The meetings are going really well.
This week until Thursday {inclusive} I have been in Mombasa city itself preaching at the daily lunchtime meetings where Christians from a number of different groups are meetings. We have been going step by step through the Lord's prayer. The congregation are very receptive and the local pastors are very happy too. Just going through the material has stirred me as well and reminded me of the many things this entails when we call God 'our Father'. In around an hour from now I will be preaching on 'Hallowed be thy name'. When we get into the detail of these things we find that this is far more than a prayer. The scriptures have so much to say on these subjects. When you grasp the spirit of it the teaching become more than dry theological discourse and becomes something living and active and deeply impacts our everyday lives. {I'll move on before this blog post becomes another sermon, amen!}
The meetings at Mariakani are going very well as well. Tonight's message will be on 'Blessed are those that hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled.'
Thursday is a big day. It is the first in a four day series of open air meetings. The pastor has built a platform in the Town and has invited singers to minister. Mariakani is a predominantly Muslim town although there are plenty of churches there. This will be a change in direction for a number of reasons. Firstly the stuff I have been doing so far is teaching based for the churches. In an open air meeting it is much more evangelistic, direct and to the point. Also I will steer clear of overtly mentioning Islam. {They have a reputation for violence in this area against anyone criticising their religion}. For those of you who are praying for me you may find the following information helpful.
Prayer points for open air crusade in Mariakani {Thursday to Sunday}
# Pray for the words to speak and that they will come with the power and conviction of the Holy Spirit.
# Pray that the need for Faith in Christ and salvation would reach the hearts of Muslims and that God would draw them in.
# Pray for wisdom and God's covering protection over us.
# Pray for a manifestation of God's kingdom. We are going to offer to pray for the sick, those oppressed by evil spirits, Those in poverty in need of employment.
When people hear that there is a preacher praying for these things people often tell others and there are more that come the next night. We really need people to pray that God would touch these people.
# Pray against every demonic strategy that would seek to hinder the work of God. {I cannot stress how important this is}
We are believing God for a miraculous time. For conversions, healings, deliverance and for great favour with the people. Pray that God would make a clear way for us to minister without hinderences or interruption. {The power supply is not always reliable here. We have obtained a licence from the authorities to do what we are doing on the streets but there are some that still set up a p.a without a licence and some of these groups can be a distraction. pray that there would be no such problems.}
Mungu Akubariki {God bless you}
Wednesday, 20 April 2011
Monday, 18 April 2011
A word for intercessors.
One of the men of the old testament who was a military leader responsible for the defence of his country prayed 'Lord, teach my hands to war' These are the words that came to me as I was praying for the group of intercessors that have committed themselves to pray for me and the mission daily while I am over here.
Paul the apostle states that "we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers....against spiritual wickedness in high places." I felt God wanted me to share this word with the intercessors. God wants to teach us how to do battle spiritually in prayer but first we have to ask for his help. We don't always know what to or how to pray but God can teach us. I want to encourage you to ask God to 'teach my hands how to war' spiritually speking. The spiritual challenges here in Mombasa are significant but through Christ we can overcome all.
Be assured that I take time to pray for you all as you stand in prayer for me.
God bless you...steve
Paul the apostle states that "we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers....against spiritual wickedness in high places." I felt God wanted me to share this word with the intercessors. God wants to teach us how to do battle spiritually in prayer but first we have to ask for his help. We don't always know what to or how to pray but God can teach us. I want to encourage you to ask God to 'teach my hands how to war' spiritually speking. The spiritual challenges here in Mombasa are significant but through Christ we can overcome all.
Be assured that I take time to pray for you all as you stand in prayer for me.
God bless you...steve
First message from Mombasa
'Habari' Greetings from Mombasa.
Things have started well. We actually flew into Nairobi early and I got into Mombasa airport a little after middday on Saturday. After that I slept for most of the time until Sunday morning.
