Sunday, February 24, 2013

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!


Friday, February 8, 2013

Upcoming March 4th Election



On Monday March 4th Kenya will hold their presidential election.  Five years ago during the last election, Kenya experienced unprecedented violence that almost tore the country in two.  Thousands of people were slaughtered, tens of thousands injured, and over five hundred thousand were displaced.  Today there are still nearly one hundred thousand people living in displacement camps from the last election.

Nakuru, where we live, was one of the epicenters of violence.  Some of the dearest people in the world to us were hunted down like animals because of their tribal identity.  Many lost all their earthly belongings, barely escaping with their lives.  

Through it all God was good, providing miracle after miracle, protecting the church, providing food, shelter and a new start when the violence ended.  Thousands all over the world prayed for us and the people of Kenya.  Through God’s people food, clothing, and medicine were provided for hundreds of people, until a new start in life could begin again.

Out of the ashes of destruction God matured a church, a people to go onward and forward for Him.  He called them out for a special task, sending them into some of the more difficult places in East and Central Africa (Congo, Burundi and Southern Sudan).  God only could turn such a terrible thing into such a wonderful thing.

We are not expecting the election to turn as violent as the last one but certainly the possibility exists.  Tension is high in some parts of the country.  Many are reverting back to their tribal identity, which often results in putting tribe above everything else.

We ask that you pray for us, the churches in Kenya, and all the Kenyan people. Please take some time over the next month and pray earnestly for peace during this election time.  We will be sure to keep you updated so that you can pray more effectively.

Also, I will be leaving in the morning for Congo and will be gone a little more than a week.  I will be doing some traveling within Congo, which is always a challenge.  Much of the area where I will be traveling is rebel controlled area.  They are not causing too much trouble at this time, but things have the potential to flare up quickly.

I will meet up with Pastor Oloo and Pastor Mike who are in Congo at this time.  Please pray for us and for our families, whom remain behind in Kenya.

I will plan to send an update on the Kenyan election and Congo trip when I return to Kenya.

Thursday, February 7, 2013

January- February 2013 Prayer Letter



BACK HOME
We arrived back in Kenya from our furlough with a smaller family.  With three of our children now in the states it has proved to be an adjustment but it is with much joy that we know each of our children are in God’s will and serving the Lord.  We are excited to see what God will do with each of them.  It was a time of rejoicing to get back in the routine of the ministry and see all of our many friends, pastors and churches.  It seems that we have been going nonstop, jumping from one ministry event to another since getting back.  It has been a real encouragement to work side by side with some many wonderful believers.

GRACE TO THE REGIONS BEYOND
Shortly after arriving back in Kenya I was able to make a trip to visit the works in Congo and Burundi.  After being away for six months it was a blessing to see the works continue on the road to maturity.  The opportunities seem endless in these two countries and we need wisdom in how to proceed in some areas.  I will be taking a more extended trip into Congo in early February.  The plans continue to take our first survey trip into Southern Sudan.  We are hoping to take this trip in late April or early May.  I will be accompanied by Pastor Oloo and Brother Peter Kosgei.  We will be sending Brother Kosgei and his family sometime next year as missionaries into this needy country.

MISSIONS CONFERENCE
We had our annual mission’s conference at the Grace Bible Baptist Church the first weekend of December.  The country of focus at this year’s conference was Southern Sudan.  This past year the people gave 355,562 Kenyan Shillings ($4500) to missions. Because of the great sacrifice in the missions giving, it has allowed the church to do the work of the Lord in many areas of Kenya and the Regions Beyond.  This year the church has committed to give 370,000KS to missions, and they are well on their way to meet this goal. 

KENYAN ELECTIONS
Kenya will be going to the ballot box on March 4th.  We ask that you urgently pray for peaceful elections.  You may recall during the last election Kenya erupted into violence that almost tore the country apart.  Kenya nearly went past the point of no return that would have forever changed it. We have already made the decision that we must be here during the election period.  We do not expect what happened last time to happen again but during elections in Africa, anything is possible.  There have already been some areas showing signs of great tension and we ask that you keep this a matter of great prayer.