2007 Missions Report

Calvary Temple Teaching Library

Pastor Scott

June 10, 2007 Sun AM

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There are a lot of good things to share this morning. Then, of course, tonight the missions team will be sharing some testimony. We have some video. A lot of exciting things are taking place. We have some different things that we’re going to be sharing this morning, some from the pastor’s conference. Many of the pastors have sent testimonies of what the ministry has meant to them.

I was reading Rob’s this morning, and one of the things that stood out to me was that it has been 20 years. This will make Kim and Jeff feel old. Twenty years ago, we took our first missions outreach to Mexico and started the requirements for Discipleship Training (DT) of having to go on the missions trips for graduation. It doesn’t seem like 20 years ago, does it? It’s amazing. You look around, and some of you are looking a little older, but others look just like they’re doing okay. Twenty years it has been part of the requirements here in DT.

When I share that with people around the country that I run into, we’re fairly unique. Most people really think it’s strange that we only allow our children into our DT—"That seems awfully narrow minded and a narrow approach." But how can two walk together except they be agreed? You can have casual relationships.

We were in the Air and Space Museum a couple of months ago, and somebody (a young person who had attended school here prior to us making this distinction) had seen us. She was just excited to finally see us. Kimberly recognized her. She was a cheerleader here. She was just thrilled to see us and excited to hear what God was doing.

They are out doing their thing. They came in here doing their thing, and they’re out doing their thing, and praise God for them. But that’s not what Father has called us to do. You see, we don’t have a problem with recognizing that others are serving God and working and fulfilling a job in the kingdom. Father called us to another vision, to another way of doing this, and it works. After all of these years, the fruit is there. She herself talked about so many that they had known at that time that are no longer serving God and that she doesn’t know where people are. Aren’t you thankful—as we heard the prayer this morning—that we’re not going to take for granted what we have here, and that is family? It is not experienced by a lot of people.

Let me just share a couple of things. Turn to the book of Acts, first of all. In Acts, Chapter 14, I just want to share with you a little bit what we’re going to be doing this morning. I like what precedes Paul’s return to Antioch and them getting into the doctrinal discussions that sent them to Jerusalem to consider that matter. They went to the brethren in Jerusalem, the apostles and the elders and the church. We have taught on that before, but I think that is a very interesting distinction. People in our day in America, we think everybody has equal rights and equal say and equal opportunity and equal recognition. The church doesn’t operate that way. There is a definite distinction in authority, in spheres of responsibility. So they went to Jerusalem to talk to the apostles, the elders, and the church, the Scripture says, and they got into all of the doctrinal discussion and there is no mention—"the church" wasn’t there. It was determined by the apostles and the elders, and then shared with the church, what the doctrine was and what the vision was going to be. That has always been the biblical order of things. There was no democracy. There was theocracy, God leading through gifts that He has placed into the body as it pleases Him.

As they are out carrying out this missions work, prior to coming back to that doctrinal issue, something very interesting happened. Paul got killed (in verse 20 of Chapter 14). They had to get him ready to go back to Antioch. Verse 20 says, "Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe." Aren’t you thankful for the supernatural presence of God?

I just say that to say those who we’ve left behind in this mission are in jeopardy and peril in many different ways. We just need to pray and believe God to sustain them supernaturally. There is a huge rise in different groups that are opposing not only the government, but missions. Jeff, the name of that one organization? The Mungiki. They are terrorizing the nation right now. It’s a small step in an uprising. They are killing police. They are wanting to make an impression on all of the organization of the matatu drivers. So they took the driver and his assistant; they cut his head off; and they mounted it on posts on the matatus and dismembered them and sent them around the country. They have gone into Nairobi and have basically taken over the Nairobi mafia. They are a mixed group. They are wanting to go back to certain traditions of tribalism. They are wanting to enter back into the black arts (drinking blood, human sacrifice, many of these things) and incorporate it with the drug pushing and everything else that happens.