On Sunday the Jubilation Ministries church in Mariakani had two services and I had the opportunity to preach on the opening verses of the Beatitudes including the words 'Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of God'. It is a lively vibrant church and many of the people there are converts from the last three years so there is good growth. I've also got some film footage of the service.
From today through to Thursday I will be in Mombasa city itself to teach at the lunchtime meetings which last for just under an hour and start at 12:30p.m {or 10:30a.m U.K time}. We will be looking at the Lord's prayer.
For today, tomorrow and Wednesday we will be meeting in the church at Mariakani for another meeting at 4:00p.m {2:00p.m U.K time} continuing the series on the Beatitudes.{Matthew chapter 5 verses 1-10}
The first messages have been well recieved and it is reaaly good to get into the subject of the new covenant Jesus came to bring and how it is in so many ways superior to the law of Moses. The opening word alone of Jesus message is worth looking at. 'Blessed' means fulfillment and heavenly joy and satisfaction regardless of outward circumstances. It rises far above the blessing Moses proclaimed which was to do with outward blessing. Also the blessing contained within the law of Moses was to do with obedience ie : keep the commandments and you will be blessed. he new covenant simply declares that we are blessed. It is to do with who we are in Christ.
On Thursday through to Sunday we begin our open air Gospel Crusade in Mariakani which will begin at the same time as our meetings in the Mariakani church had begun. The Friday open air Gospel crusdae will be a special 'easter' event with communion and an easter message.
prayer points : # Pray that the church would be strengthed by the word of God.
# pray for the open air crusades. For genuine conversions, miracles and God to be glorified.
next week:
We will be visiting a number of different churches. Please pray for each of them especially as I will only be seing them once and I hope that much good will come from the meetings.
Monday 25th ; Komani church
Tuesday 26th ; Mavirivirini {bonus points if you can pronounce it correctly the first time around!}
Wednesday ; Jomuy church
Thursday onwards : series of meetings at Maweni in Mombasa slum area.
God bless you...steve
Things have started well. We actually flew into Nairobi early and I got into Mombasa airport a little after middday on Saturday. After that I slept for most of the time until Sunday morning.
On Sunday the Jubilation Ministries church in Mariakani had two services and I had the opportunity to preach on the opening verses of the Beatitudes including the words 'Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of God'. It is a lively vibrant church and many of the people there are converts from the last three years so there is good growth. I've also got some film footage of the service.
From today through to Thursday I will be in Mombasa city itself to teach at the lunchtime meetings which last for just under an hour and start at 12:30p.m {or 10:30a.m U.K time}. We will be looking at the Lord's prayer.
For today, tomorrow and Wednesday we will be meeting in the church at Mariakani for another meeting at 4:00p.m {2:00p.m U.K time} continuing the series on the Beatitudes.{Matthew chapter 5 verses 1-10}
The first messages have been well recieved and it is reaaly good to get into the subject of the new covenant Jesus came to bring and how it is in so many ways superior to the law of Moses. The opening word alone of Jesus message is worth looking at. 'Blessed' means fulfillment and heavenly joy and satisfaction regardless of outward circumstances. It rises far above the blessing Moses proclaimed which was to do with outward blessing. Also the blessing contained within the law of Moses was to do with obedience ie : keep the commandments and you will be blessed. he new covenant simply declares that we are blessed. It is to do with who we are in Christ.
On Thursday through to Sunday we begin our open air Gospel Crusade in Mariakani which will begin at the same time as our meetings in the Mariakani church had begun. The Friday open air Gospel crusdae will be a special 'easter' event with communion and an easter message.
prayer points : # Pray that the church would be strengthed by the word of God.
# pray for the open air crusades. For genuine conversions, miracles and God to be glorified.
next week:
We will be visiting a number of different churches. Please pray for each of them especially as I will only be seing them once and I hope that much good will come from the meetings.
Monday 25th ; Komani church
Tuesday 26th ; Mavirivirini {bonus points if you can pronounce it correctly the first time around!}
Wednesday ; Jomuy church
Thursday onwards : series of meetings at Maweni in Mombasa slum area.
