Planned Trip - Lord willing, I will be leaving for Kenya and
Tanzania on February 6. We will have multiple teaching/revival
meetings while there and I will be spending time at the orphanage.
Read the Newsletter for further information. I will return on
February 23. Please pray that the Lord would anoint His word and
give spiritual and physical protection. Blessings....
--Michael Smith
December 26, 2011
This year has been very busy at home and abroad. I spend a lot of
time working with various brethren in multiple countries for the
sake of the gospel. I thank each one again who supports this work.
We would not be able to carry on this work without the personal
support of God's people. I invest a lot of time not only when I am
'in the field' but when I am at home working for the cause of Christ
in the foreign fields. Without continued support, I would be unable
to continue to invest the time and energy in these efforts. I say a
special thank you to those who have supported us this year.
There
have been many things happening in the mission field. I have
detailed briefly some of them below under country headings. Please
continue to remember the work of the Lord. I will shortly be making
plans for the trips in 2012 and need much wisdom and guidance from
the Lord. We are looking to expand the work in the form of a gospel
paper (electronic as much as possible) to assist our foreign
brethren in getting established in truth. We need the guidance of
the Holy Spirit as we pursue this in the near future. May the Lord
bless each of you in this coming year.
Pakistan: We thank God for His provision, protection, and
blessings in the administration of Project Christmas Blessing.
600 children in abject poverty in the brick kilns and surrounding
areas were provided with a gift bag of practical, useful items. Many
families were provided with flour and cooking supplies. We are
grateful to each contributor to this project. Your donations made a
difference in the lives of these children. We appreciate the support
of the native ministers in Pakistan who spent many days overseeing
the purchasing and distribution of these gifts.
I had sought the
Lord about going myself to Pakistan and overseeing the project and
having ministers meeting. I obtained a visa and purchased an airline
ticket. Two days before departure, I just wasn't at peace in my
spirit about the trip. In the midst of a very hectic schedule, I
found some quiet time and sought the Lord for an answer. It was not
about what I did or did not want, it was not even about necessity.
It was about the will of the Holy Spirit. God spoke to me and
inspired me to 'Be Still' and wait on Him. I canceled my ticket. I
felt a peace about the decision and have not second-guessed it
since. Our desire is to not only 'go' when the Lord says, but I also
desire to 'stay' when He wants me to be still.
Nigeria: The national campmeeting in Nigeria is
currently underway. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will bless and
anoint in the services. The saints desire to print and distribute
literature locally.
Malawi/Mozambique: We received word that due to a lack of
rain - once again - the people in Mozambique are without maize and
don't have vegetables either. Many of the saints are living on
Mangos alone. There are so many congregations, it makes it difficult
to make a substantial difference by contributions for this need.
They requested assistance for the elderly and orphans in their
midst. Let us pray that the Lord would give wisdom to those in
authority in the government that this yearly problem of famine could
be resolved through better farming etc.
There has been
disappointing news come from Malawi where the enemy was trying to
sow discord among the brethren. Some of this has been resolved but I
still have to work with some very difficult situations there the
next time I make a trip. It is hard to deal with some things from
8000 miles away. I need much wisdom from the Lord and pray for God's
continued blessings in the work there.
Ghana: The ministers in Ghana met for a ministers
meeting in November and sent a report to this office. The theme of
the meeting was "Unity, Harmony, and Progress" They looked back over
the years to see where the gospel work began in Ghana and were it is
today. They recognize that part of the hindrance in the work has
been due to a lack of harmony amongst themselves. They have purposed
before the Lord to work more closely together and move forward. Let
us pray that the Lord will bless in these endeavors.
The pump at the mission house broke and is irreparable. We have
sent funds to purchase another pump for the well.
Tanzania: Bro. Stephano, upon release from jail, went home
rejoicing to have been released. Soon after, a storm passed though
and destroyed the chapel and caused a wall of his house to crumble
and fall. The enemy is not happy with the spread of the gospel in
this place. Please hold this brother and his wife up in your
prayers.
We are trying to assist in every way possible to help them get
government approval for the church in Tanzania. We sent some funds
to assist with the problems, and they encountered problems with
officials who thought they were receiving money from international
sources for anti-government activities. We look for the Lord resolve
all of these issues.
Kenya: We continue to monthly support, as possible, the
orphans at Bro. Peter's and periodically at Bro. Joseph's. Food
prices continue to be extremely high (sometimes 2 or 3x the past
prices.) The government shut down the orphanage at Bro. Joseph's
because they said he didn't have adequate grounds and facilities for
the children. The government offers no assistance and would have the
children out on the streets alone, but they will enforce the
shutting down of what they deem to be a sub-par facility. We are in
the processes seeking to purchase about 2.5 acres for Bro. Joseph
upon which to build a better room for the children that he was
caring for. Since the school and orphanage was shut down, Bro.
Joseph has taken some of the children to his personal home and
others went to stay at Bro. Peter's orphanage. As funds are
provided, we look to assist in building a better facility that will
pass government inspection at Bro. Joseph's.
A number of gospel
meetings continue to be held in Kenya and Tanzania. We thank God for
every soul saved and every healing. Please continue to remember the
work God in other nations.
November
26, 2011
PROJECT
CHRISTMAS BLESSING has reached 294 Pakistani children as of
today! Our deep gratitude to all who are spreading God's love to the
persecuted church in Pakistan. We plan to accompany the children's
care packs with food packages for each family. I only wish we could
be there to witness the miracle that your love has brought about.
The deadline is December 1. Complete details listed below in
original post.
November 26, 2011
Bro. Peter from Kenya was able to take the funds we sent and deliver
them to the officials in Tanzania. Bro. Stephano and the five other
ministers were released. They are to reappear in December for
another "check-in" court date. The officials are asking them to have
the church registration completed by early spring. This can be a
lengthy and expensive process. Bro. Stephano expressed great relief
and gratitude to the saints for intervening to pay the fine. They
were so happy to be out of jail.
It is suspected that they were
turned in by their enemies. God has been working a great revival in
Tanzania the past few years. Many have left indiginous and sectarian
religions to worship in spirit and truth. This has caused great
angst among the other churches. Please pray for God to glorify His
name whether through persecution or protection and pray that the
church will be faithful to God even in hard times.
November 22, 2011
Tanzania-Bro. Stephano and the 5 other ministers went before a judge
today. They were told that they had done wrong by holding a meeting
without government approval because it could have been
anti-government in nature. They explained to the judge that they had
only been preaching the truth. They were put back in jail for all
this week. The court sentenced them to pay a fine of 5000ksh ($55)
each or one and a half years in jail equal to day and night- nine
months. They will be in court on Thursday for the final judgment.
Please pray for these brethren that God will be with them in the
jail cell and bring comfort and peace and that He would move the
authorities to release them.
November 21, 2011
Tanzania-Please pray for Bro. Stephano and five other ministers who
were arrested for preaching outside their district without proper
church registration. They have been in jail several days and today
will go to court. Pray that God will deliver them and enable them to
get proper registration in the near future. Bro. Stephano is the
minister whose wife lost twins in childbirth several months ago
November 2, 2011
Project Christmas
Blessing
$15 / care package
(In coordination with: Bro. Toney & Sis. Jeanie
Samons)
Greetings!
We have been interested in providing an avenue of giving during the
Christmas season for our Sunday school classes and church families.
All of us want to teach our children the true meaning of Christmas:
giving rather than just receiving. Hence, we have decided to launch:
Project Christmas Blessing.
This year we have chosen to be a blessing to the impoverished
children in the country of Pakistan. We have corresponded with Bro.
Shazhad in Pakistan who will purchase the supplies and distribute
them to the children. He is already ministering to 150 families in
the brick kilns who are struggling for daily provision. The majority
of these children do not attend school and only learn when ministers
come and give the children basic teaching. These children could
greatly use these basic school supplies and items to brighten their
lives.
A contribution of $15 will buy a care
package for a needy child. Each package will include a knapsack with
the following items: paper, pencils, pencil sharpener, socks, candy,
toy, soap, toothbrush, and toothpaste.
Participation in PROJECT CHRISTMAS BLESSING is not limited to Sunday
school classes or children. Anyone is welcome to sponsor a care
package. In blessing others, you will be blessed. For as Jesus said,
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
If you, your congregation or Sunday school class would like to
participate in this project, donations can be sent to the following
address:
PROJECT CHRISTMAS BLESSING
4317 E. Farm Road 44
Fairgrove, MO 65648.
Make checks payable to “Church of God” and note “Project Christmas
Blessing” on the memo line. Donations should be sent by December 1
to ensure that the children receive their packages by Christmas. If
you have any questions, contact Sis. Jeanie Samons at 417-268-5272.
Thank you in advance for your love and consideration of this
project.
In Love,
Bro. Toney and Sis. Jeanie Samons
NOTE: Donations
for Project Christmas Blessing can also be made through paypal
through the 'Donate' button at the top of the page. If this medium
is used, please don't forget to note "Project Christmas Blessing" on
the message line.
We
give a heartfelt thank you to each one who has carried a burden for
Iqra and Samina and contributed to the 'prosthesis effort.'
Iqra
has been fitted with a prosthesis and is now walking. This
prosthesis will last approximately five years before she will need
another. While we can't help everyone, what a joy it is that this
wonderful little girl is now walking. May God bless you all for your
sacrifice.
Samina
is pictured here in the hospital. Her leg was operated on to prepare
it for a prosthesis. Lord willing, she will be fitted for a
prosthesis next week. Our hearts are so grateful for the outpouring
of support to help these two Pakistani girls who are trapped in
poverty. This will be a life change for them.
Africa Report: We continue to be thankful for the prayers and
support for the work in Africa. The work is great and there are many
different countries in which we are trying to spread the gospel.
Missionary work is not all glory. This month we have been saddened
by some news of the working of the enemy amongst our brethren.
