88 Souls for Jesus!

The miracle happened because of our unfinished mission. No wonder why God wanted us to stay longer!
 

The site was inside the compound of a sugar company – South Nyanza (SONY). The place was not merely famous for ‘simply the sweetest' sugar but we found out that it was also a children’s factory -- as we call it. Why? T’was because of more than 800 (the most) children that we ministered to during the three-week evangelistic campaign. 

Working hand-in-hand 

Praying for God’s will was worth it: the miracle surely happened for a reason. Beforehand, God had prepared everything; but the test of our faith came first. And surpassing the test accompanied blessings – as we experienced them.

“There are rich blessings in store for those who surrender fully to the call of God.”

{AA 158.2}

Blessings Experienced 

When we came to the site, we were cheerfully and warmly welcomed by the leaders of the church. The house where we stayed was well-organized. The environment opened to us the second book of God. The tranquility of the place was perfect to meditate on His love – and reflecting such love by working with His people in ministering to souls around the community. The brethren had shown their kind hospitality that we were almost pampered. Every member of each committee performed their tasks excellently, sacrificed their time, taxed their resources, and invested their united efforts – all for the work of soul-saving.
 

We were blessed with the dynamic leadership, the synergy of the members, the abundant wholesome food, the place where the atmosphere of heaven can be felt, the adults who had expressed their hunger to listen to God's Word by consistently attending, and the eager children whose number went beyond our expectation. What more can we ask and say? Nothing else to ask, except the words: God truly saved the best for last!

Sabbath Gold Rush
 

The Sabbath day before the evangelistic campaign started, changes in the program happened abruptly. They need someone to preach for the hour of worship – whom will the lot fall? I felt four eyes looking at me and a question was asked if I can – can I say ‘no’ to and for the Lord? I responded, ‘Okay, let me just prepare quickly.’

Impromptu speaking is challenging. But it was not a competition that I am joining anymore; it was preparing the church for the inception of the evangelistic effort. Being ambushed to speak is a blessing – you just don’t know what to speak but the previous ambush experiences and the sermons that you have preached before would definitely be of great help – seasoned with guidance and empowerment from above.

Therefore, rousing more than 500 in the congregation (adults and children combined) to be a miner for men was preached. I’ve never spoken in such a big number before and I really Praise God for the sporadic privilege. All were opened to the reality that there’s gold in Sony – yea, men who are more precious than fine gold. What is amazing too was the experience of shaking more than 500 hands after the worship – can you imagine? 

Making an appeal for young and old to get involved in saving souls for the Lord

Praise God for the heaven-borne opportunity to prepare the church in working for the salvation of even a poor soul -- as we are all required at least a soul to enter the pearly gates!

Simultaneous Preaching 

Adult’s meeting on one side and Children’s meeting on the other side had been proven effective. Envision yourself standing in the middle of the ground where the voices from the audio speakers on both sides meet and you’re hearing the same topic – it’s powerful and you have nowhere to go! This was the reason why children and adults were attracted to attend and listen; even the vendors in the middle ground and people nearby were able to hear and listen to the truths presented. We Praise God for the open venue!

Adults Meeting 

Bible Prophecy preaching for the adults, using the Bible and the Bible alone, is not unusual in the country. But what made the meetings distinct in the place was the preaching of both precious and testing truths in its clarity, with the aid of visual projection. Another thing was that the tents were built at roughly 5 meters away from the stage. This set-up had been advantageous in making appeals – people have to make a bold stand and go near the stage; which absolutely takes a lot of courage. Then you will see who makes serious commitments to God with their decisions, though left going forward alone.

Ken preaching and Pastor Paul Kim (host Pastor and translator)

The number of attendees was good and eventually increased by the addition of children, as we ended the program way ahead. The truths were presented plainly, vividly and powerfully as Kenneth was led by the Spirit. And we strongly encouraged a change in music – it was awesome! The real voices of the church’s youth choir echoed around the place – without the beats and rhythms. It was a tremendous transformation in music that everybody was blessed! Then, many confessed that Africans can sing even better without the worldly accompaniment – just as we admired them.
 

We Praise God for the music which created a heavenly ambiance in the site, uplifted the thoughts, and inspired and elevated the soul. Also, we Glorify God for the light that illuminated in the error-darkened vicinity.

Amazing Health
 

Teaching health with Elder Leonard as translator

As the church requested, I have been given the privilege to do the health lectures. To teach health then running immediately to the children’s program was not feasible, so it only went on alternate days. I almost gave up on the schedule because of African time, if not for public demand. So, continuing was expedient; and as a result, the people were greatly blessed. The basic teaching on NEWSTART and natural remedies for common diseases had been a great benefit not just for church members but to the public as well.