God bless you...steve
Thursday, 14 April 2011
God's favour / Prayer points
Around 24 hours to go before I fly out. It was good to be at the church prayer meeting last night especially as people prayed for me and the trip.
Each time I have been to this country I have seen God's favour and this time is no different. When I planned what I needed for this trip I realised I would need God's help. I calculated how much I could reasonably save and estimated how much I would need to earn in overtime along with praying that a certain amount would come in donations.
The overtime I get from my workplace is sporadic so I prayed and from that point there was plenty of overtime available. What made it all the more remarkable was when there was nothing available for anyone else and I was still asked to come in on a Saturday. {It was like they were finding things for me to do!}. The amount I needed to earn this way came in faster than I estimated. I've also had enough in donations to comfortably cover expenses. It was not as much as I had originally planned for but with other costs going down and the extra money coming in through overtime work it has turned out to be just right. God knows what He is doing.
My only remaining concern was over this final week of work {I fly out on Friday evening on an overnight flight}. All the extra work leaves me tired and I could really do with an easier schedule at work this week. Again no problem. Last week my supervisor came to me and told me....That's it! No more overtime. We have no more available......So all the extra work came in just as I needed it and as all costs were covered and I needed a break from overtime before I fly out it suddenly stops. There are coincidences and there are 'God-incidences'. Praise God, I am already excited about what is going to happen on this trip and my level of faith and expectation is rising.
POINTS FOR PRAYER # Pray that the journeys would go without any problems.
# Pray also that I would get rid of a cold I have had for the past week.
# Pray regarding my plans to go to Romania later this year {I know, I know. I'm not even on the plane yet and I'm thinking about the next trip but when I was there last summer it was very much on my heart to return and to one place in particular.} Pray for God's guidance and favour in His purposes.
God bless you...steve
Each time I have been to this country I have seen God's favour and this time is no different. When I planned what I needed for this trip I realised I would need God's help. I calculated how much I could reasonably save and estimated how much I would need to earn in overtime along with praying that a certain amount would come in donations.
The overtime I get from my workplace is sporadic so I prayed and from that point there was plenty of overtime available. What made it all the more remarkable was when there was nothing available for anyone else and I was still asked to come in on a Saturday. {It was like they were finding things for me to do!}. The amount I needed to earn this way came in faster than I estimated. I've also had enough in donations to comfortably cover expenses. It was not as much as I had originally planned for but with other costs going down and the extra money coming in through overtime work it has turned out to be just right. God knows what He is doing.
My only remaining concern was over this final week of work {I fly out on Friday evening on an overnight flight}. All the extra work leaves me tired and I could really do with an easier schedule at work this week. Again no problem. Last week my supervisor came to me and told me....That's it! No more overtime. We have no more available......So all the extra work came in just as I needed it and as all costs were covered and I needed a break from overtime before I fly out it suddenly stops. There are coincidences and there are 'God-incidences'. Praise God, I am already excited about what is going to happen on this trip and my level of faith and expectation is rising.
POINTS FOR PRAYER # Pray that the journeys would go without any problems.
# Pray also that I would get rid of a cold I have had for the past week.
# Pray regarding my plans to go to Romania later this year {I know, I know. I'm not even on the plane yet and I'm thinking about the next trip but when I was there last summer it was very much on my heart to return and to one place in particular.} Pray for God's guidance and favour in His purposes.
God bless you...steve
Wednesday, 6 April 2011
INTERCESSORS GUIDE
INTRO...
Hi. This guide is especially for those who can't get onto the online guide I advertised by facebook and hotmail earlier. Here you will find all the prayer details you need.
WHO I'M WORKING WITH...
During my time in Kenya I will be working with 'Jubilation Ministries' which is headed by Bishop Samuel Kazungu. His ministry is based in Mombasa and he has some other churches planted in the region which I will also be visiting and ministering at.
TIMELINE....