Please pray for them that Satan would be defeated. I would would
also appreciate prayer that the Lord would give me wisdom as I work
with various problem situations in these countries.
Lord willing,
the saints in Nigeria will be having a national campmeeting in
December. Let us pray that the Lord will bless their efforts and
pour out a rich anointing in their midst.
The orphanage in Kenya continues to have daily needs. Diana, one
of the orphans, is very sick with an outbreak of boils. Bro. Joseph
was hit by a car while on his motorcycle and his leg is broken in
two places. He is still in the hospital. Food prices continue to be
very high in Kenya. We are praying for the Lord to work on the
hearts of the land owners next to the orphanage. It is our desire to
buy at least 10 acres for expansion of the orphanage complex. There
is a great need to build a girls dormitory. Different land owners
next to the orphanage say they will sell and then they change their
mind or ask a very high price. As you remember this need, pray that
the Lord will soften hearts and open the door for us to make this
very needful expansion.
The work continues to be great and the pressures of the work of
God at home and abroad are pressing us greatly at this time. I
desire prayer that the Lord will revive and renew us from the
onslaughts of the enemy. May we ever keep our eyes on Jesus and
press the battle on.
In Christ,
Michael Smith
September 19, 2011
HELPING IQRA WALK
Iqra is a beautiful 11 year old girl that was born to a Christian
slave family that lives in Village #109. Her family does hard labor
at the brick kilns. They live in unspeakable poverty with no hope of
ever leaving their situation. When production is shut down at the
kiln they do not even have enough food to eat. They must borrow from
the owner of the kiln which puts them further into his debt.
Iqra was born with a deformity to her hands and foot. She has to
crawl around on the ground to get where she needs to go. A
prosthesis would change her life and enable her to walk about
normally. It would cost an estimated $800 to accomplish this goal.
In addition to Iqra, there is another young lady who is in a
similar circumstance. While we can't help everyone, we can by God's
grace help these two precious children. If you have a burden
to help, donations can be sent to this office.
September 19, 2011
Pakistan Mission Trip Report
Without
a question or a word, the Pakistani official stamped my passport and
sent me on my way. Thank God. I stepped into the arrival hall at the
Lahore, Pakistan airport into what for me was a new frontier -
sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ in a Muslim country. In spite of
warnings and advice to stay away, the Spirit had led me though a
series of obstacles and consecrations to this land of danger and
persecution to believers in Jesus Christ.
I
was greeted at the airport by Bro. S and a number of other ministers
with whom we have had contact for a few years. After a three hour
journey to Faisalabad, I was warmly welcomed at the home of Bro. S
by rose petals being thrown over me and my feet being washed after
the example of our Lord.
For
the next ten days, I had opportunity to share the message of the
love of Jesus Christ and a call to repentance to hundreds of people.
In spite of trials and frustrations, we experienced the power and
glory of God as many men and woman sought the Lord for forgiveness
of their sins. As in days of old, God gave power through the blood
of His Son for instant healings of the sick and for devils to be
cast out of those possessed by evil spirits. Praise be to our
Almighty God.
Less
than three percent of the population in Pakistan professes
Christianity. Half of those are Roman Catholic. As minorities in a
Muslim country, the Christians face persecution. The ministers with
whom I worked have suffered in various ways over the years for their
faith in Christ. One was beaten severely and his brother imprisoned
for five years. Another was kidnapped and held for ransom. Last
year, two Christian ministers were shot and a Christian community
was burned by Muslims and people died in the fire. While I was
there, a nine year old girl from a Christian family was kidnapped.
It means something to accept and profess Christ as King of Kings and
Lord of Lords.
Due
to security issues, I was unable to walk freely in the community. I
had to stay away from windows during the day for my own personal
protection as well as my host’s. There were usually one or two armed
men with us at all times as we traveled to various villages to
conduct services. There were usually more armed men present for the
Christian worship and there was a police presence on the last Sunday
when we had a much larger public gathering. I thank God that we did
not encounter any problems from radicals during my stay.
We
usually had one or two services a day at different villages. We were
always greeted with roses being showered on our heads and garlands
being placed around our necks. This is a cultural show of welcome,
love, and respect.
We
had contact and ministered to Christian groups of different
denominations and fellowships. While they were professing
Christians, many had sin in their lives and hence, many sought the
Lord for deliverance from the power of sin. It was a privilege to
know there were at times Muslims present who heard the Word of God.
Before
service in one location, I conducted a Bible Study with a group of
young adults. We studied the subject of ‘Forgiveness.’ It was a
wonderful time of ‘connection’ with these young men and women. One
young man testified afterward that his heart had been full of anger
and bitterness. During the lesson he repented and he was free.
Praise God. I told them that it was worth my trip just to have spent
that short time with them.
Crowds
of people would come with expectation of being healed from physical
problems. After praying for all manner of sickness and disease at
the conclusion of every service, many people would testify to
instant healings in their body. One person had a tumor in his
stomach and after prayer, we received word the next day that the
tumor was gone. Praise be to God! We were literally pressed by the
multitude, sometimes unable to move, with people seeking healing.
God answered so many prayers instantly.
We visited a man who had been very sick for three months. He was
almost unable to sit up on his bed he was so ill. His feet were
swollen and his liver was not functioning properly. I was very
burdened and we anointed and prayed for him. I received word in a
couple of days that the man testified that he had felt the Spirit
move through His body when we laid hands on him and prayed. When we
left, he claimed his healing and was able to get up and walk with a
stick. The swelling began to go down. Glory be to Jesus.
Throughout
the trip, people were brought to us who were possessed by evil
spirits. We experienced instant deliverances as we cast out Satan by
the power of the blood of Jesus. It was heart warming and special to
me to be able to share in one place the story of the adulterous
woman. In a country where that woman would be stoned, I was able to
tell them of the compassion and love of Jesus Christ. “Neither do I
condemn thee, go and sin no more…”
I
had the privilege to visit a number of Sunday School classes and
listen to their songs and recitation of scripture and Bible stories.
What an inspiration to see these precious children learning about
Jesus. I appreciate the efforts and zeal of some of the ministers
who are giving of themselves for the sake of the gospel. We visited
on a number of occasions slavery Christians who live and work at the
brick kilns. They live in abject poverty. It was a blessing to share
with them the compassion of our Lord.
Bro. S, as he has funds, buys food to help these Christians who are
enslaved by debt and poverty to the Muslims for whom they work. The
German saints had donated some money to help with the work in
Pakistan, and so while I was there, we purchased food for 55
families. Each family received 20kg of flour with a box of sugar,
salt, soaps, etc. This will help them for about two weeks. Jesus
taught us to feed the hungry and minister to the poor. May we as
God’s people show our faith by our works of love.
We
held a short ministers meeting on two days. There were about 100
ministers and gospel workers present from different Christian
groups. The lesson one day was on having the mind of Christ - love,
forgiveness, humility, etc. The next day I shared with them
scriptural teaching on the power we can have in the Holy Spirit and
the call to holy living. I pray that the truth will take root in
honest hearts and spread in this country of spiritual darkness.
The
last Sunday was a miraculous day in the Lord. People came from
different villages and over 500 were in attendance. Where
translation had been somewhat strenuous at times, the glory of God
fell and we were all blessed in the preaching of the Word. Hundreds
of people repented and many received not only spiritual but physical
healing.
After
the service, people did not want to leave. We prayed and prayed and
prayed for the sick and devil possessed. God worked many instant
miracles and gave many deliverances that day. Jesus is just the same
today, Hallelujah. Twenty people were baptized in the canal beside
the main road. While it drew the attention of Muslims passing by, we
had no problems.
God
proved himself and His mighty power on this trip. While the danger
is real, the power of God is greater than every force and intent of
the enemy. We serve a risen Saviour and we can with assurance and
boldness declare His name to the world. “Neither is their salvation
in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among
men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
Let
us pray for the gospel work in Pakistan. Our desire is to see the
Lord establish His people there in Spirit and in Truth. Remember the
ministers spiritually and financially that they prosper in the Lord
and be able to continue to carry the life-changing message of Jesus
Christ. There are many financial needs there and they are worthy of
our prayers and support.
My heart is full of thanks and gratitude for each one that
carried such a burden for my family and me while I was gone. Those
that sowed in tears can reap in the joy of the harvest with us.
God’s work is accomplished as we each fill our place, working
together for the advancement of the Kingdom. May God bless you.
-Michael Smith
September 15, 2011
Praise the Lord! Michael returned home safely on Monday evening. He
was very weary because after the last full Sunday of services he was
up all night traveling to the airport to catch his 4:30 a.m. flight.
By the time he got home he had been up for 48 hours. We thank God
for His blessings. Michael will be presenting a trip report at the
chapel here in Springfield, MO on Sunday September 18, 2011 at 2
p.m. All are welcome to attend.
September 11, 2011
Rev 5:9-14 And
they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and
to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us
to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people,
and nation; (10) And hast made us unto our God kings and priests:
and we shall reign on the earth. (11) And I beheld, and I heard
the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and
the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten
thousand, and thousands of thousands; (12) Saying with a loud
voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and
riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and
blessing. (13) And every creature which is in heaven, and on the
earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that
are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and
power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb
for ever and ever. (14) And the four beasts said, Amen. And the
four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for
ever and ever.
-------------------------------------------
Glory, and honor, and praises to our
God! I spoke with Michael and he was in the airport at Lahore. He
has passed through security and is waiting at the gate for his
return flight home.
This morning marked
the last service in Pakistan. Around 500 people packed into the
large tent that was erected. Michael preached on the text Luke 4:18
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to
preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the
brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering
of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.
The Lord came firstly to set our souls free from the bondage of sin
and also to heal our bodies and spirits.
The Lord worked
mightily in the translation today. There was a free flow and Michael
was able to preach his heart. Glory to God. He loosed the language
barrier this morning. At the end of the service, over half the
congregation rose to repent of their sins and be saved.
