MAI MAI REBEL COMMANDER GETS SAVED

I just concluded a trip to Congo that culminated in the salvation of a captain in the Mai Mai rebel army.  I understand that the miracle of salvation is the greatest event in anyone’s life and everyone’s soul is equally precious to God, but having a part in this man coming to the Lord is without a doubt a highlight of my Christian life.

For the last four years God has allowed the people of the Grace Bible Baptist Church and I to actively take part in taking the Gospel to the Democratic Republic of Congo.  Specifically, we are going to the KIVU regions of Eastern Congo and concentrating in the South Kivu province.  This area of Congo is still in a constant state of turmoil, with the possibility of fighting breaking out without a moment’s notice. 

Although much of Congo has settled down since the Great Congo African War that saw over 5 million people killed, the Kivu region still sees constant trouble from the over 17 rebel groups that are operating there.  The U.N. has their largest presence in the world in the KIVU regions of Congo trying to bring peace to that region.  This is the area where God has graciously allowed us to minister.  During the last three years we have had at least two of our men living and ministering in this area.  I have had the opportunity of taking at least 20 trips in and out of this area and count it a great privilege to serve alongside our men.

We are working in the South Kivu region along Lake Tanganyika

Early last Monday morning Pastor Justus Oloo, Pastor Mike Njoroge, and I left the town of Uvira and began the seven hour journey along the shores of Lake Tanganyika to the town of Baraka. We then continued on to the village of Sebele, where we spent two days with Pastor Luka Omari and the Bible Baptist Church of Sebele.  We held a day of teaching and some times of preaching in the evening.

The trip is not an easy one, the road in places is nearly non-existent, and the last hour must be taken on the back of a motorcycle.  Upon arrival your body feels as if it just got out of the boxing ring.  This trip ended up being the most difficult we have had yet.  Looking back on it, we now realize Satan was doing his best to keep us from arriving at our destination.  One hour into the trip we got a flat tire, then the vehicle over heated, next we got buried in a mud hole, and lastly the spare tire went flat.  We were far from a place that could fix the tires, so until we reached our destination the tire was pumped up by hand with a small bicycle pump, until finally we reached the town of Baraka.  It was nearly dark and we still had to find motorcycles to go the last one hour.  They do not like to travel in the dark because of the danger, but fortunately we found some willing to take us.

Pastor Oloo and I arrived in Sebele a few moments before the others.  We jumped off the cycles at the foot of the hill that leads to Pastor Omari’s house.  Immediately out of the brush jumped four soldiers heavily armed.   The headlight of the motorcycle was shining off into the bush and we could see at least eight more standing there.  They surrounded us and said, “Tuko jeshi ya mai mai, mbona kwenye ardhi yetu?”  (We are soldiers of the mai mai (water), why are you on our land?)

Wow, here were the rebel soldiers we had heard so much about.  These people were not to be played with, they are infamous in their deeds and they particularly liked to attack civilians and foreigners who were “in their land”.   “They are not unified under any political or racial affiliation, but all actively target civilians and U.N. peacekeeping forces in eastern Congo.”  (http://www.raisehopeforcongo.org/content/armed-groups )

Mai Mai rebel soldier

 

Before we had a chance to answer, Pastor Omari arrived and quickly intervened telling them that we were his visitors and the visitors of the Bible Baptist Church.  After a discussion they agreed to allow us to continue on to his house, although they “walked” us to his house, and then waited until we entered.

We found out that the rebels had left the forest the day before trying to find out what the response of the government would be.  They had heard that the government wanted to possibly talk peace and a portion of them came to see while the others remained hidden in the jungle.

Early the next morning we were awakened to shouting, singing, and what we thought was a lot of chaos.  We looked out the window and saw that the house we were sleeping in was less than 100 meters away from the rebel camp.  They were up early doing their exercises, drills, and training.  It was an amazing thing to watch, although we were too fearful to try and sneak any pictures.

Tuesday was set aside for teaching, but throughout the teaching time the activities of the rebels could be heard.  The feeling of uneasiness was never far from us as we had no idea of what they might have in mind for us. 

Bible College session with some of the men.

 

That evening we were preparing ourselves for a preaching service that was to be held outside the house of Pastor Omari.  About thirty minutes before the service was to begin Pastor Oloo asked Pastor Omari if it was possible for him to get permission from the rebels for us to visit their camp and speak to their commander.  When I heard this, my jaw about dropped to the ground.  I had read about what these men were capable of and me being the only white man within a couple hundred kilometers I could envision one of the possible outcomes.  Pastor Oloo looked at me and said, “I believe God planned this out, he brought us all together at this place and at this time and I want to find out why.”  Who was I to argue with Pastor Oloo, I know he walks with God.

We were given permission to enter the camp.  We were taken to the commander whom they called captain.  We introduced ourselves, explained what we were doing, gave them each a gospel tract, and spoke to them for a few moments.  Pastor Oloo then told them that we were about to have a preaching service and they were invited to attend.  We did not stay long because of the service, and when we left I was quietly rejoicing because I still had my head.

Mai Mai commander

The service began with a time of singing and testifying.  During the last song I looked up as I heard a bit of commotion and I was surprised to see the rebel commander walking into the service and take a seat in the front row.  I quickly checked my notes to see if I had something I needed to cut out of my sermon that might offend him. God quietly confirmed to me that I was to just go ahead and preach what He had already led me to preach.

Getting ready for the church service

As I got up to preach a strong gust of wind about blew us over. We looked over the horizon and saw a row of dark clouds coming our way, with lightning striking and thunder cracking.  There had not been a cloud all day, where did this storm come from out of nowhere?  I then realized that there was a spiritual fight going on around me that I could not see.  I quickly asked God to allow me to forget myself, my surroundings, and what was going on around me and to speak through me.

I preached from Romans 1 on the power of the gospel.  As I was finishing the rains arrived but no one moved from their seat.  I gave the invitation, leaving everyone seated.  I asked if anyone wanted to repent of their sins and be born again to come and stand next to me.  I explained we would not wait, to immediately come or we would close the service.  Immediately a man stood and walked to me.  I would later find out he was an evangelist in one of the nearby churches.  He said that it was the first time in his life that he had heard that baptism did not save. 

As I was about to pray the rebel commander stood, quickly walked to me and said, “I need what I just heard preached.  I need the power of the gospel.”  All eyes were upon us and more than one mouth stood wide open.  At this time the rains came in a torrent, we dismissed and made our way to the pastor Omari’s house. Pastor Oloo took his bible and for 40 minutes carefully took this man through the scripture.  What a moment it was as I watched this wicked, rebel commander bow his head, and with tears in his eyes call upon Jesus.  We spent the next hour listening to his story, talking about the Lord, and eating dinner together.

I was numb. What was this I had just witnessed and been privileged to have a small part?  Here I was in the midst of the Dark Continent, in an area forgotten by time, and forgotten by the world.  In an area where the blood of millions cries from the ground, and where blood continues to be spilt.  An area where the suffering has been indescribable, and the people don’t remember the last time they had hope of a normal life.

What was this I had just witnessed? I had just witnessed the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  The power that can reach down and save even those that seem to be beyond hope.  Yes, the power of the Gospel is the greatest power in the world and is the only thing that can break the bondage of the punishment of sin.

Please continue to pray for us, our mission’s team, and entire church.  I don’t know what God has in store for us in the future, but I am sure that He holds the future. 

Thank you for going with us in your prayers and support.  This allows us the privilege of going to the Regions Beyond and what a privilege it is!