Friday evening 15th April - fly out from uk
saturday 16th - catch domestic flight from Nairobi to Mombasa
Sunday 17th - Begin ministry at Bishop Samuel's church
monday 18th to friday 22nd - Lunch hour meetings at Mombasa city church daily at 12:30pm Kenyan time
Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th - Three day gospel crusade at MARIAKENI
During 2nd week - Crusade at Mombasa MAWENI slum area for 4 days
During 3rd week - Crusade at UKUNDA for 4 days and morning seminars {including prayer ministry for the sick}
Saturday 7th May - Fly back to Nairobi to catch late night flight back to uk.
Early Sunday morning - Arrive back in the u.k {Who knows. You might even see me at the morning service at M.P!}
The gospel crusades will include preaching, teaching and prayer ministry. The timeline and events are subject to a degree of adaptation. Africans are a lot more relaxed about schedules than we are. I will endeavour to keep you updated with changed via this blog.
THE CHURCHES...
All of the churches I am working with are part of Jubilation Ministries. They are Pentecostal churches with an emphasis on spiritual gifts {prophecy, healing ect}. There is a strong emphasis on a personal encounter and empowering with the Holy Spirit. The churches also place a strong emphasis on revival, the message of grace and getting that message out to others. All of the churches {Mariakeni, Maweni and Ukunda} are in or close to Mombasa on the coast of Kenya.
SPIRITUAL CLIMATE/CHALLENGES
The regions churches are surrounded by African traditional practices and religion. Islam is also the most popular religious grouping in the area. Their is much poverty in the region with connected social problems. Mombasa is a tourist destination with a thriving prostitution industry and a sky high H.I.V infection count. Mombasa used to be a thriving port city but is in long term decline. There is a clear spiritual hunger among the people which cuts right across the religious and social spectrum and there is a tendency to respond earnestly to the message of the gospel. However, Muslim converts are often fearful of violent reprisals, being thrown out of the family home and even death if their conversion became known. There is, therefore, considerable difficulty in many of them living openly as Christians and attending a church yet they still respond to the call of the gospel.
Churches in Mombasa have a reputation of standing together and working together. Noise pollution regulations have made street outreach difficult yet in Mombasa churches have found favour with the authorities on the issue.
GENERAL PRAYER POINTS...
Firstly, don't forget to pray for yourselves and the other intercessors. God is able to inspire you to pray the right thing at the right time. Pray for sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. I also encourage you to be open to any leading or prompting of God at any time. God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than we ask or think. I will remember you all in prayer as well.
Some useful things to pray for.
# For all arrangements to go to plan prior to and during the mission. {and if they don't, that it will be a 'divine' diversion}
# For all financial needs to be met. {God has already shown favour in this area}
# For God's covering and protection both physically and spiritually, for travelling mercies and blessings of health for all involved in the mission.
# For a clear awareness of God will and leading throughout.
# For the word of God to go forth unhindered and for it to bear much fruit that abides in the hearts of the hearers.
# For divine inspiration in preparation. Pray that the words to speak as I preach and teach and minister at altar calls. {I believe God has already prompted me to major on the Beatitudes as the main subject of the meetings} Pray that people would connect with the message and would experience the life of Christ in a personal way}
# For an anointing upon myself and all who minister with me. Pray for the operation of spiritual gifts so that the church would be edified and built up in the faith. Pray particularly for healing gifts, words of wisdom, knowledge, discerning of spirits ect {1 Corinthians ch 12+14}
# Pray for a supernatural favour with everyone I meet and minister to. Pray for clear communication and God's hand upon the interpreters.
# For God's 'shalom' peace and His grace upon us. For unity among us and that we would work together well.
# Pray for a release of faith among the people to believe God for all He wants to achieve.
# Pray for a plenteous harvest of souls. {If the fields are white unto harvest anywhere it is in Mombasa}
# For the bringing down of strongholds of witchcraft, occult spirits, spirits of false religion, Antichrist, and every evil thing. Pray that God would break the yoke of bondage from all who are oppressed and blinded by the enemy. Pray that people would get a revelation of the gospel, our liberty in Christ, His power to save and deliver.
