Awakening to a Calling

I was delighted to wake up realising I had slept through the night after successfully keeping myself up till to nine thirty the night before to try my best to adjust to the time zone. That did mean being awake already at six when I could've slept a bit longer, but I still felt rested. Still a bit strange eating breakfast at around 3am for my body's internal clock, but the service and people have been so lovely here. I'm already in love with this country! The warmth and friendliness feels like a bit of a taste of the culture I miss from South Africa when I'm not there.

This trip has already been such a testimony to what God is stirring in even just my life. For me especially it was special to have one of our layovers be in Hong Kong, as my first ever missions trip had been there when I'd been only six months with parents back in the YWAM days. I'm a person who appreciates symbols and this for me was significant, as I came to cross it on my first missions trip now as an "adult" (the quotations are being used, because I still feel like a child with much to learn - but I serve a God who enables me). I just last week received a word that Jesus would enable me to roar powerfully like a lion and passionately share His love. 

We leave to Butuan airport in around 30 minutes, and I cannot wait to see this all come to be - after buying some good coffee though, I'm in need. 

Kingdom Influence

 Image courtesy of Lemonade at freedigitalphotos.net

Glory to God!

From the 6 - 19 August, Kingdom Life Frankfurt will be taking a team of 6 people to visit Kingdom Life Butuan. We are looking forward to spending time with our daughter church and being part of their weekly activities over the 2 weeks. We are also planning various events that will be part of influencing and equipping the Church in Butuan with the essence of the Kingdom to further God's realm in the Philippines as it is in heaven! We are expecting spiritual breakthrough, signs and wonders and a brilliant time seeing people saved, healed and set free. We are especially looking forward to spending time with our church family in Butuan and making new friends and deepening the relationship between KLF and KLB! God's Kingdom influence is spreading! Hallelujah!

“The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.” Matthew 13:33

KLB on Face Book

For more information on what is happening at Kingdom Life Butuan, please click here:

Apostolic Ministry

Yesterday the day began very early indeed! I was invited to speak from 6am - 7am at a local radio station that reaches the entire Philippines. I spoke about the reality of the Kingdom of God and shared the Good News with the people of the Philippines. It was a challenge to basically speak for 60 minutes with only a few breaks but it was an amazing opportunity to proclaim the truth to the nations!

After a short breakfast we made our way to KLB's Sunday meeting. The room was filled with people and there was a real buzz. The worship team had clearly taken hold of the principles we taught them the day before and very soon we were entering the presence of God. It was wonderful to witness how these young worshippers have taken hold of the essence and are now running with it. Frances shared a powerful message on the call of God and how noone is disqualified. It was a joy to be part of this dynamic new church family and we are excited to see how God will continue to bless and work through KLB to transform Butuan. One visiting lady said it was wonderful to experience the presence of God like that again after so many years.

We then had a scrumptious lunch together (with avocado shake, calamari, kinilaw, stir-fried beef, aubergine) and then made our way to pastor Berwyn's church in Cabadbaran - Mabini Christian Fellowship, where I shared on Proverbs 16:15 about the favour of God. It was very special to see the many children again and to see how they have grown and matured. After the service we made our way back to Butuan and stopped for some fresh Durian on the way. Durian is very smelly but tastes amazing. In the evening we had our "Abschluss" dinner with Berwyn, Julius, Roszel and Jasfer (an amazingly talented young drummer). It was a long day and after rolling home from Robinson's (the new shopping mall) to Dotties hotel, because of all the food we had, we hit the sack and were out for the count.

This morning we had to pack and check out of our hotel and enjoyed our last coffee with Julius, Roszel, Jasfer, Yrah Lee and Jonkris. Berwyn and Liberty and the kids then joined us and we made our way to the airport where they saw us off.

We have arrived safely in Manila and enjoyed checking out the Mall of Asia. Tomorrow we will spend time with our good friend, Mark who was part of KLF for a  year when he was in Frankfurt. Mark does sign language for the deaf and tomorrow we will visit his school where I will be ministering to some deaf students. We will probably be visiting Mark's family in the evening. Our return flight via Hong Kong is on Wednesday evening.

It has been an amazing 10 days here in the Philippines. I praise God for the wonderful things we were privileged to witness as He touched the lives of so many people. We really feel that we were able to fulfill the apostolic ministry of teaching, imparting, equipping, training and helping KLB to create Kingdom culture as they remain uncompromising in essence but flexible in form. We give God all the glory for the wonderful things He is doing and will do! We are looking forward to visiting next year again, hopefully with a small team.

