Thanks so much for praying for Pastor George Bunnell and I while we led a crusade and pastor's seminar in Nigeria, Africa. We are thankful for the fruit we saw in so many areas. Africans truly know how to celebrate!
Even though our crusade was intentionally in one of the poorest neighborhoods of Ibidan, the people willingly worshipped the Lord through dynamic praise, dance and whole-hearted expressions of thanksgiving! Watch>
When we prayed for the fire of the Holy Spirit to fall on the pastor's seminar, I witnessed a mighty and lengthy outpouring of praise and worship from people who were hungry to receive from the Lord! One of the highlights was when we trained with the ONE-MINUTE WITNESS faith-sharing tool. The pastors who attended the seminar were so excited to learn how to share their faith with this evangelism tool. Then we all went out into the Muslim-dominated streets of Ibidan two-by-two. They returned rejoicing and happy that they had learned a new way to share their own testimony with anyone. Watch>
Many people testified of healings and deliverance. We successfully planted much seed in this neighborhood that had never hosted a Christian crusade of this size. Strangely enough, I appreciate your prayers more now that I am home. Having just returned from our mission to Nigeria, West Africa, I realize again why Jesus OFTEN got alone to pray. Nigeria is filled with many expressions of RELIGION, but fewer know what it is to have a RELATIONSHIP with Christ. Corruption is common and many have lost hope of ever earning more than a couple bucks per day.
In the area we were working was comprised mostly Muslim, animists (tree and rock worshippers), and white robe Christians (those who believe in polygamy and incense), with a smaller group of born-again Christians who are truly in love with Jesus. If Jesus 'felt' all our feelings, I understand how He thought it necessary to OFTEN withdraw to be alone to pray.
If you and I are going to be "in the world but not of it," we NEED to get alone with our God OFTEN and let Him pour His culture of love, acceptance and security into our lives. Without His refreshing, we will surely burn out. But in His presence, we will learn how to dance in every circumstance!
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Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
