The Kingdom Advances

This is the first of three posts today as there is much to share from the last 5 days. We have seen many setbacks in terms of things going wrong with the vehicle everyday and one day storms which hindered our progress but the kingdom is advancing regardless. Although some of our meetings did not go ahead we did enough to leave the people in each place with something from the word of God and each time people were touched deeply.........We visited a rural gathering in Kimakuni where there was an open air gathering of people representing a number of denominations. Despite the religious traditionalism that is popular here the people were more attentive than usual and were very keen to understand what I was saying and the message I shared was universally and enthusiastically received......We have been conducting meetings and an open air crusade in a village called Kimantuni. The response was overwhelming. Testimony after testimony was heard of how the word of God has challenged and caused people to see differently and many people have a fresh vision for the proclamation of the full gospel. People really feel this is a pivotal point in their lives. Before I came to Africa I sensed that these rural meetings would be where God would light a fire than would be carried through the whole region to set people on fire for Christ and his gospel. There is a fresh boldness and great desire to preach Christ to their neighbours. The congregation and gathering of leaders are in serious earnest about this message and the need to bring it to others........We held an open air crusade at the road junction leading to Kimantuni at a place called Chiluba. I shared the message on '7 things that everybody needs to know about Jesus' We prayed for the sick and there was one young lady with breathing problems and chest pain who had suffered for a long time. She testified of all pin going and complete healing of her long term problems. Numerous adults answered to call to repent and believe the gospel. We also had a large gathering of children at the front of the crowd watching so I felt it was important to address them. I explained the gospel simply to them trying not to miss anything out and emphasised what I was going to ask them to do so they understood this was a lifetime commitment. It didn't put them off in the least and there was an atmosphere and attitute of seriousness and around 30 of them asked Jesus for forgiveness, committed to turn from their sin and commit their lives to him. I'm guessing at 30 because it was impossible to count the many hands that went up to confirm that they had prayed this prayer out of a sincere heart.........One of the pastors with me said he was touched by this because many ministers ignore the children because they are seen as unimportant but I took them seriously. It is so good to hear an affirmation like that. My only concern is how can a church effectively follow up on such a large number of children so I prayed for them again that they would be filled with the Holy Spirit and that God would keep them and guide them. What is also good about seeing children come into the kingdom is that any of them will bring their parents to the church and they will be exposed to the gospel too. I believe God for the fire that has been lit at this junction to spread and increase...hallelujah!..........Friday saw us visit Luyekhe and at a small gathering of believers including leaders I preached again and the response was similar to Kimantuni. The rural campaign has gone well and the setbacks and limits have not stopped the kingdom advance. I look forward to hearing what happens in these areas in the near future. Please pray that what has been started here would not be contained or lost but would spread and touch the entire region........Mungu akubariki sana {God bless you richly}