Transformation

On Thursday afternoon we had another planning meeting with Julius and Roszel after which we went to KLB together to celebrate Julius' birthday. It was a lot of fun as we shared food together and honoured Julius on his special day. One of the highlights was a whole pig, what they call a Lechon. It was devoured within minutes!

Yesterday we had a leisurely morning before making our way to the Butuan orphanage that has been relocated until the present orphanage building in Butuan has been renovated. The interim building is a deserted and basically unfinished building where the children have a roof over their heads, and that is about it! It is a building site and the conditions are disgraceful. The orphanage building that is being renovated isn't much better and part of  KLB's vision is to eventually be able to build a home for abandoned children and orphans so that they can live in a safe environment and be fed and educated to give them a hope and a future. It simply breaks one's heart to see abandoned children and infants! I played a fun game with them that I taught them and for a moment I think they could escape their circumstances and have fun together. After a short word of encouragement we had food for them that KLB had prepared in the morning. It was an emotional visit but I praise God that He is the God of all comfort who comforts widows and orphans.

In the evening KLB had their first ever city outreach and set up a stage with sound and light systems to rock Butuan. The worship team did a fantastic job releasing the rhythm of heaven over Butuan and I shared the Gospel of the Kingdom with the many people that stood around the city centre square. We invited people for prayer to be touched by Jesus and many responded to the call. It was very exciting to see people being touched by God's Spirit. Some testified to feeling God's presence in the area of their bodies that were sick and a couple of people fell over under God's power. All this happenend in the centre of Butuan as many young KLB guys, dressed in their blue KLB T-shirts could be seen mingling with the observers and participants. Jesus' name was being made famous and KLB is building His reputation in Butuan! Hallelujah!

This morning was spent with the worship team and Frances and I taught them some of the basic principles of how we lead worship and why we do what we do. After a couple of hours of teaching, we spent some time practising entering God's presence together. These guys are hungry for God and fast learners. It was not long before we had entered God's presence together and God made His presence known. We are excited to see where KLB will take the principles we have shown them further as they develop their own expression and form of the essence of worship.

I praise God for the transformation that is already taking place as people are being touched one by one with God's presence and love. As KLB gets hold of the essence of the Kingdom we will see a steady transformation in the lives of the people here. Hallelujah!

This afternoon Frances will have a session with the young women of the church and this evening we will be teaching the church about Life Groups, their purpose and function within the church. I wonder what I will do with my free afternoon...Bo's or Robinsons? Maybe I can find some more strange things they sell here...

Building Kingdom Culture

On Tuesday evening we spent time with KLB's core group, teaching them the essence of what it means to live the kingdom life. It was wonderful to see how the truth was setting them free as they received spiritual revelation of their identity in Christ. Having come from a more traditional background that still teaches progressive sanctification and essentially salvation by works, we showed them that we are sanctified the moment we are joined to Christ because we are joined to the Holy One who is our Righteousness. It was an amazing time as we literally witnessed veils being lifted off their eyes. Hallelujah!

Yesterday we spent the morning and afternoon with the core group and continued to teach them the essential values of Kingdom Life that form Kingdom culture, which are:

Belong - Faith - Alignment
Relationship - Love - Purpose
Identity - In Christ - Union
Devotion - Worship - Service
Expectation - Hope - Kingdom

In the afternoon, after treating everyone to a Bo's coffee, we taught the group how to minister in the Spirit, showing them how to pray for people in such a way as to make room for the Spirit to do His work and colabouring with Him. It was a powerful time as God ministered to each of them as we demonstrated how to pray for others.

We then had a couple hours break before we went to visit pastor Jonathan's church in the evening. As part of their weekly prayer meeting, we were invited to minister to them. During the worship I received a prophetic word for the people and shared
a message about how God sees us and that we must learn to live for the audience of One. The Lord's presence was tangible and many were deeply ministered to during the sermon. It was a very special evening and I praise God for speaking right to the core of the needs of the people. God truly sees us and knows what we need.