So it’s in a stage, right now, of rising up. They killed a missionary who would not pay them what they were asking. A missionary from Korea is one of the most current hits on those that are proclaiming the gospel. We’re at war over there spiritually. I don’t know about you—those of you that went this time—but I sensed a greater oppression in the spirit than I’ve ever sensed over there. Did anybody else? I haven’t even had a chance to talk to any of you. Jeff, how about you? Waleed, are you in here? How about the rest of you? Anybody that had been, and this time seemed to sense anything in the spirit realm, that it wasn’t just business as usual? I know Tony said that they’ve been warring in these areas in many ways.

So we want to hold them up in prayer and understand that there is a war. Thank God that there is this supernatural, that when the enemy comes like a flood, the Lord raises up a standard against them. When the enemy means it for evil, God’s men just stand up, having been stoned, and walk into the city and continue about their business. It’s not by might, and it’s not by power, but it’s by His Spirit. Don’t think we know what we’re doing over there. We need God’s grace. We need the leading and the empowering of the Holy Spirit every day. Not only there, it’s worse here.

So we’re battling a different spirit, but we’re dealing with a spirit, if you’ll study—I don’t want to get distracted right now. But if you’ve ever done any study on the principalities and powers and these rulers of nations that are set up, as you study Daniel, if demonic forces, if spirits that oversee nations and influence leadership are, in fact, manifesting, where do you think the strongest oppression is in the world? Anybody have any idea? Where do you think it would be? Washington, D.C., New York City. Read the major players in prophecy—the ten nation confederation of the common market, the nations of the king of the East. The Scripture makes it clear to us that what we’re dealing with is the onslaught that will constantly be between the oppression of Islam and the nation Israel. So we see all of these players, and we find ourselves right in the midst. I’ll say what we shared the other night during graduation. Put on the whole armor of God that we might be able to stand.

So as we pray and intercede, some good things are taking place. It said, "And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia: And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. And there they abode long time with the disciples." That’s what we’re going to do a little bit this morning and this evening, rehearse what God had done in the mission that you sent these ambassadors on, praying for us and providing the wherewithal for that ministry to continue over there.

I just want to share a couple of things that have taken place, very, very exciting. I got these e-mails this morning, 12 pages. I would like to read some of the testimonies so you can see what your prayers had affected. I think you’re going to see a common thread here, and that is the timing. The men were in great need when we got there. They were beaten down; they were discouraged; they were distracted. They were in survival mode. Thank God for good news from a far country.

Greetings to you all in our Lord Jesus. We thank God for you all, remembering you always in our prayers, believing for the precious provision of God’s grace for you all and in all things. Just got back from Nairobi, seeing Apostle off for the long trip home and the missions team as well, they having finished their course and ministry that was set before them here in the Kenya Mission 2007. We find ourselves grappling for words and terms that could begin to convey the spiritual import of this trip. It is always very overwhelming, though, to find out where to begin, the depths of the impact on the ministry and churches here in East Africa. We can only say it again proved to be ministry in the true demonstration of the Spirit and power. Our lives, our leaders, and the churches are deeply affected and forever changed, further transformed deeper into the very image of Christ, never to be the same again.

As for the missions team and all their ministry, we saw again that these were truly "the messengers of the churches and of the glory of Christ" as Paul had said, sent from our apostle in the faith. They resoundingly proved once again to be living epistles of the vision and doctrine, the manifestations of the fruit and the vision, and committed disciples who bear the cross in word and in deed. Pastor Jeff’s teaching ministry was powerful, cutting directly to the hearts and needs among us, unquestionably by the power of the Spirit of God. Also, his humility in seeking to represent Apostle and yet encourage us all even in the midst of our lack, spiritual needs, and areas where we’re failing, brought much comfort to our hearts. He truly comes in the meekness of Christ and our apostle.

Pastor Jeff, Pastor Jimmy, deacons Waleed and Chris, and veteran missionaries like Dan Konczal and Lovenia came to show unity, teamwork, and order—things not seen here in this nation. Through much warfare and conflict in the spirit, fighting through the physical afflictions, relentless pace, and third world conditions, this team completely poured themselves out, emptying all that was in them and being completely spent for the ministry of the church. Their labor of love, zeal for the truth, and compassion of Christ has brought salvation to countless souls, revival to downtrodden hearts, and an immeasurable wealth of grace and truth of God through this team. This has brought genuine revival of hearts in our churches. Truly, we are left speechless! Oh, the wonders of God’s boundless love through our apostle and this missionary team! [He goes on, and I’ll try to read this is as he wrote it as much as I can. I try to cut out a lot of his comments about me.]