After the
invitation, they prayed a collective prayer for all the sick and
suffering. The people thronged forward to the platform to be prayed
for individually. For hours, they were pressed by the crowd as they
prayed for the sick. They were drenched with perspiration. The Lord
performed instant healings. One man came forward who had suffered in
his back for 4 years. They prayed for him and he was still
suffering, so they said, "Let's pray again." The man stood up,
completely healed and free from his back trouble.
Two girls were
brought forward writhing in a fit of devil possession. They prayed,
and Michael was inspired of the Spirit to pray claiming the blood of
Jesus and proclaiming the Love of God. "Jesus Loves You, Jesus Loves
You," he said. One girl became still while the other was still under
possession. They began to pray a second time and she also was freed
from the evil spirit.
A man was lying
prostrate on the ground, unresponsive. Some folks drug him forward
onto the platform and laid him out. The brethren began to pray over
him by the inspiration of the Spirit and he too was free. I believe
there were six cases of devils being cast out.
Not all were
healed instantly, but every soul that was brought possessed with an
evil spirit were divinely released. Michael shared with his host
that some afflictions are allowed to remain to the glory of God, but
it is always the will of God to deliver the captive soul from the
bondage of Satan in whatever form.
Our souls are full
of praise unto our God. Thank you saints for praying. To God be all
glory, honor and praise. Michael's flight departs at 6:30 CST. He
will arrive home Monday evening at 10 p.m. Please pray he will have
strength for the journey.
September 9, 2011
Michael has been daily traveling, visiting and conducting services.
Today was the first day of ministers meetings. 100 ministers and
gospel workers were in attendance. On their way to conduct a service
elsewhere this evening, they were involved in a minor accident and
narrowly escaped being in a second. Many have repented of their sins
and the Lord has healed many of various illnesses. Michael said he
has been praying with confidence, just believing the work will be
done. Please continue to pray for special safety and protection
through the weekend services as the crowds will be larger. The
services will conclude on Sunday. Michael flies home Monday morning.
September 6, 2011
Michael has been daily traveling to hold services. In one location
in particular, he fought against strong false religious spirits. He
has witnessed horrific conditions of poverty. After the services,
they are literally pressed by throngs of people seeking prayer for
healing. He has been shown much gracious hospitality. Every effort
has been made to make him comfortable. We thank the Lord that there
have been no security issues thus far. Please keep him in your
prayers. The days have been long, getting in around midnight or
after most nights. We thank the Lord for His blessings.
September 4, 2011
Michael visited a brick klin yesterday. They held service and
several were saved and many prayed for healing. This morning the
pastor called and testified of several healings: some from
longstanding stomach disorders, a jaundiced man with a liver
condition, and someone with a stomach tumor which had passed.
Michael told me that the greatest miracle remains the healing and
saving of the eternal soul.
Today they will visit more of these families. Let me explain a
little more about the brick klin (they say klin not kiln) people.
When there is no demand for bricks, the government shuts down
production. When the people have no work and no income, they must
borrow from the owner to survive. When the loan comes due and they
are unable to pay, I have read some reports of their children being
sold as slaves essentially to pay off the debt.
Michael said that the people live in small, unfired brick homes.
They have 6-7 people per family. They live in extreme poverty. Bro.
S makes care packs and delivers them to these families. For $35, he
puts together a box of the most basic staple foods (salt, sugar,
beans, etc.) to last one family for a month. There are about 55
families that Michael is going to be visiting today. He told me that
he is spending the majority of his remaining cash to be able to
distribute food to these people. As it is, he only has $25 per
family which will give them aid for 2-3 weeks.
Tonight they are to have another service. At
each location Michael leaves an offering of about $50 to pay for
expenditures such as generator rental and a carpet that they rent to
lay out on the ground for people to sit on. The Christians are very
poor and do not have funds for these things themselves.
Please continue to pray for God to lift up the
glorious Gospel and shine the light of truth to those in darkness.
Pray for the translation to be divinely inspired and for the Spirit
to witness individually to the needs of each heart.
September 2, 2011
Michael received a beautiful welcome to the brethren's home by the
ordinance of feet washing. Security is very stringent. Michael
testified that the Lord had removed all fear. His request was for
God to bless in the preaching and translation. He is desperate for
the anointing of the Spirit. Services begin tomorrow.
September 1, 2011
I just spoke with Michael. He was standing outside the airport,
loading up in the vehicle. The brethren were there to meet him. He
arrived at 3:30 a.m. local time.
He thanked God that he had been
allowed to carry on his luggage which was a proper size but much
over the weight limit. They were forcing people to check backpacks
etc. at the gate. Michael explained his destination and desire not
to be delayed to wait for luggage. The agent told him to open his
luggage and act like he was repacking. Then he handed him a boarding
pass. This enabled him to go directly to customs and said he did not
have one problem with the officials. Thank the Lord.
He testified that the journey has been very sobering, but that he
has gained much strength and solace from the Word of God. He is very
weary with a 3 hour drive ahead. He must also register with the
government in the province he is visiting so it may be a long day.
August 31, 2011
Michael departed out of Springfield this morning at 11 a.m. He will
travel for 30 hours to reach Lahore, Pakistan. The brethren plan to
meet him when he arrives Friday morning at 3 a.m. Pakistan is 10
hours ahead of CST. They will drive 3 hours to their destination. Yesterday,
it was explained to us that
any public meeting held by minorities in Pakistan must have
government approval and hired security due to terrorist concerns.
Hence, they will be hiring security for 4 days. The other 5 days,
meetings will be held in private courtyards. Your prayers are of
great value during this trip.
August 26, 2011
Pakistan Trip: Lord willing, I will be leaving August 31 for
Pakistan. Although the trip has not yet begun, we have already been
on a journey of consecration. There have been different obstacles
and for a time, it appeared that I would not be going. The Pakistani
government issued me a visa, and then later someone in the consulate
office told me I had been issued the wrong status. Due to this, it
was possible that I could encounter many problems if I traveled
under my current visa. My wife and I have prayed this whole time
that the Lord would put a block to the trip if it wasn't His will.
He has continued to give us scripture telling us to arise and be not
afraid (Matthew 17:7). When we saw that possibly God was blocking,
we were not willing to override that check. Then, the door opened
and the consulate acknowledged that indeed I was given the correct
visa.
Due to the leadership of the Holy Spirit, I plan to move ahead
and go in faith in the Word and Spirit. The dangers are near and
real in Pakistan for believers, especially for foreign missionaries.
The wisdom of this world dictates that this is not the time to
travel to this country, but our dependency is in God's wisdom. My
wife and I have had fears and questions that led us down a road of
consecration we had not previously traveled. The enemy was there in
many different ways to discourage, but God has been very real and a
present shelter to us during what has been a very trying time.
The enemy is working hard to discourage and hinder the work of
God. I am still weary from the trip to Africa and the enemy
has had us in his sights trying by any means to cause us to falter.
Forward, forward is the battle cry. The peace of God is a reality
for which we give the Lord the praise. I would appreciate prayer for
spiritual, emotional, and physical fortitude on this trip.
After Jesus prayed in the Garden, consecrating and fighting the
enemy, the angels came and ministered to Him. I look for the angels
to minister to us as well as we stay faithful to the cause of Jesus
Christ. Christ suffered many things. He suffered physically and
temporally. He was rejected by friends and family, he was falsely
accused, he was beaten, and yes, He died. BUT, through His suffering
He showed us how to live without sin - maintaining a spirit of
holiness. Through the death of Jesus Christ, we have life today.
AND, thank God, HE IS ALIVE FOREVERMORE.
Jesus said "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself,
and take up his cross, and follow me" (Matt 16:24-26) What
price are we willing to pay for one soul? God's blessings and
approval are not usually found in the smoothness of the journey, but
in the obedience to His will. Paul suffered and endured many things
and never was that an indication of God's disapproval. Rather, it
was the enemy contesting and fighting the spread of truth. God used
suffering and hardships to turn the devil's plans upside down and
the gospel actually spread because of it. Romans 8:28 remains true
today: "And we know that all things work together for
good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to
his purpose."
God richly inspired us with Isaiah 7:4-7 last week. "Take heed,
and be quiet; fear not, neither be fainthearted...." The scripture
speaks of the evil council that would not stand nor come to pass.
Whatever happens, when we are in the center of God's will, His
purpose will be fulfilled. There is a greater power at work than all
the evil council or plans of man. The work of the enemy shall not
stand although there remain storms and trials of life. Praise God.
Nothing shall separate us from the love of God.
I digress from the trip, but the reality of living in the shelter
of God's approval and holiness is a wonderful experience. Please
pray that the Lord will bless in every service in Pakistan and in
the two day ministers meeting. We will be visiting slavery
Christians in the brick kilns and ministering to them. We seek a
special anointing from the Lord even with the language barrier that
we will face. Lord willing, I will be gone for two weeks.
May the Lord bless and reward each of you who has been and is
carrying a burden for this effort. We continue to need your
love, support, and prayers. I love the saints of God the world over
and look for the Lord to continue to bless not only in the foreign
fields but in our own country.
In Christ,
Michael Smith
August 15, 2011
The
first night of the camp meeting in Malawi an invitation was given
and many people pressed their way through the crowd to come forward
and pray. Just a few days before, I had been sitting under a tree in
Mozambique battling the devil. My head was hurting, I was sick with
food poisoning and I was asking myself "Why am I here?" The question
was now answered as people earnestly began seeking God for the
infilling of the Holy Spirit.
God proved Himself faithful once again on our last mission trip to
Malawi and Mozambique. My eldest son, Devon, accompanied me. We left
on July 20 and returned home about three weeks later. We encountered
a number of problems, but the spiritual blessings and the growth of
the Kingdom of God far outweighed every trial we faced.