The Kingdom is near

Yesterday morning we visited pastor Zabala's church about an hour's drive away from Butuan in quite a remote area where the vegetation is much denser and the housing even more basic. We love visiting this church because of the anointing upon the worship. Young and old sing with their whole hearts and the heavens seem to be open when they worship. The worship leader, Gideon has a voice of an angel and because of the anointing, young singers and musicians are drawn to this church. The girl with the beanie (in the picture on the right), called Isabel, also sang and we were simply amazed at what was coming out of her mouth. She lives in a very remote area and is part of the local tribal people. Frances and I shared a message on the reality of the Kingdom which God proved with touching the people with His presence. It was wonderful! After the meeting we had lunch together. It seems we are having lunch earlier and earlier each day. We got to taste some Jack-Fruit which tastes a bit like a mixture between pineapple and banana. On our way back to Butuan I spotted a Filipino recycling station.















In the afternoon we went to Butuan's favourite new shopping mall that is completely air-conditioned, where we enjoyed a coffee together with Julius, Roszel, Berwyn and Liberty. At the coffee place we met another pastor with whom I chatted and was able to encourage with a prophetic word. It was a divine appointment and we all left very much filled in our spirits.

In the evening we were invited to Julius and Roszel's new home and Aaron, Julius' brother cooked for us. It was a wonderful evening and a joy to see Yrah-Lee and Jonkris (Julius and Roszel's beautiful children). It was another special day and such a joy to see people encounter God as we share His love and encouragement with them.

This morning we went to the local rubbish dump where many poor families live in make-shift houses. In the middle of the dump is a little school building where little 3 and 4-year olds go to school. We visited the school and I told these little gems the story of the little boy with a lunch box filled with 3 pieces of bread, 5 pieces of fish and rice who came upon a man speaking to thousands of people on the mountainside and how God multiplied the little boy's lunch. It was a lot of fun and the little gems listened attentively. It is such a joy to share the reality of God with these people and to see the joy of hope shine on their faces as they listen to the good news.

After our visit we went to Bo's where we had a planning meeting with Julius, Roszel and Berwyn to discuss the next steps of our work together and future planning. It was a very exciting meeting and all of us sense God's hand upon what we are doing and plan to do in the future! This evening we have our second session with the core leadership team of KLB.

We are so excited about furthering God's Kingdom here and our prayer is that many will catch the vision so we can pour even more resources into this fertile and fruitful area of ministry.

"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Luke 12:32-34

KLB Inauguration

The alarm went off at 5:20am so I could have a quick, quiet shower before being picked up to go to the radio station for the 6:00am live stream. Berwyn and Julius took me and we got to the radio station punctually and waited for the announcer to arrive. He finally pitched up at 5:59am just in time to enter his cubicle and speak directly into the microphone. He said two sentences and there was a power cut. Change of plan. No radio broadcast and I hadn't had my coffee! Grace abounds. We made our way back to our hotel and I invited them for breakfast. After spending a bit of time with the radio producer, we made our way to Bo's until it was time to go to Kingdom Life Butuan for their Sunday meeting and the special inauguration ceremony.

The room was packed and because of the power cut that then lastet until evening, we couldn't use any electrical equipment for the worship and speaking. We proceeded anyway and there was great joy in the house. It was a very special time as the children sang for us and we ordained Roszel and confirmed Julius as the senior leaders of KLB. I then shared a message from Isaiah 61 as a prophetic word for KLB that God has planted them as oaks of righteousness for the display of His splendour. We then shared communion together and blessed the church.

After a yummy lunch we went with Julius, Roszel, Berwyn,Liberty and the kids to try the traditional Halo-Halo, a dessert that is basically a mixture of different things. Ours had sweet corn, coconut, ice cream and other interesting-tasting ingredients. It was delicious. After saying bye-bye to the Halo-Halo, we made our way back to the hotel with Berwyn, Liberty and the kids so that they could swim in the pool for he afternoon.

In the evening we attended KLB's first youth meeting and over 60 young people came. We spent some time in worship and then I was asked to share a message. I spoke on God's calling a generation of radical worshippers and urged the young people to follow God wholeheartedly. God's presence was wonderful and the Holy Spirit was clearly stirring hearts into flame. It was a powerful evening and I am excited to see what God will do through those who submit to His call.

As we are finishing off for the day, we are enjoying some of this delicious, exotic fruit. I have forgotten what it is called. It tastes amazing.

Thank you Lord for another amazing day and for the lives you are impacting and will impact through KLB!

