Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Mat 10:8
many of which are doing wonderful work already. How much more fruit will they see as they learn to heal the sick!
Two more ‘firsts’
My host church had just launched their own cable TV channel, and although still in its infancy with unbelievably basic equipment, they filmed the whole School and transmitted it throughout the network. Hundreds of homes will have had the chance to see it.
Then on Saturday I was given an ‘extra’. Already over-tired, I wasn’t sure if I could make it, but as it was a chance to preach the gospel in a new situation, I went. Thank the Lord that I did! I was showered with rose petals in the traditional Pakistani greeting. Less traditional I suspect were the fireworks and AK47 escort! About 400 had gathered in the Agriculture University grounds in a miracle of last-minute organisation (permits can take weeks – they got them in 24 hours), and I preached with all the energy I had left! Almost the whole crowd made a decision to call on God as their Father, and we went home exhausted but rejoicing! I was told that no foreigner had ever preached there.
It is sad that so much of today’s ‘news’ reports little more than trouble in countries like Nepal and Pakistan. Without doubt they have it, as do we all, but the consequent fear keeps away many ministries that could bring a beleaguered church the encouragement and support they so desperately need. The churches here are poor, very poor, and the needs huge. I found no opposition official or otherwise, in fact quite the opposite. Both countries are wide open – golden opportunities waiting for those with a heart for the harvest. If you are in ministry, please pray about how you might help. God is challenging me personally about a ten-fold increase in the scale of what we do. Could such a thing be possible? Nothing is impossible with God.