As to the visit of our apostle, we can only begin to describe it as a true visitation of God. We had over a hundred pastors, elders, and deacons representing all our 40 churches in East Africa. This was nothing short of a spiritual father bringing divine counsel from the very throne of God to us. Pastor truly came in that apostolic authority. His word was with great power, casting down all imaginations contrary to the doctrine of Christ, and throwing down the strongholds of Satan that are setting themselves against the church, the living God. That opposition rages in these regions. Traditions once again were exposed, our carnality uncovered, and our fears, weaknesses, and unbelief brought to the light. Yet there was an overflowing love of a true father’s heart. The people, men, were comforted, and assurance fell upon all hungering for the truth. The humility of our apostle convicted all and left us all wondering how we could be in the presence of such a one. [I read that by mistake; I’m sorry.]

The men are still speaking in amazement of the humility. His elder statesmanship was clearly visible, tangible, recognized, and feared. Overall, the church leaders were all greatly encouraged and strengthened. For many of us, it was the lifting of our heads, a refocusing of the vision, and a renewal of our hearts. Courage was infused, and the course made clear. The standard was once again raised high for us all, and now the churches again pursue. It’s for the glory of God.

I’ll save you many more pages of reports. Time will not allow but simply to pass on some of the initial testimonies of the churches. I am sorry to have to report there are so many more yet, but they came written in Kiswahili and need to be translated, typed, and arranged. We spent much of the day putting these together. As much as I noted what a great blessing all of these are, these are just initial reports. There is much more to be done. We haven’t even scratched the surface of the countless testimonies that I’ve heard pouring in already from the churches affected by the visit. For the next number of weeks, we will be continually recording and sharing these great events. They come in now from Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, and Kenya. Truly, God is gathering His remnant from all of the places that they have been scattered, bringing them to a good fold!

As for my vantage point, what we just received in the spirit was a mighty, mighty outpouring of the Holy Ghost, a revival of hearts in the heat of battle, the raising of the standard for all the shepherds and churches to run after. For me personally, I found myself very weary in the fight. It has been a brutal year of trials and one tribulation after another. Our hearts were heavy; our hands hanging down; our vision had become dimmed. Yet Apostle came and lifted up our heads, strengthened our hands in the fight, and lifted up our eyes and encouraged our souls. Our hearts were also so moved to see the price of the afflictions for the gospel by Mama Greer, the sufferings, that cost of standing at the side of the chosen of God and the accompanying trials that follow him. We pray for the Lord’s healing power and are truly thankful and debtors for this great gift given to us.

We are forever grateful for all the faithful saints of God who have "tarried by the stuff," labored in prayers, sacrificially given, raised many intercessions to God, and sent forth these precious missionaries to us. There could never be words sufficient, so we just say thank you.

And unto our apostle, our father, and our shepherd of God, with Mama Greer faithfully standing at his side, we shall be eternally grateful for your lives offered up to our God, living sacrifices, chosen vessels. We are your sons and daughters, and the generations are to come, a godly seed raised up. The labor is not in vain in the Lord. The exceeding great reward awaits. Your fruit is here. We believe it shall remain and bring forth fruit eternal for generations to come.

May God strengthen you and all the faithful missionary team and precious saints at the headquarters. [From Pastor Tony.]