"They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for he display of His splendour." Isaiah 61:3

Ministers of Hope

Well, we have finally arrived. After leaving Frankfurt on Tuesday morning and spending a day in Hong Kong, arriving in Manila at 1:20am and catching our flight to Butuan at 12:00pm today, we finally arrived in Butuan and were warmly received by Berwyn, Julius, Roszel and Aaron (Julius' brother).

It is quite humid and hot here. After a welcome lunch, we headed to our hotel and rested a bit. In the evening we had our first activity with KLB. A group of young people gathered to prepare for their weekly outreach activity where they go to a local area to minister to the street kids and give them some food to eat. They share the Gospel with them and 6 or more young leaders then take a small group of kids to speak to them and find out more about them. They then pray with the children. It was wonderful to see the joy on the street children's faces and to hear the testimonies of how the leaders were moved with compassion for these needy children. Frances, Berwyn and I sat in McDonalds and while we were there a group of 6 young men joined our table. I struck a convesation wth them and began to ask them about their future. I was propmpted by the Holy Spirit to speak hope and a future into their lives and they became more and more intrigued and their faces lit up. God was giving them hope and He was showing them that their future is only secure in Him. It was a wonderful opportunity to share the assurance of the hope we have. I am pretty sure they will be at the KLB service on Sunday to which I invited them.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

Ordination of Pastor Julius

On Sunday (4 May 2014) pastors Richard and Frances Morschel, together with bishop Sony Okpekpe,ordained Julius Regala as pastor of Kingdom Life Butuan. You can listen to the ordination here.

Pastor Julius Regala

We are excited to have pastor Julius Regala with us in Frankfurt! Julius is the senior leader of Kingdom Life Butuan, our first church plant in the Philippines. We are thrilled to be part of God's work in Butuan and in the Philippines and we are expecting breakthrough in the area as God reveals His Kingdom through His people.

Kingdom Life Butuan

Glory to God!

The Mabini Project has developed into the planting of a new church in Butuan. In July 2014 Kingdom Life Frankfurt will be launching a new church plant in Butuan: Kingdom Life Butuan. We praise God for His faithfulness and for what He is planning to do through KLB. We are excited about furthering God's Kingdom in the Philippines and seeing many lives changed with the presence, the love and the power of God. Hallelujah.

In July, pastors Richard and Frances Morschel will be travelling to Butuan to inaugurate KLF's new church plant. We will be updating this blog as we approach this exciting trip...

Wind, Water and Fire!

Glory to God!

Today was our last day in Butuan. We were invited to minister at a large church in the city and we were encouraged by the presence of the Lord in the place and the spirit of worship we found. After a good time of worship, I preached on the faith that trusts God in the storm, that touches Jesus to receive healing and that honours the presence of God. I then led the church in worship as I encouraged everyone to worship the Lord from the heart and in their own words. As we did so the Lord once again manifested His presence and people began to weep and kneel before Him. It was wonderful as the the Holy Spirit seemed to blow through the room. As people came forward for prayer Frances and I ministered to the people and watched the Lord pour out His love on His people. One lady was healed as we prayed for her shoulder and could subsequently move it freely. She was in tears of gratitude. Thank you Lord! 

After a buffet lunch with the church's pastor and wife and some of their leaders, we made our way back to the hotel so that Christopher, Christine and Yra-Lee could swim in the pool. They loved it! After the usual Mango-shake Berwyn and I made our way to the radio station for another live broadcast. Frances, Liberty and Roszel had some time together and watched the kids. They also had to finalise some paperwork together. 

At the radio station I had another 60 minute slot and I spoke on the Kingdom and how Jesus came to preach the good news of the Kingdom and demonstrate the reality of the Kingdom. I shared the need for faith in Christ and new birth to be able to see the Kingdom and enter into it. I had a lot of fun and hundreds of people got to hear the good news! Praise the Lord! 

After the radio broadcast we dashed to the youth meeting at the Free Methodist Church. Worship was already underway and when I was asked to speak, I talked about the fire of God and revival. In response to the message almost all the youngsters came forward to receive the fire of God. It was awesome. I am convinced God is saturating this generation to spread the fire if His love and power. 

After the youth meeting we made our way to a restaurant for our final family dinner together. As we followed the car of Julius and Roszel and got ready to turn into the parking area in front of the restaurant, a motorcycle slammed into Julius' car! We saw the motorcyclist fly over Julius' bonnet but praise God no one was harmed! Julius' car, however, is quite bashed in the front. He then had to accompany the police and the motorcyclist to the police station - not the way we had planned our last evening together but I am so grateful that no one was hurt! 