On
our flight to Africa, our luggage didn't arrive, hence, delaying us
in South Africa. While seemingly an inconvenience, it proved a
blessing as there had been political unrest in Malawi. In the city
we were traveling to, there had been rioting, killing, burning etc.
The extra day gave things a chance to settle down which made things
safer for us.
We rented a vehicle and traveled directly to Mozambique after
meeting with Bros. Failos and Master in Malawi. We had short revival
meetings in Mozambique at three different congregations. Surrounding
congregations at each respective location traveled to join us in
these meetings. Due to the large turnout, the congregations had made
a brush arbors outside their chapels to accommodate the people. The
Lord blessed in the services and a number of people sought the Lord
for salvation and for help in their souls.
Due
to the political situation, diesel was unavailable at the fueling
stations in Malawi. It very possibly could have hindered our
traveling, but thankfully, we were able to purchase fuel in
Mozambique. We bought containers and brought extra fuel back with us
into Malawi. After that was exhausted, we had to purchase fuel on
the black market at a cost of $8.35/gallon.
At every location,
Devon spent time with the children and taught them how to play
Frisbee. The children loved to be around us and were ever ready to
play, take a walk with us, or wait patiently for services to begin.
While
the nights often proved to be long for us due to the seven hour time
change, a few of the nights proved to be even longer. I awoke one
night with a rat on my net right above my head. Needless to say, I
was awake most of the night, shining my light on the rat when he
would revisit us and begin gnawing on our luggage. When we arrived
in the village to Bro. Failos', we mentioned the rats. They laughed
and shared with me information that I had been unaware of in
previous years. Every year before I come, they put out rat poison to
kill the rats in their house. They did say that this year there was
one clever rat we might meet "when the time was right." We did the
first night. The rat was (in the words of Devon) gargantuan. It was
running across the ceiling beam in our room. Every night during the
rest of our stay in Msikita, we would pray for God to sanctify our
room and keep it rat free. Thank God, we never saw 'Clever Rat'
again - at least in that house!
Upon
returning to Malawi, we had one day to prepare for the main camp
meeting in Phalombe. People were traveling by foot and bicycle for
two days across rough paths to join us in services for this three
day meeting. Hundreds of people were in attendance and the Lord
poured out a special blessing in these services. The first service
began on a Friday evening. While waiting for the people to arrive,
Devon had a special meeting with the children in the chapel while
the rest of us waited under a large brush arbor.
The weekend meeting was not only centered around evangelism; but in
one service, we took a spiritual walk around Mount Zion and marked
her walls and bulwarks. We thank God for the enlightening power of
the Holy Spirit.
The
roads we traveled were rough and rocky. Over the course of our
journeys, we had four flat tires. The jack in our vehicle did not
work and we often had to wait until someone came along to help us
out. One time, we had to dig out under the tire to be able to change
it. Another time, a Muslim man stopped to help us on an isolated
road. What had been a good tire became the spare with a bad bulge
and patch on it. Upon having the fourth flat, we were dependent upon
this bad spare to get us over a very dangerous mountain where a
breakdown would be treacherous. I told Devon I felt inspired to
anoint the tire. We stopped twice and the patch was pulling apart,
the hole was getting bigger, and the cables of the tire were
protruding. As I drove and prayed, the voice got more and more
persistent - "You'd better stop." I pulled over and poured oil over
the hole in the tire, anointing it in the name of the Lord. I laid
hands on the tire and prayed. Thank the Lord, we made it safely to
our destination.
After
the camp meeting, we traveled to two other congregations for short
revival meetings in Malawi. The Holy Spirit manifested Himself in a
very real way in these locations. In one particular service where
there were a number of young people, the Spirit strongly impressed
me that there was someone He was wanting to use in the work of God.
The Lord had me preach on "What is in Your Hand?" It was a message
of consecration and dedication to work for God. Words are inadequate
to express the power of the moving of the Spirit in times like that.
A number of young people as well as some others sought the Lord. It
was a wonderful blessing to be part of God's call to these dear
people.
Devon
was introduced on this trip to food he has never eaten before. While
we chose not to eat the fried mice in the market place, we were
served cow and goat intestines with the local nsima (a thick doughy
substance made from maize flour and water.) While we were served
these delicacies - the coveted portions, Devon and I figured we
could have just settled with the simple T-bone, but alas! The Lord
blessed us with strength and we are thankful for His mercy to us in
some very unsanitary conditions.
While driving down a rough road, the shell on the back of the truck
flew off, breaking the windows in it and doing damage to the truck.
While undeservedly we were held liable for some of the cost, we were
thankful that no one was hurt. For if this had happened while we
were carrying people in the back, someone could have been badly
injured.
It
was a blessing to see some of the chapels that have been roofed with
metal sheeting since last year due to the contributions of the
saints. There are around 35 congregations that still lack proper
roofing for their chapels. Each one can be roofed for around $500.
We purchased some badly needed songbooks for the congregations.
While the 1,000 books didn't go very far amongst so many, they were
greatly appreciated.
Bro.
Master translated the preaching from English to Chichewa in every
service as it is a rarity to find someone who speaks English out in
the villages. On two different occasions, women came in desperation
to Bro. Master and me for special prayer for a private matter. They
are unable to bear children and this is viewed by many as a great
disgrace in Malawi. One sister told me that she was contemplating
killing herself because of it. She said her husband didn't love her
very much now because she couldn't bear him children. I told both of
these sisters that I would carry their burden back home and the
saints here would be praying for them. God can work a miracle for
these ladies. Their names are Elizabeth and Maria.
It was especially moving when a man stood in a service and
confessed to being an alcoholic. He wanted deliverance and we prayed
for such. I noticed the next day that a sister whom we have known
for years looked as if something was wrong. She approached us that
evening and confessed to being addicted to tobacco. God had been
dealing with her heart and she was feeling guilty for not publicly
confessing her sin. She confessed that night and sought the Lord to
break her addiction.
We thank God for His protection over us on this trip. We are
grateful to the saints for their prayers and support. The work has
only progressed because of the sacrifice and support of many. May
God bless you all in the name of Jesus.
-Michael Smith
(As of this writing, all of our luggage has been lost by the
airlines and it appears that it will not be retrieved. We would
appreciate your prayers that God would work another miracle in our
behalf. My Africa journal of past years was in my luggage and we
would surely appreciate getting it back.)
August 10, 2011
We praise the Lord for Michael and Devon's safe return home. The
Lord blessed with spiritual blessings even though there were many
temporal obstacles. We thank the Lord for protecting them from
political unrest, providing sufficient fuel during a widespread fuel
shortage, healing Michael from food poisoning, helping them with
four flat tires and bringing them safely over the mountain on their
final tire that was prime for a blowout. The Lord was faithful once
again to meet the word with the Spirit. Please continue to pray for
those who have yielded their souls to God, have consecrated all and
sought the infilling of the Spirit and others who are trusting God
for physical needs. Michael and Devon are thankful to be home and
resting up. They are doing well in body. Praise God for His
blessings.
July 31, 2011
Yesterday scores of people came forward for prayer for physical
healing. Michael would anoint a large group of people and pray a
collective prayer over them. He had to repeat about four times.
One man stood and said he wanted to be delivered from alcoholism.
Some began to laugh and Michael explained that there were more
people in the crowd sitting there with similar addictions in their
life that should also be seeking God. The next day a woman came to
him and said that God had dealt with her all night and asked her the
question, "Why didn't you stand? You know you need deliverance from
tobacco." They prayed together. It is encouraging to know the Holy
Spirit is working on the hearts and consciences of the people.
Perhaps 3-400 were in attendance today. The campmeeting concluded
with a morning service and lunch. When they returned to the village,
the spare tire on the vehicle went flat. They were thankful to be
close the town that is nearest to the village. The original tire
that went flat when they hit the rock has a bubble on it, so it
won't be of much use even though the puncture was repaired. They
left the spare to be repaired if possible tonight. Each day they
pray the Lord to help the vehicle to get them to where they need to
go.
They have been traveling in very remote areas so gasoline has not
been seen. They have used half of the fuel they brought with them
back from Mozambique to refill the gas tank. Tomorrow they are
traveling 2 hours to Zomba region and will be ministering there.
The Lord has been good. Please don't stop praying.
July 27, 2011
Today was the first day of campmeeting. The back of the pickup was
full of people riding with them for an hour over terrible roads to
reach Phalombe district. Devon held a children's meeting in the
chapel while waiting for service to begin. He shared the story of
the Three Hebrew Children.
Many ministers and saved members were
in attendance as they gathered under a brush arbor for service. The
Lord sent a message on the Holy Spirit. There was great freedom in
delivery and the spirit moved in conviction. Nearly the whole
congregation pressed forward to seek this gift. Michael said he
could see the earnest desire and seeking on many of their faces.
Thank the Lord for His faithfullness.
July 27, 2011
Today concludes the portion of the trip to be spent in Mozambique.
Michael and Devon have spent time with three different
congregations, holding 2-3 services in each place. Today they left
and returned to Malawi. They filled some cooking oil containers with
diesel fuel to take along for emergencies. When they got into Malawi
their vehicle encountered a flat tire. The jack would not work for
them so they spent two hours digging out the tire and changing it. I
spoke with them as they were nearing the village of Mskita where
Bro. Failos and Master live. It was already dark. The phone died on
us mid-conversation. Since there is not electricity phones have to
be taken to a communication center in town and left to be charged.
They will spend the next five nights here. Tomorrow will be spent
resting and preparing for a three day campmeeting in Phalombe. They
will commute back and forth daily Friday through Sunday to this
meeting. Please continue to pray for their safety and protection.
We were encouraged to note this report in the news regarding the
political demonstrations. Michael and Devon will be leaving sometime
the first week of August so will be out of the country before the
deadline.