What is eternity going to show? Should the Lord tarry, what has this little fellowship been able to accomplish? Surely, fruit that will remain for the glory of God, believing that the Lord is coming quickly. But should He tarry, I don’t think any of us have a clue what it’s going to mean for eternity. I tried to, on two occasions—I know I won’t be able to pull it off now. Maybe I can, since I’ve already been choked up. I tried to share with the men as we were in the office one day there, with Tony and Forbe, Rob, and Ronnie. You know, we’ve read books like Hudson Taylor, and we’ve talked about people we’ve known in the past: John Tinsmans, Morris Plotts, John Garlock. When I think of Africa, I think of—most people would think of David Livingstone. I think of John Garlock, a man that gave his life for the continent, a man that I knew personally. That’s where my mind goes. I was sharing with the men, "You have read these men’s books, and we admire their lives." And I told Tony, "But you are them." When it’s you, it’s just you—"But this is just me." We never see ourselves, if we’re walking in humility, for what we really are other than vessels that are recipients of grace and the mercy of God. But these men are doing a great work over there. And your sending of them and your prayers and those of you that have gone and become a part of it, it is no small thing.

Ron was writing here in his report concerning the missions team and how thankful he was and the refreshing that it had been, and he said,

The testimony of all of these lives spoke loudly of the ministry—hearts refreshed, a true warrior spirit, raising the standard of the Word that had been put in them by the apostle, and serving in whatever way they could to build up and strengthen the work. The testimony of their lives spoke the loudest as they brought with much transparency and humility the practical application of the body of Christ, the ways in which they’d been taught in Christ.

Then Apostle and Greer coming after, what a powerful push in the spirit—the vision clarified, pushing back and exposing powers of darkness. I’ve been fed and strengthened and ministered to greatly. All I can say is thank you. Thank you for the love; thank you for the care; thank you for pouring your lives out for us; thank you for keeping us on course. My heart has been stirred to persevere in the fight of faith.

Pastor, you came to us as a true apostle in power, but as always, showed the true spirit of care and love as a father. The time we were together with you just refreshed me and blessed me. The doctrine, your heart, your ways in God that you poured out to all these men as a father was so powerful. They had never seen it before. [I reminded them of this song, and I almost can’t speak of it. The minute in all of our missions meetings the music even begins—.] As the song said it so well, "Thank you for giving to the Lord. I was a life that was changed."

Can you imagine what it’s going to be like to have someone approach us that day and just say, "Thank you. I would have never made it if it hadn’t been for your prayers in Sterling, in Baltimore, Richmond, St. Kitts"? The work, the effort, for one soul. I try, at times, to imagine that. To see this innumerable number of hosts, and to just be standing off somewhere and watching, taken aback by the opportunity to see the One who bled. And out of that crowd, someone just—a figure, a non-familiar face. And out of that innumerable number, somebody just slips over and says, "I was a life that was saved." That’s what we’re doing. The effort, the cost, the reproach, the criticisms we take for building something of this strength—none of that will be remembered. It will be that face. It will be those lives. I’m so thankful that we’ve been a team, each of us having done our part. The ones that have gone—I told the men in that conference. Of course, Tony’s always speaking about Apostle this and Apostle that. I said, "I don’t do anything. They do all the work." I just send them over there to be beat up. But we all have a part, the ones that have gone, the ones that have sent, the ones that have prayed, the ones "staying with the stuff." Thank God. Let’s not count it common. This is not just a little trip we go on. This is an eternal war for souls, and so we prepare ourselves.

Forbe says:

The Missionary Team came at just the right time. We had been in a severe season of warfare, and the presence of reproof picked us up. They reinforced Pastor Tony’s teachings, and the points of emphasis that had been brought from Apostle helped to bring our people into greater focus. And what can be said about Apostle’s visit to Eldoret? In my perception, the greatest thing that he did for Eldoret was to take each of us and lift our heads, redirecting us to the One who had sent us, encouraging us in the lordship, the church, in a time of great warfare. He caused us not just to lift our heads, but to look to the future, to see the long-term vision not only for Eldoret, but for all of Kenya. Thank you.

Rob said:

There’s a refreshing time. Not having been in Umoja when the team attended, I’m still gathering the testimonies. What a great ministry as they lived their lives of order and unity and vulnerability. Our leadership team enjoyed their times with Pastor Jeff and Waleed, and Jim, and I’ve heard a lot of reports regarding the couples meeting. Personal testimonies and words of admonition were a such a boost to our married couples. That which is so common there is revelation here. It was also good that our people were reminded again that as believers, we all face similar trials—whether it’s in Kenya or in America. The trials of family, the trials of money, the trials of jobs, and the trials of relationships are not isolated to Kenya, but all of us who live in this world.