Tomorrow we leave for Manila and are looking forward to spending some more time with Mark and his family. I am going to miss this place and what God is doing here. It has been a fantastic visit and I praise God for all that He has done and will continue to do here in Butuan and the surrounding area.

 "Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them." Acts 2:2,3

Day 4 - Servant Leadership

Glory to God! 

Today was our last day of our 4-day Heaven on Earth conference in Butuan. After another wonderful time of worship which continued for almost an hour because of the presence and glory of God, I then spoke on the Lord's prayer to summarize what God had been showing us in the last 3 days. 

After a short break, Frances spoke on servant leadership and how Jesus came as an example of how leaders must serve. It was a fun and very powerful message and when I led us into a time of response to the word and as we repented of pride it was as though Jesus entered the room in response. His presence was so overwhelming that we just knelt and waited on Him as He seemed to reveal His humility to us. Heaven truly invaded earth! 

After a lunch break we spent time ministering to God's people as we and other pastors washed the people's feet. It was an amazing time full of joy, freedom and power as people received prophetic words and encouragement from the Father. It was a very special time indeed!

After a short break we had a time for testimonies and invited the people to share what God had done during the 4 days. Many testified and praised God for fresh and reviving revelation from the teaching. Some testified to being healed of diabetes. Some shared how they had experienced the power of God in their bodies even before we got to pray for them. Some were greatly encouraged to renew their commitment to the Lord. One lady shared how she had been set free from bondage. It was awesome and we praise God for all that He has done in these past 4 days! I was especially encouraged to see many young people respond to God! I am convinced that God is reviving the youth in this area and that they are on the verge of a mighty outpouring!

It has been an incredible blessing to minister under an open heaven here. The honour and the love we have received is humbling to say the least! 

We then gathered the youth and invited them to Dunkin Donuts and had a lot of fun with them trying to learn their language and sharing about our lives. Tomorrow we have our day off and we will be spending the day with Julius, Roszel and their children (Yra-lee and Jonkris) and Berwyn and Liberty with their children (Christine and Christopher). Apart from simply getting tine to talk and hang out, we will be looking at what our future plans are together. Hallelujah! 

"Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." John 13:14,15 

Day 2 - The Secrets of the Kingdom

Glory to God!

Today was our second day of our "Heaven on Earth" conference. Around 200 pastors and leaders have been attending the meetings and we are in awe if what God is doing. To the relief of Frances there were no cockroaches under the toilet seat this morning (I have had to rescue her from 2 already). After our mangos for breakfast and a latte to-go we made our way to the convention hall. 

This morning we looked at the otherness of the Kingdom of Heaven and how

God's Kingdom is a realm that is beyond every limitation. We then looked at the secrets of the Kingdom and how the deep things of God are revealed by the Spirit. Consequently we looked at the need for people to be born of the Spirit through dependence upon Christ to be able to see the Kingdom and enter into the Kingdom.

After our lunch break, Frances spoke on the Kingdom of righteousness, peace and joy. The leaders have really taken to Frances and enjoy her preaching very much. After a short coffee break I spoke on how Christ is God's gift to the believer and that we must learn to live by faith in Him to access the riches of heaven. This evening we took Pastor Julius, Roszel and their daughter Yra-Lee out for dinner to spend some time with them. Yra is the cutest thing and is an extremely gifted child. She is simply a bundle of joy! Her little brother Jonkris is also adorable!

"The knowledge of the secrets of the Kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them." Matthew 13:11 

Day 1 - The Reality of the Kingdom

Glory to God! 

Today was the first day of our "Heaven on Earth" Leaders' Conference. As usual we began the day with fresh Mangos and a Latte at Bo's coffee place and then made our way to the conference hall where people were arriving and registering for the conference. Pastor Julius and his young team of musicians led us in worship and as we sang, the Lord manifested His presence! I can honestly say that apart from my encounter with the Lord in 2007 I have never experienced such a tangible presence of God as this morning. Frances had to sit down to contain herself and I was overwhelned by the Lord's presence. It was awesome! I didn't want to interrupt what God was doing so we continued to give the Holy Spirit room to do what He wanted to do. After an hour we were released to continue in His Word. I spoke on the reality of the unseen real and how Jesus came to bring the good news of the Kingdom as well as demonstrate the reality of God's Kingdom.