# and finally {and most importantly} that in all things, in thoughts, in words and deeds, my work and this mission would be to the glory of God.
As I conclude, I just want to thank all of those people reading that have committed themselves to standing with me in prayer. I believe this is the specific time God wanted me to come to Kenya and that there are specific things He wants me to do. May you know God's favour, inspiration, blessing and strength and you stand for His kingdom.
With love in Christ Jesus...Steve Johnson
Hi. This guide is especially for those who can't get onto the online guide I advertised by facebook and hotmail earlier. Here you will find all the prayer details you need.
WHO I'M WORKING WITH...
During my time in Kenya I will be working with 'Jubilation Ministries' which is headed by Bishop Samuel Kazungu. His ministry is based in Mombasa and he has some other churches planted in the region which I will also be visiting and ministering at.
TIMELINE....
Friday evening 15th April - fly out from uk
saturday 16th - catch domestic flight from Nairobi to Mombasa
Sunday 17th - Begin ministry at Bishop Samuel's church
monday 18th to friday 22nd - Lunch hour meetings at Mombasa city church daily at 12:30pm Kenyan time
Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th - Three day gospel crusade at MARIAKENI
During 2nd week - Crusade at Mombasa MAWENI slum area for 4 days
During 3rd week - Crusade at UKUNDA for 4 days and morning seminars {including prayer ministry for the sick}
Saturday 7th May - Fly back to Nairobi to catch late night flight back to uk.
Early Sunday morning - Arrive back in the u.k {Who knows. You might even see me at the morning service at M.P!}
The gospel crusades will include preaching, teaching and prayer ministry. The timeline and events are subject to a degree of adaptation. Africans are a lot more relaxed about schedules than we are. I will endeavour to keep you updated with changed via this blog.
THE CHURCHES...
All of the churches I am working with are part of Jubilation Ministries. They are Pentecostal churches with an emphasis on spiritual gifts {prophecy, healing ect}. There is a strong emphasis on a personal encounter and empowering with the Holy Spirit. The churches also place a strong emphasis on revival, the message of grace and getting that message out to others. All of the churches {Mariakeni, Maweni and Ukunda} are in or close to Mombasa on the coast of Kenya.
SPIRITUAL CLIMATE/CHALLENGES
The regions churches are surrounded by African traditional practices and religion. Islam is also the most popular religious grouping in the area. Their is much poverty in the region with connected social problems. Mombasa is a tourist destination with a thriving prostitution industry and a sky high H.I.V infection count. Mombasa used to be a thriving port city but is in long term decline. There is a clear spiritual hunger among the people which cuts right across the religious and social spectrum and there is a tendency to respond earnestly to the message of the gospel. However, Muslim converts are often fearful of violent reprisals, being thrown out of the family home and even death if their conversion became known. There is, therefore, considerable difficulty in many of them living openly as Christians and attending a church yet they still respond to the call of the gospel.
Churches in Mombasa have a reputation of standing together and working together. Noise pollution regulations have made street outreach difficult yet in Mombasa churches have found favour with the authorities on the issue.
GENERAL PRAYER POINTS...
Firstly, don't forget to pray for yourselves and the other intercessors. God is able to inspire you to pray the right thing at the right time. Pray for sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. I also encourage you to be open to any leading or prompting of God at any time. God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than we ask or think. I will remember you all in prayer as well.
Some useful things to pray for.
# For all arrangements to go to plan prior to and during the mission. {and if they don't, that it will be a 'divine' diversion}
# For all financial needs to be met. {God has already shown favour in this area}
# For God's covering and protection both physically and spiritually, for travelling mercies and blessings of health for all involved in the mission.