"Malawian
activists
who helped
organize
last week's
protests
threatened
Monday to
hold more
demonstrations
unless the
president
addresses
their
grievances.
Protest
organizer
Rafiq Hajat
said the
President
has until
August 16 to
resolve
persistent
fuel and
foreign
exchange
shortages.
Hajat says
otherwise
protests
will begin
the next
day."
July 24, 2011
Michael and Devon left for Malawi as planned on July 20. When they
reached South Africa they were lacking one piece of luggage. This
delayed them for a day in the city of Johannesburg. This proved to
be advantageous since political protesting and riots had broken out
in the major cities of Malawi, including Blantyre--the city into
which they were to fly.
When they arrived in Blantyre on Saturday and picked up their
rental vehicle, they observed that the rental place had moved their
entire fleet to their private residences for security reasons.
Furthermore, they discovered that there has been a fuel shortage for
4-5 weeks in the country of Malawi. There was no fuel to be had in
Blantyre, the commercial capitol of Malawi. Their truck had half a
tank and we put the request before the saints at Monark that God
would provide. This trip itinerary involves a lot of driving,
contrary to other trips where their has been one centrally located
ministers meeting followed with a general campmeeting.
On Sunday morning they left the city of Blantyre and headed
toward the border of Mozambique. On the way, they picked up their
translator, Bro. Master. At the border after a lengthy delay, they
were granted access into the country. Thank the Lord! They were able
to obtain diesel fuel in Mozambique.
They traveled on to their destination. There was a late afternoon
service upon their arrival. Michael preached on Confession. The Lord
blessed in the meeting. Several men came forward from the front of
the congregation. Some women stood for prayer in the back, but the
press of people in the meeting place was too close for them to have
room to move forward. We praise God for the faithfulness of His
Spirit.
They will have a morning service in this same location and then
drive to another village to repeat the same pattern. They will
minister to three different congregations in Mozambique and return
to Malawi on Wednesday. We trust that God will provide for them fuel
at every point that they need it and also protection. There is still
a general unease in the country of Malawi and further protests are
planned for the coming weeks if the government does not respond to
the requests of the people. The ire is not directed at foreigners,
but at the president. However, there have been 19 deaths and over
250 arrests, leaving a volatile environment in the larger cities.
July 14, 2011
In
following a burden from the Lord and through inspiration of the
Word, I purchased a ticket to travel to Pakistan. I will be getting
home from Africa on August 8, and then I will be leaving on August
31 for Pakistan. I will be gone for about two weeks on that trip. I
plan to have a two-three day ministers meeting with Christian
ministers and then travel to various villages in Pakistan to
minister the hope of Jesus Christ. Some of these people have chosen
to follow Jesus at the peril of their lives. They are worthy of our
prayers.
These meetings in Pakistan will hold some expense in
addition to the ticket. I will try to help with the finances to rent
a vehicle, chairs, food, etc. for these meetings. The Christians in
Pakistan are a very poor people as most Muslims won't employ them or
do business with them. Below is a brief excerpt from a letter from a
brother in Pakistan (revised for clarity):
"Christians living in Islamic country are minority and mostly
Christians have no business or a permanent job. They mostly earn
small money on labor of daily wage and poor parents run their
families with difficulties. Most Christian parents can not send
their children to school and mostly Christians are uneducated."
Although Pakistan is in the Middle East and not Africa, support
can still be sent through what has been traditionally an 'Africa
Mission Fund.' As my missionary focus broadens and expands, we will
Lord willing be operating more under a 'Global Mission' instead of
the narrower focus of Africa. All funds that are specifically
designated for Africa, the orphanage, food, bibles, etc. will still
go directly for those needs. Unspecified funds will be be going to
the general mission needs as they arise.
I would appreciate your burden of prayer for this trip. It is a
new field rife with dangers I have yet had to face. God is in
control. Before I physically bought the ticket, I turned to my Bible
and asked God for a scripture. He gave me the words "Arise and be
not afraid." He further gave me the words on the opposite page "If
any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his
cross and follow me. For whosever will save his life shall lose it:
and whosoever will lose his life from my sake shall find it."
I go with confidence that I am in the center of His will
regardless of outcomes. I yearn for the power and anointing of the
gospel to reach out to the people of Pakistan. My prayer is that
souls would be saved and those who love the Lord would be encouraged
and established in the truth to press the battle on at the peril of
their lives. I entreat a special burden for these labors.
I also want to give a special thank you to all who have responded
to the need for food for the orphanage in Kenya. The love and
support has touched our hearts. Through your support, children who
would otherwise be hungry are going to bed with a full belly. God
bless you.
Although I am personally coordinating these efforts and am on the
ground often in these mission efforts, this is the work of God's
people. It couldn't happen if it wasn't for your support and
prayers. Thank you so much. We share in the spread of the gospel
together. God bless you in Jesus name.
Love, Michael Smith
July 11, 2011
I desire continued prayer for Devon and myself. We plan to leave for
Malawi on July 20 and will be gone about three weeks. Our prayer is
that God will surround us physically and spiritually and that souls
would be saved and edified. It becomes an expensive venture because
we are reaching out to hundreds of people. The rental of a vehicle
is very high but necessary as we will be traveling many miles to
have revivals in different primitive locations. We have the
responsibility of feeding hundreds of people that leave their homes
(some walking for two days or more) to attend the services. We are
trying to optimize the time to reach the greatest number of people.
Through these endeavors in the past, many souls have been reached
with the gospel and we pray that on this trip the anointing and
power of God will reach out to those in need.
July 11, 2011
KENYA
- Huruma Orphanage: We received word that the orphanage ran out
of food due to drought conditions. The price of food is very high
and the local donations of food from the community have ceased
during the present hardship. Three weeks ago, when we first received
word of the situation, the children had been eating only potatoes
for two days. Last week they had run out of the funds this office
had sent and had no food on the premises except for some greens.
There are 80 resident orphans and 290 children being fed every
school day. It takes around $500/week to buy their normal food
supply. These conditions will last until the next harvest during the
middle of August.
We appreciate those who have already responded
to help with this need. After sending some money to buy food for
last week, when Bro. Peter showed up with the food, the children at
the orphanage were rejoicing and singing. Please pray for these
precious children that God will provide for their needs.
June 17, 2011
MALAWI TRIP: My
son, Devon, and I plan to travel to Malawi and Mozambique in July.
We will be gone for three weeks and will do extensive traveling in
country. The focus will be conducting revival meetings at a number
of different congregations.
Most of the chapels in Malawi and Mozambique need to be roofed. Last
year, through donations from the saints, roofing material was
purchased for ten congregations. As funds are made available, more
supplies will be purchased on this upcoming trip. We will be leaving
July 20 and returning home August 8.
We are once again
desperate for the anointing of the Holy Spirit. We look to the Lord
to give us good health and spiritual fortitude for this trip. We
would appreciate your prayers and support for the success of
this endeavor.
TANZANIA:
The Spirit of God continues to move in a wonderful way in
Tanzania. In February, over 50 ministers attended a ministers
meeting and heard gospel truth they had never heard before. They
went home and the Spirit continued to move. They came back together
this month bringing many others with them. The fires of revival of
been lit by the Spirit. Many people received salvation. As in the
days of Christ, people were carried to the meeting on mats to be prayed for. Toward the end of the meeting, there were about 1000
people in attendance. Bro. Peter of Kenya was in attendance and
helped with the teaching and preaching.
The enemy is very unhappy
with the move of the Lord. Bro. Stephano and his wife lost their
newborn twin babies and the wife was critically ill. God spared her
life and we thank God for that. Please pray that the Lord will
continue to comfort and strengthen them for the work in Tanzania.
Pakistan: I
have been praying for a long time about traveling to Pakistan and
visiting a brother there with whom we have had contact. This brother
is working with other local Christian ministers and is preaching in
a number of different villages. He is also ministering to families
that have been persecuted by the Muslims in the area.
There is a need to encourage these persecuted people in the midst of
their harsh reality and to spread the truth of the gospel. This has
been a burden I have had for two to three years. This week, the
Pakistani government granted me a visa for a short amount of time.
They did not give me a very large window in which to travel. If I
were to go, I would probably have to go in September.
I would
appreciate an interest in your prayers for God to continue to lead
and provide for every aspect of this trip. My desire is to be in the
very center of God's will. There would be a different set of dangers
and issues and I am aware that the devil fights every new work. I
can personally testify that if I would have listened to people and
submitted to circumstances when
the Lord first called me to Africa, I would never have gone. My
desire is to look beyond fear and listen to the Spirit of God. He
has led unerring to the Land I hold today.
Please continue to remember the work of God in these foreign
lands. I am thankful to report that the Spirit of God is still
moving and working on the earth.
In Christ, Michael Smith
February 28, 2011
Kenya 2011 Trip Report
It is with a heart full
of thanksgiving to the Lord that we report a blessed and successful
trip to Kenya and Tanzania. This trip proved to be a different
experience for me personally as my wife was able to accompany me
along with my niece Nicole and Sis. Ranelle Cole. Bro. Matthew and
Sis. LouCinda Gellenbeck traveled to Kenya a week before we arrived
to purchase supplies and begin work at the orphanage.
We
departed on February 4 for Kenya. Since our plane changed in Rome,
Italy, we stayed an extra day to see some of the ‘highlights’ of the
city. We saw a number of sights that had significance in church
history - from the Vatican to the Colosseum to the Pantheon, and
more. We walked the streets of Rome thanking God for the personal
relationship that we have with the Lord.
We
need not go through a priest, a group of ministers, or a church, but
we can only access the Father through the Jesus Christ. Praise God.
There is no other way, no other name, no other avenue to salvation
but by Jesus. Men and women have hazarded their lives for this
glorious gospel and many have been torn asunder by wild beasts,
slain by the sword, burned at the stake - but no man or power of the
enemy could quench the everlasting truth that brought salvation and
hope to mankind.