 

After lunch, Frances spoke on seeing the Kingdom that leads to hope from which faith and love spring. We then looked at worship as a key to bringing heaven on earth and we looked at the kind of worship that takes place in heaven. We then entered a time of worship. 

After a coffee break I then looked at the book of Nehemiah and spoke on how the enemy seeks to destroy our hope and bring us to a place of fear by distracting and discouraging us and by sowing doubt in our hearts to ultimately lead us to despair and fear! In response to God's Word we invited anyone who was discouraged and who had lost their hope to come forward for prayer. Over 40 people came forward for prayer and after 2 hours of prophesying and praying over them we finished the meeting. There were many tears as the Father comforted and encouraged His children. 

Heaven truly invaded earth today and we are looking forward to tomorrow for another visitation of God and we will speak on how to see, enter into and experience the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. 

"Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Matthew 6:10

Smells like hell, tastes like heaven!

Today we drove for over an hour to the mountain area around Butuan. We made our way to an Assemblies of God church that is under the supervision of pastor Rudi. Before the meeting, we went for a walk around the village and passed the pastor's house as well as some pigs. After our round trip we returned to the meeting.

Once again we had a congregation between the ages of 2 months and 79 years so I depended on the Lord to give me a simple message that everyone could relate to. I was led to speak about the paralytic that was brought by his four friends to Jesus and I explained how faith simply trusts in Jesus to heal and is not put off by obstacles in the natural. I then showed how Jesus would declare a spiritual truth and then demonstrate it in the physical realm. In order for Jesus to demonstrate that He has the authority to forgive, He healed the crippled man. Likewise, after announcing that He is the Resurrection and the Life, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. After the message I invited people to commit their lives to Jesus and over 10 people responded. I then prayed for each person to be filled with the Holy Spirit and then I invited people who needed healing to be prayed for. About 6 people came forward and all of them sensed the Lord doing something in their bodies, including a young boy who was very shy (see top).

After seeing God's Kingdom in our midst, there was much joy and we enjoyed some lunch together. The pastors have been dying for me to try a particular fruit that has been described as "Smelling like hell but tasting like heaven." I was curious! So I had a try and found the smell only slightly offensive and the taste was like a mixture between avocado and date. Apparently this fruit is extremely nutritious.

After lunch we visited a bed-ridden member of the church, anointed her with oil, layed hands on her and prayed in faith that Jesus would heal her (James 5:14,15). She experienced a touch from God and I am certain that what God has begun He will complete! Hallelujah!

We then returned to Butuan and enjoyed an early supper together. In the evening we attended a prayer meeting at pastor Jonathan's church and I spoke on how the believer's state should always be a state of peace as we allow the Prince of peace to rule in our hearts and we overflow with peace (Col. 3:15; Rom. 16:20; Phil. 4:4-7). After our time of prayer together, we enjoyed mango-shakes and avocado-shakes. Yummy!

"Heal the sick who are there and tell them, 'The Kingdom of God is near you.'" Luke 10:9

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The Kingdom of God is here!

Today I led a youth seminar at RTR, a town inbetween Butuan and Cabadbaran about 45 minutes drive from Butuan. Over 60 youngsters attended and I spoke on the reality of the Kingdom of God; how Jesus came to preach about the Kingdom and demonstrated it's presence by revealing the Father's wisdom, nature and power. I then showed how Jesus modelled a life lived from the Kingdom and how He empowers the believer to live the same Kingdom life! Before our lunch break, I invited anyone who wasn't certain of their salvation and of a relationship with God to make a decision to surrender their lives to Christ and receive His life in return. Over 15 young people gave their lives to Jesus today! Hallelujah!

After our lunch break (crumbed chicken, crumbed fish, chicken soup, chinese noodles, rice, mango, bananas and blue pepsi), I taught on how God calls us to be like Him in the power of the Spirit and how we are to continue to do the works of Jesus to reveal the Kingdom. I testified to the healings I had witnessed in recent days and the young people's faith grew by the minute. I then invited everyone to be prayed for and almost all the youngsters came forward. The presence of God was awesome. The Holy Spirit ministered to these precious young people in many different ways and I just sensed how God the Father was filling His children with His love and affirmation. It was very precious and many were truly blessed by God's touch. On our way to the bus, we passed a little rope manufacturing company and when we got back to Butuan, I treated some of the youth that were with us to donuts at Dunkin Donuts. It cost me less than 10 Euro to pay for over 15 donuts and 15 soft drinks! We had a lot of fun together as I showed them pictures of my beautiful family. I am missing them!