It was a refreshing time with Pastor and Greer. We’re blessed to have a father, not only in word but the fruit of his life touching all of these men. They’ve never known that. And now they have a Baba [an elder statesman—he didn’t say that].

It was truly the timing of the Lord. A shepherd feeding his flock that had been hungry and weary, and causing them to lie down. I think the greatest effect of this ministry was people to see what we’re trying to build, because there was no doubt. When you looked upon those who had come, you would have to say, "Behold, how they loved one another."

It’s unheard of in these places. And truly, that is the greatest ministry there. The unity, the order, and the love are so far beyond anything that have really been known. There are so many different testimonies, and we just have to pick them up as they come along here.

Pastor Daniel is saying:

It was indeed a great season of ministry here in Kwa Njenga. I personally got very encouraged by the ministry of the conference, the mission and vision becoming much more crystallized. I am reminded again of this sacred trust having been put into my hands, and the need to uphold that that I’ve been given and not become sluggish in any way.

Something else that stood out to me was the biblical imperative of living a holy life, free from the things that bring reproach on the fatherhood of God and His kingdom. I got personally urged to depend more on God for my needs, to live by faith, to promote the standards of faithfulness in every member, so that God would be glorified. I’m seeing it now as ministry to God, as glory, and not necessity for survival.

I was also encouraged to be wary of ambition, having been a highly ambitious person and achieved much; and to safeguard myself about these things reemerging, to walk daily by faith, to live with the daily cross and not lose the crown and that which has been entrusted to me. To me, the whole conference was a reminder of the biblical foundations, redefining, and a departure from the common, the false teachings that we daily are inundated with.

Thank God for that ministry. Thank God for the refreshing and the Word of the Lord to us. Again, Mtume, [Swahili for "Apostle"] thank you from the whole flock for the love shown, the people sent. We are forever indebted for your love and commit our resolve to finish this course and follow Jesus. Your brother Daniel.

Pastor Charles says:

The mission team had a great impact on the Kakamega flock as a whole. The kids further learned order and discipline, while at the same time, the parents were blessed to see the love and care from all of the missionaries for their children.

That always speaks so highly—the affection, the interest that is given to the children and to all of them. I was talking to Jeff. Twelve-hour days, if you could imagine. Just put into a space similar to this. Can you imagine being locked in here for 12 hours, and people just in your face all day, asking you questions, little kids wanting to grab you and hold you and different things that are going on? They have periodic breaks where they can go out and have fellowship and you can become endangered, people like Jeffrey and—who else was that? Who won that thing? Sarah. A time of fellowship, and they just so enjoy that. Things that we complain about coming to do, many times, to them are some of the highlights of fellowship and coming together.

The testimony of Charles goes on, and he says:

Mathias and Solomon spoke of how they were touched again by the lives of these young people. They are thankful for Brandon staying, thinking he can be a testimony and a help in their lives. Young adults were also helped much to walk in the light, seeking counsel. [I might just remind those of you who counseled them to walk in the light and seek counsel, to walk in the light and seek counsel. It’s a way of life, we saw in the Men’s Breakfast yesterday. It never changes for any of us. He continues.] The captains were helped to know how to walk out their roles and care for the flock. The wazee received much ministry from Deacon Chris, and much was discussed in parenting and husband-and-wife relationships. Single saints were ministered to greatly and how to be walking out and dealing with unsaved spouses. [These are things that are questions nonstop that are taking place over there.] And our deacons were strengthened and exhorted in their roles as well. Thank God for all the refreshing and strength given to us here in Kakamega.

All in all, the whole flock was blessed, challenged, and edified in all facets of the ministry. Great direction came forth daily through Pastor Jeff, specifically, his teaching on destroying the works of the devil. One exciting testimony was when four of our youths were filled with the Holy Spirit in one of the sessions, and also several others saved in the outreach.