We
arrived at the airport in Nairobi on the evening of Feb 7 and were
met by Bro. Peter. The next day we traveled for many hours to reach
the orphanage in late afternoon. We were warmly welcomed by
exuberant children. I was especially thankful to be back, for I was
critically ill when I had left the orphanage last year. These
children cried, fasted, and prayed for my healing, and God heard
them.
It
was wonderful to be reunited with Matthew and LouCinda who had by
this time settled in and were hard at work. We all stayed in Bro.
Peter’s home. Since last year, he had built a new home and while
still full with all of us, there was more room than in the past.
Bro.
Peter and his wife, Sis. Roda, were very hospitable. Sis. Roda
stayed busy cooking meals for us, washing our clothes, and still
finding time to accompany us to services to worship the Lord.
Over
the course of the next ten days, our time was filled with traveling,
teaching, and preaching. The sisters of our group spent time
teaching the children. At times, they had over 250 children. They
connected with them and entered into their lives, not only teaching
but playing with them and spending time with these wonderful
children. The children had very soft hearts and many responded to an
invitation to give their heart to the Lord. We pray that God will
bless these children and provide for their every need - as many of
them have no family.
Sisters René, LouCinda, Ranelle, and Nicole taught many lessons and
reached many lives. They had creative projects and games they used
to illustrate Bible stories.
Donated
toys and games from America were a delight to the orphans, as it was
the first time many of them ever had toys with which to play.
The
orphanage currently has 80 children living in very tight quarters.
While we have been able to greatly expand the buildings the last
three years, there remain many needs. Bro. Matthew’s primary burden
was to build an office and kitchen for the orphanage. He spent many
long days and hours working on these projects. He also spent time
teaching a young man in the congregation basic carpentry as they
repaired beds and made a table.
On
two different days, we traveled by car to other nearby congregations
and had services. The Lord blessed in these services and many sought
the Lord at an altar of prayer. $2000 worth of Bibles was purchased
and distributed in Kenya and Tanzania. Of special note, we gave
Bibles to the young people/orphans aged 14 - 20.
On
the weekend, while the sisters worked with the children and Bro.
Matthew worked on the building, I was teaching a number of ministers
who had come from different areas in Kenya. We spent hours every
morning covering a variety of Biblical subjects and doctrines. In
the afternoon, the children would join us for a general worship
service. In these services, the glory of God came down. I stood in
awe at the presence of the Holy Spirit as He met with us. Many were
saved and sought the Lord for grace to see them through to victory.
There is nothing like the convicting power of God.
I
saw the splendor of the greatest chapel on earth--St. Peter’s
basilica at the Vatican in Rome--but I found not the glory. I found
the glory of God coming down in a chapel made with mud, rock, and
sticks in the middle of Africa. Our God dwelleth not in temples made
with hands, but in the heart of the humble. How wonderful it was to
experience the glory of the almighty God.
Sunday evening, we had a special time with the
orphans - singing, sharing, laughing, and eating.
On
Monday, Feb 14, Bro. Peter, René and I traveled to Tanzania. The
others stayed behind at the orphanage to continue their respective
works. Upon arriving in Tanzania, near the shores of Lake Victoria,
we entered right into service. In attendance were 50 ministers in
addition to others that came to worship. Fifteen congregations were
represented. There was a blessed altar service as souls sought the
Lord for salvation.
Tuesday
and Wednesday were full of Bible teaching for the ministers. Many
topics were covered and much of it was new for most of the
ministers. I stress in these ministers meetings that this is not
‘my’ doctrine or ‘their’ doctrine. We are interested in what the
Bible teaches - not more religion. Our efforts are not to create a
people or church in our own westernized image - but rather share the
truth that will bring us all into a closer walk with God. Some
things will take time for the ministers to digest. I challenged them
to search the scripture to see if those things that I taught were so
and to seek the Lord for revelation of these truths. Please pray
that the Word will take root in Tanzania and that a mighty group of
God’s children would rise up in this place.
Wednesday evening we traveled back to the orphanage. The next day,
we traveled to Nairobi and started our journey home Friday night. We
arrived home Saturday evening.
God
blessed the group with good fellowship and health. The Lord was very
faithful to all of us on this trip and we praise His name. We
appreciate the prayers and support for these endeavors. Without it,
these missionary trips would not be possible. The seed is being sown
and while the results are left to God - we are blessed to see fruit
coming from the joint efforts of the saints.
In Christ,
Michael Smith
February 3, 2011
Bro. Matthew and Sis. LouCinda Gellenbeck are on the ground in
Kenya. They were able to purchase Bibles and supplies for the
orphanage in Nairobi before traveling on to Bro. Peter's. There is
much work to be done at the orphanage. Bro. Matthew is planning to
work on a kitchen and outhouses (which are causing health problems).
We are in negotiation with property owners in the area to purchase
more land for the orphanage.
The mosquitoes are worse this year so
we desire that 'extra' protection from the Lord. The rest of us plan
to leave in the morning. We will be arriving in Kenya Monday
evening. Once in Kenya, we will 'hit the ground running' and be
having services and teaching every day except for a couple of
traveling days. We desire a continued interest in your prayers for
the spiritual edification for this trip.
Mozambique
Disaster struck again in the impoverished country of Mozambique. The
rains fell and the flood came, not only destroying many homes, but
drowning a number of the saints. We received word that 22 of the
church attendees died. The people are continuing to suffer from
these disasters and lack of food. Please remember them in your
prayers.
January 6, 2011
Kenya Missionary Trip - February 2011
Lord willing, a group will be traveling to Kenya to minister at the
orphanage and beyond. The group will be composed of Michael and René
Smith, Matthew and LouCinda Gellenbeck, Ranelle Cole, and Nicole
Elwell.
It will be a blessing and a different experience to be traveling in
a group this time. We anticipate and pray for a special out-pouring
of the Holy Spirit on this endeavor. We would appreciate your
prayers for the health of each one.
Our
time is short due to the schedule of those traveling. Hence, our
itinerary, as usual, will be packed. The Gellenbecks plan to arrive
in Kenya a week before the rest of us to buy supplies for the
meetings, purchase Bibles, and do work at the orphanage. I plan to
have ministers meetings while the sisters have children’s meeting
with projected numbers of up to 350 children. In the afternoons we
will have services together. While some stay behind and continue to
work with the children, I plan to travel to Tanzania for a few short
days to give Biblical teaching to a growing number of ministers and
congregations in that country.
The work is great and we desire to see the gospel continue to be
spread in power and might.
Funds
were donated to help put a roof over the courtyard of the orphanage
as well as pave the ground. This work is currently underway. This
will be a great help as it is very muddy during the rainy season and
increases the sickness of the children due to disease.
To the
right is a picture of one of the new bunk beds that was built for
the orphans.
Malawi Update:
While
in Malawi last August, I purchased supplies from donated funds to
help roof 10 of 47 chapels. I am thankful to report that those
projects are still underway, with some of them being completed.
We
received some very sad news again this year that the saints in
Malawi and Mozambique are once again suffering due to a lack of
food. It is not time for harvest and there is little food available.
Reports have come in from two different congregations that people
have died because of no food. My translator himself left his home in
Malawi for two weeks to try to find food for his family in
Mozambique. Please remember them in prayer.
Ghana Trip Report - Dec 2010
The Lord poured out a special blessing on this last journey to
Ghana. I am very grateful for the strength and spiritual blessings
of this trip.
I left Springfield, MO on Nov. 29, 2010 and arrived in Accra, Ghana
on the 30th. The following day I boarded a bus to travel to Akumadan.
I sat on a hot bus for two hours, waiting for it to fill up with
passengers. Nine hours after getting on the bus, I arrived in the
dark at my destination. I was thankful to have two boys run up and
assist me with my luggage down the trail to the mission house.
The
mission house was in need of much repair. The roof leaked, wood was
rotting on the inside and outside, the wiring was very bad, etc. I
met with a carpenter and electrician while there and made
arrangements for the mission house to be updated. Since arriving
home, the work has been accomplished as seen in the pictures.
I
had services in three villages on three consecutive days. Although
the numbers were not large, the Lord ministered to the people in
these services. In the local congregations, there were many
questions asked about Biblical issues and practical Christian
living. A number of people responded to the appeal for their
spiritual needs during the altar call at each congregation.
In the afternoons we had informal Bible teaching and discussion with
the four local pastors. There have been some difficulties and
disunity among the brethren in the past. God is mending those
breaches and there was good fellowship among the brethren during our
meetings. I would appreciate continued prayer that the work would
progress in Ghana and that the pure message of unity and holiness in
Christ would reign supreme - in both doctrine and conduct.
On
Sunday morning we had a combined service with all the congregations.
I offered to pay the transportation of those that live a distance
away to enable them to come to the meeting. The Lord blessed in the
service and I felt a great liberty in delivering the Word of God. A
number of people sought the Lord in prayer and we pray that an
eternal difference will be made in their lives.
There are ongoing chapel building projects in these areas.
Sunday afternoon I left my base and went to stay with Bro. Andrews
who lives a long distance from the others. We had services in hot,
humid weather - in the dark - under a brush arbor for two nights.
Although the bugs and mosquitoes were out, the Spirit of God was
there.
Bro. Andrews has some serious health issues and was unable to be in
the last service. He desires prayer that the Lord would heal him as
well as increase his faith.
Toward the middle of the trip, I probably felt better physically
than I had for over a year. I am very thankful for that special help
from the Lord while so far away from the comforts of home.
Of
human interest, in Bro. Andrews congregation, there is another
little baby whose name is Michael Smith. There has tended to be a
pattern in the different countries in Africa to name children after
those who have come to minister to them. There are a number of
Michael Smith’s in different countries, there is a Douglas, a Lenita,
a René, and even a Vanessa and Devon (named after my children).
