. This would have been unheard of a few years ago. God is bringing radical changes into this land. Praise God!

As we get to be some small part of this harvest coming in to the Kingdom, those of you praying for us are sharing in this harvest of souls. We appreciate you so very much, you are a vital part of what God is doing!

With love,

Steve and Vicki”

Father, let your Spirit rule and reign in our country as well. Continue your mercy for just a little longer, please, Lord. We are a desperate people in such great need of ALL of who you are. We have sinned as a nation and need your forgiveness. Please, minister to us in your fullness and help each one of us to yield all of ourselves to you. Forgive us for our perversions of your Truth and our selfish, self-centered ways. We know the Day of the Lord is coming, God. We also know you extend your mercies to us each new day. How thankful we are for that. Turn wicked hearts to you, Jesus. Holy Spirit, convict us who know the Savior of the world. Turn us away from ourselves and to the Father. We ask in the Name of Jesus, the Name above all names. Amen.