The apostle’s ministry to the pastors was phenomenal, the teachings timely, exactly what was ordered. The blessing to have all my leadership team there, present in all these meetings to see and hear, we’re still reflecting and meditating. It will take us a long way in the Lord and a long time to absorb all that was said. We are so blessed, so thankful. Many more testimonies yet to come. Your son, Charles.

Pastor Jonathan, one of the new men that we just ordained, a Tanzanian Pastor, has been 30 years with the Foursquare churches. Some of you may be familiar with Foursquare—Aimee Semple McPherson, very similar doctrine to the Assemblies and the Pentecostal Church of God. He realized that the doctrine was decent, but that there was no relationship. There was no oversight. Thirty years, just part of an organization, but no relationships. And when he had heard of what was available, he just began pursuing and seeking out and believing God to make trips to go to Eldoret and see what this thing was all about. His heart was touched, and he’s been for now—I can’t say how many months. He’s been a long time making these trips. He says,

I was so affected by the ministry, my heart overwhelmed. It was as though a mirror into my life and marriage had been held up. My life has been made new as I see the role that God has called me to perform, not only in ministry, but in caring for my family. Above all, concerning the messages of the apostle, I’ve never heard anything that required such oversight as this before. I’ve never been taught or known what my role truly was, nor had I had anyone that I could ever submit myself to. These teachings by Pastor Tony on what the role of apostle was were very unique, but only doctrine until I saw. Now knowing the great importance of this role, I’m going to be made whole. I now have a new and strong beginning. There will be order in my home and biblical government in our church. I will need prayer. [I like that.]

Isn’t that the truth? Some exciting things. Pastor Dalmas of the Migori church:

I am so blessed to have been at the feet of our apostle. This conference has given me new revelation and understanding in my relationship with God and my responsibility to represent Him. I can say my mind has been challenged and renewed. I no longer think the way I used to think. I believe that I can now begin to produce faithful men who will teach others also, who can labor in the ministry, bringing glory to God. I purpose to obey the instruction of the Lord for my life and to carry out the commandments God has given us as true shepherds and assume the responsibility to teach this flock that’s been put under my care.

I look to the Rock for my protection and providence, and trust that I can continue in serving Him under the authority placed up over me.

Some of these men have been very close to Tony, pursuing him for months. In the midst of the conference, then, we were able to ordain ten of these men who had already been unofficially a part. They had been in all of the meetings, many of them receiving financial support but had not yet been ordained. Many of these have been recognized, and we thank God for that.

Pastor Solomon of Siaya, he’s one of the regional overseers now. We set up regional overseers to enact the wisdom of Jethro. Tony was being totally whipped trying to oversee all of this. As I was there, we totally—I totally restructured the organization there, and we set up regional overseers. It’s going to produce some good fruit for us, so we thank God for this. Pastor Solomon here is one of those regional overseers. He says,

I thank God for our Lord Jesus Christ who had sent the apostle to us, and thankful for being part of this vision. I thank God for Pastor Tony as he has shepherded us in this relationship.

After hearing Mtume for these days, I am sorry for myself, because it seems clear to me that I know the tiniest fraction of what I am supposed to know in the gospel. My eyes are now opened. I can see how the people among us have been so deeply vexed by false teachings so called "the gospel." Please allow us to play your conference videos in all of the regions for people to see. They must know the true gospel.

The mission team made our DT staff and teachers to understand the vision more clearly. It has provoked the membership to remove their children from the government and to train them in the gospel. This will be done in the Siaya church.

After Apostle laid his hands on me, something happened. I see more clearly. I’ve seen those now who are entrapped and dragged around in the net of wolves in white clothing. My eyes have been opened to the gospel. We will now present to them a way of escape. Thank you.

[Pastor Chacha:]

With me, I just want to thank God for this time. It is God’s timing to bring a healing to the church, and we have been made strong by your visit. We are being shown the foundations, with the emphasis on the Cornerstone. I have never known anything but the emphasis of Jesus from this ministry. I haven't been in many gospel ministries to know how much they have moved away from the truth, but I can smell it.