God has been very faithful on every trip to Africa I have taken, but
I felt especially blessed this time. I had some burdens before the
Lord and there were issues that I knew I might face on the mission
field that I wasn’t looking forward to in the flesh or spirit. God
winnowed my path and blessed every step of the way - both physically
and spiritually. It was a spiritually profitable trip and I thank
the Lord.
I appreciate so much the prayers and support of the saints. Without
the financial support, much of this work would not be able to be
accomplished in the field nor would I be able to be free to go and
do the work that God leads me to do. Thank you for your love. This
is God’s work and we share in the blessings.
Greetings!
We
give a heartfelt thank you to each one who has carried a burden for
Iqra and Samina and contributed to the 'prosthesis effort.'
Samina
is pictured here in the hospital. Her leg was operated on to prepare
it for a prosthesis. Lord willing, she will be fitted for a
prosthesis next week. Our hearts are so grateful for the outpouring
of support to help these two Pakistani girls who are trapped in
poverty. This will be a life change for them. 
Without
a question or a word, the Pakistani official stamped my passport and
sent me on my way. Thank God. I stepped into the arrival hall at the
Lahore, Pakistan airport into what for me was a new frontier -
sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ in a Muslim country. In spite of
warnings and advice to stay away, the Spirit had led me though a
series of obstacles and consecrations to this land of danger and
persecution to believers in Jesus Christ.
I
was greeted at the airport by Bro. S and a number of other ministers
with whom we have had contact for a few years. After a three hour
journey to Faisalabad, I was warmly welcomed at the home of Bro. S
by rose petals being thrown over me and my feet being washed after
the example of our Lord.
For
the next ten days, I had opportunity to share the message of the
love of Jesus Christ and a call to repentance to hundreds of people.
In spite of trials and frustrations, we experienced the power and
glory of God as many men and woman sought the Lord for forgiveness
of their sins. As in days of old, God gave power through the blood
of His Son for instant healings of the sick and for devils to be
cast out of those possessed by evil spirits. Praise be to our
Almighty God.
Less
than three percent of the population in Pakistan professes
Christianity. Half of those are Roman Catholic. As minorities in a
Muslim country, the Christians face persecution. The ministers with
whom I worked have suffered in various ways over the years for their
faith in Christ. One was beaten severely and his brother imprisoned
for five years. Another was kidnapped and held for ransom. Last
year, two Christian ministers were shot and a Christian community
was burned by Muslims and people died in the fire. While I was
there, a nine year old girl from a Christian family was kidnapped.
It means something to accept and profess Christ as King of Kings and
Lord of Lords.
Due
to security issues, I was unable to walk freely in the community. I
had to stay away from windows during the day for my own personal
protection as well as my host’s. There were usually one or two armed
men with us at all times as we traveled to various villages to
conduct services. There were usually more armed men present for the
Christian worship and there was a police presence on the last Sunday
when we had a much larger public gathering. I thank God that we did
not encounter any problems from radicals during my stay.
We
usually had one or two services a day at different villages. We were
always greeted with roses being showered on our heads and garlands
being placed around our necks. This is a cultural show of welcome,
love, and respect. 
We
had contact and ministered to Christian groups of different
denominations and fellowships. While they were professing
Christians, many had sin in their lives and hence, many sought the
Lord for deliverance from the power of sin. It was a privilege to
know there were at times Muslims present who heard the Word of God.
Before
service in one location, I conducted a Bible Study with a group of
young adults. We studied the subject of ‘Forgiveness.’ It was a
wonderful time of ‘connection’ with these young men and women. One
young man testified afterward that his heart had been full of anger
and bitterness. During the lesson he repented and he was free.
Praise God. I told them that it was worth my trip just to have spent
that short time with them.
Crowds
of people would come with expectation of being healed from physical
problems. After praying for all manner of sickness and disease at
the conclusion of every service, many people would testify to
instant healings in their body. One person had a tumor in his
stomach and after prayer, we received word the next day that the
tumor was gone. Praise be to God! We were literally pressed by the
multitude, sometimes unable to move, with people seeking healing.
God answered so many prayers instantly.
Throughout
the trip, people were brought to us who were possessed by evil
spirits. We experienced instant deliverances as we cast out Satan by
the power of the blood of Jesus. It was heart warming and special to
me to be able to share in one place the story of the adulterous
woman. In a country where that woman would be stoned, I was able to
tell them of the compassion and love of Jesus Christ. “Neither do I
condemn thee, go and sin no more…”
I
had the privilege to visit a number of Sunday School classes and
listen to their songs and recitation of scripture and Bible stories.
What an inspiration to see these precious children learning about
Jesus. I appreciate the efforts and zeal of some of the ministers
who are giving of themselves for the sake of the gospel. We visited
on a number of occasions slavery Christians who live and work at the
brick kilns. They live in abject poverty. It was a blessing to share
with them the compassion of our Lord. 
We
held a short ministers meeting on two days. There were about 100
ministers and gospel workers present from different Christian
groups. The lesson one day was on having the mind of Christ - love,
forgiveness, humility, etc. The next day I shared with them
scriptural teaching on the power we can have in the Holy Spirit and
the call to holy living. I pray that the truth will take root in
honest hearts and spread in this country of spiritual darkness.
The
last Sunday was a miraculous day in the Lord. People came from
different villages and over 500 were in attendance. Where
translation had been somewhat strenuous at times, the glory of God
fell and we were all blessed in the preaching of the Word. Hundreds
of people repented and many received not only spiritual but physical
healing. 
After
the service, people did not want to leave. We prayed and prayed and
prayed for the sick and devil possessed. God worked many instant
miracles and gave many deliverances that day. Jesus is just the same
today, Hallelujah. Twenty people were baptized in the canal beside
the main road. While it drew the attention of Muslims passing by, we
had no problems. 
God
proved himself and His mighty power on this trip. While the danger
is real, the power of God is greater than every force and intent of
the enemy. We serve a risen Saviour and we can with assurance and
boldness declare His name to the world. “Neither is their salvation
in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among
men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
Let
us pray for the gospel work in Pakistan. Our desire is to see the
Lord establish His people there in Spirit and in Truth. Remember the
ministers spiritually and financially that they prosper in the Lord
and be able to continue to carry the life-changing message of Jesus
Christ. There are many financial needs there and they are worthy of
our prayers and support.
The
first night of the camp meeting in Malawi an invitation was given
and many people pressed their way through the crowd to come forward
and pray. Just a few days before, I had been sitting under a tree in
Mozambique battling the devil. My head was hurting, I was sick with
food poisoning and I was asking myself "Why am I here?" The question
was now answered as people earnestly began seeking God for the
infilling of the Holy Spirit.
On
our flight to Africa, our luggage didn't arrive, hence, delaying us
in South Africa. While seemingly an inconvenience, it proved a
blessing as there had been political unrest in Malawi. In the city
we were traveling to, there had been rioting, killing, burning etc.
The extra day gave things a chance to settle down which made things
safer for us.
Due
to the political situation, diesel was unavailable at the fueling
stations in Malawi. It very possibly could have hindered our
traveling, but thankfully, we were able to purchase fuel in
Mozambique. We bought containers and brought extra fuel back with us
into Malawi. After that was exhausted, we had to purchase fuel on
the black market at a cost of $8.35/gallon.
While
the nights often proved to be long for us due to the seven hour time
change, a few of the nights proved to be even longer. I awoke one
night with a rat on my net right above my head. Needless to say, I
was awake most of the night, shining my light on the rat when he
would revisit us and begin gnawing on our luggage. When we arrived
in the village to Bro. Failos', we mentioned the rats. They laughed
and shared with me information that I had been unaware of in
previous years. Every year before I come, they put out rat poison to
kill the rats in their house. They did say that this year there was
one clever rat we might meet "when the time was right." We did the
first night. The rat was (in the words of Devon) gargantuan. It was
running across the ceiling beam in our room. Every night during the
rest of our stay in Msikita, we would pray for God to sanctify our
room and keep it rat free. Thank God, we never saw 'Clever Rat'
again - at least in that house!
Upon
returning to Malawi, we had one day to prepare for the main camp
meeting in Phalombe. People were traveling by foot and bicycle for
two days across rough paths to join us in services for this three
day meeting. Hundreds of people were in attendance and the Lord
poured out a special blessing in these services. The first service
began on a Friday evening. While waiting for the people to arrive,
Devon had a special meeting with the children in the chapel while
the rest of us waited under a large brush arbor.
The
roads we traveled were rough and rocky. Over the course of our
journeys, we had four flat tires. The jack in our vehicle did not
work and we often had to wait until someone came along to help us
out. One time, we had to dig out under the tire to be able to change
it. Another time, a Muslim man stopped to help us on an isolated
road. What had been a good tire became the spare with a bad bulge
and patch on it. Upon having the fourth flat, we were dependent upon
this bad spare to get us over a very dangerous mountain where a
breakdown would be treacherous. I told Devon I felt inspired to
anoint the tire. We stopped twice and the patch was pulling apart,
the hole was getting bigger, and the cables of the tire were
protruding. As I drove and prayed, the voice got more and more
persistent - "You'd better stop." I pulled over and poured oil over
the hole in the tire, anointing it in the name of the Lord. I laid
hands on the tire and prayed. Thank the Lord, we made it safely to
our destination.
After
the camp meeting, we traveled to two other congregations for short
revival meetings in Malawi. The Holy Spirit manifested Himself in a
very real way in these locations. In one particular service where
there were a number of young people, the Spirit strongly impressed
me that there was someone He was wanting to use in the work of God.
The Lord had me preach on "What is in Your Hand?" It was a message
of consecration and dedication to work for God. Words are inadequate
to express the power of the moving of the Spirit in times like that.
A number of young people as well as some others sought the Lord. It
was a wonderful blessing to be part of God's call to these dear
people.
