THIS IS WHAT WE CAME FOR …

In one evening, it all disappears: the debilitating tiredness of waiting “all day” for things to happen, the weariness of nearly 9 hours on the road, the trauma of a car breakdown in the darkness of Zambian wilderness … ALL GONE.

This is the whole reason we’d come! But I rush ahead.

Morning hours are devoted to team training. Each minister of the Presbytery, the Synod Evangelism committee, the local pastor, singers from Presbytery, singers from Lusaka, counsellors, ushers, prayer intercessors and evangelists all gather together in the CCAP church for training. Such attentiveness as I “borrow” from Al Stewart’s presentation of “what is the Gospel?”

As I was talking I made a plan for the 2^nd session. I announced that we will split into two groups and that evangelist John (Steendam) and evangelist Sue would each lead a group through “Two Ways to Live” and then “Evangelising Children”. Great work John and Sue for a last minute decision. Good discussion followed.

By 5.30pm we gathered in a paddock (their sporting stadium) for the evening crusade. Here the choirs were singing and nearly 300 people had gathered for the event. And here the story unfolds … with power of the Spirit and with conviction I was able to preach the gospel of Christ. With all my energy and discernment I tried to please God with a clear presentation of his Gospel. It was my “old faithful” from John 10:11, the Good Shepherd.

Then, “cometh the hour, cometh the man” – John Steendam stands to preach the Gospel. And with fluency, conviction and with the Spirit’s power John preached like an experienced evangelist. How pleasing to see a man of God trying out new gifts for God in his 70s. Who says we’re too old for new ventures?

The Lord touched hearts this night. Amazing response. In the darkness about 80 people came forward to follow Christ or at least to seek spiritual help. We returned to our accommodation rejoicing. Praise God.