May God be with you, Apostle, and may God help us to be faithful to all the truth spoken, that fruit might remain.

Chacha is going to be an overseer in the southern regions. Those of you that know him, he’s sober and he’s uncomplicated. We’re looking forward to a lot of things being done down in that southern region, Taragwiti and Tanzania, that particular area.

[Pastor Odinga:]

During the days of the teaching and learning from God at the conference, hearing the voice of the apostle, my father, has left me with something to do, something to demand that it come to pass. Through these teaching sessions, I have learned that we are all struggling, but it’s grace which Father gives us that enables us to do the work. It’s not in our strength; it’s in His promise. What we do must be done by faith and the power of the Holy Spirit, and not by our own ambitions and not by our own effort; but by taking heed to the counsel of the Spirit of God, the Word of God, and spiritual overseers. Thank you for helping us to hear and obey the Word of God.

As a people, we don’t know anything about submission to authority. But we’ve been taught, and we’ve learned the power of it and the order of it and the glory. And through this, we have learned something unknown to the Kenyan—humility. We saw that even prophets were to rank under authority as they were sent, and couldn’t speak just as they felt, without judgment. [We taught through Acts 15.] I’ve seen that I should not be discouraged by the things that I’m passing through. Don’t be afraid to teach and raise up the Word of God and the standard, not to fear men’s faces, or I’ll be confounded before them. Thank you for these teachings. Thank you for the boldness of the Word of God, and by showing us that there is no calling of God without the mandate to keep His commandments.

I look forward to teach, apply, and require the flock to do the Word of God. Lastly, thank you for showing us that God is our source and not man. The God of all grace bless you, my father Mtume. [This is Pastor Odinga in Marumba.]

Many of you were there last year. You were part of that crusade in Marumba, and a great work down in—and actually, that’s the piece of land that we’re buying from the dead guy. That paperwork has just about gone through, and it looks like the land is going to be ours any day now. They already have a big majority of the blocks made. They make them by hand to build the church. So praise God for that. They’re a diligent people. Pastor Odinga is very—and you can see what God has ministered to them by this letter. He was a very motivated guy, ambitious, and now he’s really beginning to see that it’s something to be done in the spirit and not in the work of the flesh.

There are just numerous more. We’re just about out of time here. These just came this morning, the ink barely dry on them. What I’ll do is I’m going to read a couple more. I haven’t been able to read all of them myself. I’ll read a couple more, and we’ll have some that are highlights in this evening’s time also. It’s a privilege, isn’t it, to be a part of what God is doing? Let’s not ever count it common. Let’s not lose sight of its eternal effect, and let’s never believe that we can do it. We need grace. It’s got to be by faith. There is no boasting of any, but a boasting in the glory of God and the grace of God.

As we were sharing a little earlier, were you able to go there with me? Were you able to experience that moment? Because every person in this room is going to have somebody approach you out of that mass of people and say, "I’m so glad you gave."

Father, we thank You for the privilege of being sons of God as the call of God upon our lives. Father, the things that we take for granted, that we hear year after year taught, are meat to these that have heard. It’s fresh manna from heaven. It is foundational truths. It is living stones, as ministry gifts are placed by Your Spirit in their midst. They stand in awe as little children. Father, don’t ever let us despise them. Don’t ever let us forget who we are, for unless we come as a little child. We don’t know how to go out or to come in. Every day of our lives, in whatever the involvement, we need You to speak to us, to order our steps, to remind us that we’re living for You and not for ourselves. Father, make that real. Stir our hearts, and help us to realize it’s no less obvious here than it was there.

Those of you who were carrying out that ministry, you are so familiar with yourself and those around you. You don’t realize how bright your light is. You are affecting lives. We’re on a mission. We’re about Father’s business. Don’t be distracted by the temporal. As you go in the way, remind yourselves what we’ve been sent to be, epistles read of men. Be glorified, we ask, Father, in our lives, and we’ll give You the praise for it. In Jesus’ name, amen. Praise God. Before you go, turn to somebody next to you and say, "You’re the light of the world." Go in peace. God’s love go with you.