Devon
was introduced on this trip to food he has never eaten before. While
we chose not to eat the fried mice in the market place, we were
served cow and goat intestines with the local nsima (a thick doughy
substance made from maize flour and water.) While we were served
these delicacies - the coveted portions, Devon and I figured we
could have just settled with the simple T-bone, but alas! The Lord
blessed us with strength and we are thankful for His mercy to us in
some very unsanitary conditions.
It
was a blessing to see some of the chapels that have been roofed with
metal sheeting since last year due to the contributions of the
saints. There are around 35 congregations that still lack proper
roofing for their chapels. Each one can be roofed for around $500.
We purchased some badly needed songbooks for the congregations.
While the 1,000 books didn't go very far amongst so many, they were
greatly appreciated.
Bro.
Master translated the preaching from English to Chichewa in every
service as it is a rarity to find someone who speaks English out in
the villages. On two different occasions, women came in desperation
to Bro. Master and me for special prayer for a private matter. They
are unable to bear children and this is viewed by many as a great
disgrace in Malawi. One sister told me that she was contemplating
killing herself because of it. She said her husband didn't love her
very much now because she couldn't bear him children. I told both of
these sisters that I would carry their burden back home and the
saints here would be praying for them. God can work a miracle for
these ladies. Their names are Elizabeth and Maria.
In
following a burden from the Lord and through inspiration of the
Word, I purchased a ticket to travel to Pakistan. I will be getting
home from Africa on August 8, and then I will be leaving on August
31 for Pakistan. I will be gone for about two weeks on that trip. I
plan to have a two-three day ministers meeting with Christian
ministers and then travel to various villages in Pakistan to
minister the hope of Jesus Christ. Some of these people have chosen
to follow Jesus at the peril of their lives. They are worthy of our
prayers..jpg)
KENYA
- Huruma Orphanage: We received word that the orphanage ran out
of food due to drought conditions. The price of food is very high
and the local donations of food from the community have ceased
during the present hardship. Three weeks ago, when we first received
word of the situation, the children had been eating only potatoes
for two days. Last week they had run out of the funds this office
had sent and had no food on the premises except for some greens.
There are 80 resident orphans and 290 children being fed every
school day. It takes around $500/week to buy their normal food
supply. These conditions will last until the next harvest during the
middle of August.
MALAWI TRIP: My
son, Devon, and I plan to travel to Malawi and Mozambique in July.
We will be gone for three weeks and will do extensive traveling in
country. The focus will be conducting revival meetings at a number
of different congregations. 
TANZANIA:
The Spirit of God continues to move in a wonderful way in
Tanzania. In February, over 50 ministers attended a ministers
meeting and heard gospel truth they had never heard before. They
went home and the Spirit continued to move. They came back together
this month bringing many others with them. The fires of revival of
been lit by the Spirit. Many people received salvation. As in the
days of Christ, people were carried to the meeting on mats to be prayed for. Toward the end of the meeting, there were about 1000
people in attendance. Bro. Peter of Kenya was in attendance and
helped with the teaching and preaching.
.jpg)
.jpg)
We
departed on February 4 for Kenya. Since our plane changed in Rome,
Italy, we stayed an extra day to see some of the ‘highlights’ of the
city. We saw a number of sights that had significance in church
history - from the Vatican to the Colosseum to the Pantheon, and
more. We walked the streets of Rome thanking God for the personal
relationship that we have with the Lord. .jpg)
.jpg)
We
need not go through a priest, a group of ministers, or a church, but
we can only access the Father through the Jesus Christ. Praise God.
There is no other way, no other name, no other avenue to salvation
but by Jesus. Men and women have hazarded their lives for this
glorious gospel and many have been torn asunder by wild beasts,
slain by the sword, burned at the stake - but no man or power of the
enemy could quench the everlasting truth that brought salvation and
hope to mankind..jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
It
was wonderful to be reunited with Matthew and LouCinda who had by
this time settled in and were hard at work. We all stayed in Bro.
Peter’s home. Since last year, he had built a new home and while
still full with all of us, there was more room than in the past..jpg)
.jpg)
Bro.
Peter and his wife, Sis. Roda, were very hospitable. Sis. Roda
stayed busy cooking meals for us, washing our clothes, and still
finding time to accompany us to services to worship the Lord..jpg)
.jpg)
Over
the course of the next ten days, our time was filled with traveling,
teaching, and preaching. The sisters of our group spent time
teaching the children. At times, they had over 250 children. They
connected with them and entered into their lives, not only teaching
but playing with them and spending time with these wonderful
children. The children had very soft hearts and many responded to an
invitation to give their heart to the Lord. We pray that God will
bless these children and provide for their every need - as many of
them have no family..jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Donated
toys and games from America were a delight to the orphans, as it was
the first time many of them ever had toys with which to play. .jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
The
orphanage currently has 80 children living in very tight quarters.
While we have been able to greatly expand the buildings the last
three years, there remain many needs. Bro. Matthew’s primary burden
was to build an office and kitchen for the orphanage. He spent many
long days and hours working on these projects. He also spent time
teaching a young man in the congregation basic carpentry as they
repaired beds and made a table..jpg)
.jpg)
On
two different days, we traveled by car to other nearby congregations
and had services. The Lord blessed in these services and many sought
the Lord at an altar of prayer. $2000 worth of Bibles was purchased
and distributed in Kenya and Tanzania. Of special note, we gave
Bibles to the young people/orphans aged 14 - 20..jpg)
.jpg)
On
the weekend, while the sisters worked with the children and Bro.
Matthew worked on the building, I was teaching a number of ministers
who had come from different areas in Kenya. We spent hours every
morning covering a variety of Biblical subjects and doctrines. In
the afternoon, the children would join us for a general worship
service. In these services, the glory of God came down. I stood in
awe at the presence of the Holy Spirit as He met with us. Many were
saved and sought the Lord for grace to see them through to victory.
There is nothing like the convicting power of God..jpg)
.jpg)
I
saw the splendor of the greatest chapel on earth--St. Peter’s
basilica at the Vatican in Rome--but I found not the glory. I found
the glory of God coming down in a chapel made with mud, rock, and
sticks in the middle of Africa. Our God dwelleth not in temples made
with hands, but in the heart of the humble. How wonderful it was to
experience the glory of the almighty God..jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
On
Monday, Feb 14, Bro. Peter, René and I traveled to Tanzania. The
others stayed behind at the orphanage to continue their respective
works. Upon arriving in Tanzania, near the shores of Lake Victoria,
we entered right into service. In attendance were 50 ministers in
addition to others that came to worship. Fifteen congregations were
represented. There was a blessed altar service as souls sought the
Lord for salvation..jpg)
.jpg)
Tuesday
and Wednesday were full of Bible teaching for the ministers. Many
topics were covered and much of it was new for most of the
ministers. I stress in these ministers meetings that this is not
‘my’ doctrine or ‘their’ doctrine. We are interested in what the
Bible teaches - not more religion. Our efforts are not to create a
people or church in our own westernized image - but rather share the
truth that will bring us all into a closer walk with God. Some
things will take time for the ministers to digest. I challenged them
to search the scripture to see if those things that I taught were so
and to seek the Lord for revelation of these truths. Please pray
that the Word will take root in Tanzania and that a mighty group of
God’s children would rise up in this place..jpg)
.jpg)
God
blessed the group with good fellowship and health. The Lord was very
faithful to all of us on this trip and we praise His name. We
appreciate the prayers and support for these endeavors. Without it,
these missionary trips would not be possible. The seed is being sown
and while the results are left to God - we are blessed to see fruit
coming from the joint efforts of the saints. 
Our
time is short due to the schedule of those traveling. Hence, our
itinerary, as usual, will be packed. The Gellenbecks plan to arrive
in Kenya a week before the rest of us to buy supplies for the
meetings, purchase Bibles, and do work at the orphanage. I plan to
have ministers meetings while the sisters have children’s meeting
with projected numbers of up to 350 children. In the afternoons we
will have services together. While some stay behind and continue to
work with the children, I plan to travel to Tanzania for a few short
days to give Biblical teaching to a growing number of ministers and
congregations in that country.
Funds
were donated to help put a roof over the courtyard of the orphanage
as well as pave the ground. This work is currently underway. This
will be a great help as it is very muddy during the rainy season and
increases the sickness of the children due to disease.
While
in Malawi last August, I purchased supplies from donated funds to
help roof 10 of 47 chapels. I am thankful to report that those
projects are still underway, with some of them being completed.
The
mission house was in need of much repair. The roof leaked, wood was
rotting on the inside and outside, the wiring was very bad, etc. I
met with a carpenter and electrician while there and made
arrangements for the mission house to be updated. Since arriving
home, the work has been accomplished as seen in the pictures.
I
had services in three villages on three consecutive days. Although
the numbers were not large, the Lord ministered to the people in
these services. In the local congregations, there were many
questions asked about Biblical issues and practical Christian
living. A number of people responded to the appeal for their
spiritual needs during the altar call at each congregation.
In the afternoons we had informal Bible teaching and discussion with
the four local pastors. There have been some difficulties and
disunity among the brethren in the past. God is mending those
breaches and there was good fellowship among the brethren during our
meetings. I would appreciate continued prayer that the work would
progress in Ghana and that the pure message of unity and holiness in
Christ would reign supreme - in both doctrine and conduct.
On
Sunday morning we had a combined service with all the congregations.
I offered to pay the transportation of those that live a distance
away to enable them to come to the meeting. The Lord blessed in the
service and I felt a great liberty in delivering the Word of God. A
number of people sought the Lord in prayer and we pray that an
eternal difference will be made in their lives.
Of
human interest, in Bro. Andrews congregation, there is another
little baby whose name is Michael Smith. There has tended to be a
pattern in the different countries in Africa to name children after
those who have come to minister to them. There are a number of
Michael Smith’s in different countries, there is a Douglas, a Lenita,
a René, and even a Vanessa and Devon (named after my children).