It has been a joy to speak about the Kingdom and witness God's Kingdom invade the lives of those who believe. I believe many were wonderfully filled with the Spirit today and many received God's healing touch. God is so faithful to confirm His Word and I am so excited about what He is doing in me and through me as I simply cling to Him and live to glorify His Name! Tomorrow I will preach in the morning and in the afternoon at two different churches.

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power." 1 Cor. 4:20

___________________________

Saved, healed and delivered

Glory to God! Today started with a visit to the police station and the office of the mayor of Buena Vista, a town near Butuan. I was asked to lead a devotional with a small group of policemen and police women. It was quite an experience to share God's Word with a congregation of armed men! I am glad I didn't offend them. I spoke to them about divine authority as it relates to faith and how submission to authority in the natural is the evidence of true submission in the spiritual. After God's Word to them, I prayed for each person in the room. They were visibly blessed and then I was taken to the mayor's office to share a devotional with the office workers. I was led to speak to them about how David knew the Lord personally as his Shepherd and that when we trust in the Lord as the One to lead and guide us, we will experience rest and protection.

We were scheduled to meet the mayor himself but apparently there was a change of plan so we proceeded to a tiny church in a very rural area outside Buena Vista. About 15 people (including children) attended and I spoke to them about the Father's love. I was prompted by the Spirit to ask if anyone wanted to give their life to the Lord and all of the people came forward. I double checked with pastor Berwyn whether they understood what I was asking and he confirmed twice that they were indeed responding to the offer of salvation! Hallelujah! I subsequently found out that the church is new and that some present were there for the first time! Praise God!


We then made our way back to Buena Vista and passed a coconut production area where workers were taking the shells off the coconuts, splitting them and leaving them to dry on the ground. We then had lunch in Buena Vista and while we waited for the chicken to be ready that was roasting right beside our table, I was asked to share another devotional with the church members that joined us for lunch. I shared an encouraging message on clinging to God from Psalm 63.

After lunch we made our way to the coast to meet a group of fishermen who had formed a fishermen association (not fishermen's friends) that I was to speak at. As it was still raining, we met in a tiny hut amidst other huts and boats and so about 20 of us huddled in the tiny room. The fishermen were very attentive as I shared the Gospel very simply with them and


subsequently asked whether anyone wanted to give their life to God. To my astonishment and delight, all the people stood and gave their lives to Jesus! In my message to them I had explained how Jesus proved the truth with miracles and His resurrection, so I invited those of them who were sick to be prayed for to be healed. Three precious souls came forward and Jesus healed each one of them. I asked them to test whether the affected areas were healed,


and they were overjoyed to discover that they were healed. They were so surprised that they kept testing their healing whilst we prayed for others. It was absolutely brilliant to then observe those who were healed tell about and demonstrate their healing to their friends! I believe their whole village will be affected by today's demonstration of God's Kingdom! Hallelujah!

We then proceeded back to Butuan where I was asked to visit the mayor's wife who was stationed in intensive care after having undergone surgery but with subsequent complications. We went in to see her and layed hands on her. She was visibly moved by the love we demonstrated and I am sure the Lord touched her body. At the hospital, I found this amusing sign in the hospital chapel...

After a couple of hours back at the hotel with pastor Berwyn, where we continued to discuss the future of the ministry in Mabini and KLF's support, we made our way back to Buena Vista to attend an evening church meeting. About 12 of us gathered in a small chapel-like room to worship God and enjoy His Word and His presence together. I shared on the parable of the sower and the difference between natural faith and spiritual faith. After the message I prayed for these precious people and prophesied over some of them. The Lord was present and there were many tears. After I had prayed for each person, the pastor of the church asked people to share what God was doing. One lady confirmed the prophetic words I had shared and another shared that the oppression she had previously suffered from was lifted after I prayed for her.

It truly has been a day of salvation and a day of God's favour. Now I am bushed but tomorrow I can rest as I only have a meeting in the evening.

"When Jesus had called the twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick." Luke 9:1,2

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