# For a clear awareness of God will and leading throughout.
# For the word of God to go forth unhindered and for it to bear much fruit that abides in the hearts of the hearers.
# For divine inspiration in preparation. Pray that the words to speak as I preach and teach and minister at altar calls. {I believe God has already prompted me to major on the Beatitudes as the main subject of the meetings} Pray that people would connect with the message and would experience the life of Christ in a personal way}
# For an anointing upon myself and all who minister with me. Pray for the operation of spiritual gifts so that the church would be edified and built up in the faith. Pray particularly for healing gifts, words of wisdom, knowledge, discerning of spirits ect {1 Corinthians ch 12+14}
# Pray for a supernatural favour with everyone I meet and minister to. Pray for clear communication and God's hand upon the interpreters.
# For God's 'shalom' peace and His grace upon us. For unity among us and that we would work together well.
# Pray for a release of faith among the people to believe God for all He wants to achieve.
# Pray for a plenteous harvest of souls. {If the fields are white unto harvest anywhere it is in Mombasa}
# For the bringing down of strongholds of witchcraft, occult spirits, spirits of false religion, Antichrist, and every evil thing. Pray that God would break the yoke of bondage from all who are oppressed and blinded by the enemy. Pray that people would get a revelation of the gospel, our liberty in Christ, His power to save and deliver.
# and finally {and most importantly} that in all things, in thoughts, in words and deeds, my work and this mission would be to the glory of God.
As I conclude, I just want to thank all of those people reading that have committed themselves to standing with me in prayer. I believe this is the specific time God wanted me to come to Kenya and that there are specific things He wants me to do. May you know God's favour, inspiration, blessing and strength and you stand for His kingdom.
With love in Christ Jesus...Steve Johnson
Monday, 4 April 2011
Intercessors
The first time I flew out to Kenya I had several people promising to support me daily in prayer. The second time was closer to 20 and this time the figure is well over 30. Praise God!
I picked up my passport today with the visa approved. {a formality but exciting nonetheless} and I've booked my flight tickets. The only downside is that the price went up £40 on last night when I checked it. It's still below what I originally thought I'd have to pay and I've found a much cheaper airline for the internal flight from Nairobi to Mombasa.
On a related note I saw that if I bought my main flight ticket from 'Egypt air' I could have saved £140! I have a sneeking suspicion that this is because no man in his right mind would touch Egypt air right now given the situation in the country and in neighbouring Libya! Tempting but I'd rather not take the risk.
11 days to go!!!!!
regards...steve
I picked up my passport today with the visa approved. {a formality but exciting nonetheless} and I've booked my flight tickets. The only downside is that the price went up £40 on last night when I checked it. It's still below what I originally thought I'd have to pay and I've found a much cheaper airline for the internal flight from Nairobi to Mombasa.
On a related note I saw that if I bought my main flight ticket from 'Egypt air' I could have saved £140! I have a sneeking suspicion that this is because no man in his right mind would touch Egypt air right now given the situation in the country and in neighbouring Libya! Tempting but I'd rather not take the risk.
11 days to go!!!!!
regards...steve
Saturday, 2 April 2011
Intercession
During my past two visits there have been people back home praying for me while I have been in Kenya. There can be no doubt that prayer makes a powerful difference. While we know that it is the hand of God that works and does the things man cannot do we also know that God commands us to pray and that there are many things that God will only do in response to prayer. In that sense, prayer moves the hand of God. This teaches us to trust and rely on Him
Below is a link to an intercessors guide which I typed up for this mission trip. If you would like to pray daily for me while the mission is going on then put this link into your address bar at the top of your screen. {I'm hoping it works!}
"The fervent effectual prayers of a righteous man avail much"
https://cid-6a472012a6bed445.office.live.com/view.aspx/mombasa%202011.docx?Bsrc=Docmail&Bpub=SDX.Docs
Below is a link to an intercessors guide which I typed up for this mission trip. If you would like to pray daily for me while the mission is going on then put this link into your address bar at the top of your screen. {I'm hoping it works!}
"The fervent effectual prayers of a righteous man avail much"
https://cid-6a472012a6bed445.office.live.com/view.aspx/mombasa%202011.docx?Bsrc=Docmail&Bpub=SDX.Docs
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)