Evaluation: The finale of cooking demonstration

Part of teaching was not just on theories but involved practical application – cooking demonstrations for two Sundays. The mothers were so excited and eager to learn how to cook ‘bila mafuta’ (without oil). We shared great times together! We taught them how to cook vegetable patties without frying; doing something good with the sweet potato leaves which they consider as poison; making use of what they call ‘chinese fish’ (heart of banana) which they just ignore; and making gluten, in place of satisfying the cravings of meat-eaters the healthy way. The mothers can’t believe it! “It still tastes good even without oil,” they repeatedly pronounced.
 

Teaching them to cook wholesome foods didn’t only profit them and their families; it did a gain to us, too. How? They already knew how to prepare our food. Such is one of the advantages of staying in a Luo land – they want to serve their guests, not letting them do anything as much as possible. But of course, we didn’t allow them to do all things for us – voicing the same words as that of the Savior: “We didn’t come to be served but to serve.” Nevertheless, we were super blessed with their treatment towards us. We Praise God for caring, cordial, and hardworking church members!

Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven
 

It is for the children, Christ taught. This was the reason why one of the Church Elders pushed it through. He insisted to have Amazing Facts handle the campaign for the children, when he saw our efforts in our previous two evangelistic efforts in Dudi and Kisumu – he tracked us long before then started writing letters to the church and members for support. This was one of the letters which moved me when I read it:

 

 

We Praise God for designing everything!
 

Very happy students at St. Benedict's

On the first week, we had been given an opportunity to teach at St. Benedict’s Primary School with 400 students – from nursery to class eight. “If you’re happy, raise your hand! If you’re very happy, raise your two hands with smile from ear to ear!” These were the closing words of the church elder after the story which really made me laugh! Truly, they were very happy; and we were as well for their enthusiasm and brilliant minds. 

At the inception of the meetings, we were blessed with more than 500 ‘spiritual children.’ Then it increased to around 700 the succeeding days. How were we able to manage them? It was tough! There were only about five consistent children ministries leaders who devoted their time in assisting us – evidently not enough! Glad that some pathfinders, who also helped us in packing the pieces, were there as our helping hands.

Since God called me to minister to the children in this country, I had prayed that I will experience teaching as much as a thousand. Although He didn’t answer that prayer in exact number; I am certain that the number He gave us to be responsible of, was a training to handle even more than what I’ve asked for. I might not know when will that be; but “in this world, I’ll never know!” Besides, that answered prayer accompanied challenges – beyond imagination!

 Challenges Encountered
 

Drizzling afternoon: Children waiting for program to start

With the outdoor venue, we have to wait until it becomes dark enough for the projection to be visible – at times, until drizzles began and the rain falls. We have no control of the weather – as we don’t have full control over the kids. When it rains, we can’t force them to go home and they don’t mind getting wet – just like the heat of the sun doesn’t affect them. Rain or shine, they stayed! Keeping them to listen is not so much of a challenge but the greatest was every distribution of crafts. We can hardly keep the noise to subside; we have to deal with some fighting and crying over papers, with some pushing each other to make sure they get their pieces before it runs out, with some cheating by asking for crafts and pieces twice (even more), and with some who were pocketing the crayons. Our patience were really tested! But we Praise God for making Ellen White’s words become our experience: that children “need painstaking, prayerful, careful labor.”

Not only that, we had to deal with the weather too. Though quite often, it rained; the children remained – so we have to. Then we experienced teaching under showers of blessing. Apart from yearning to listen to the stories, the crafts really attracted them – they won’t go home unless they exercised their rights of getting them; which is actually one good thing about African children that we appreciate. In fact, there was one instance when it rained so hard (‘til the site was flooded); but the kids stayed until their parents physically fetched them. Then and there, we had no choice but to cancel the program.

We Praise God for the Bible doctrines and stories imparted to the children – rain or shine!

Children Revolution
 

Attendance started declining after the health topic. After learning the foods which are clean and unclean, drinks which are safe and poison, and doings which are good and bad; they told their parents about what glorifies God more and decided to be like Daniel and his three friends. Then, children were instructing the parents. Praise God for the truth and example brought in the household!
 

Children are indeed the most receptive to accept Bible truths! Attendance diminished even more when we presented the testing truths – ignited children revolution in the community! They told their parents that Sunday worship is not in the Bible and they wanted to be baptized. Furthermore, parents got envious at us saying that we were stealing their children from them; because the children were always in a hurry to attend the meetings. This had also become one of the reasons for the decrease in attendance – parents forbidding their young ones to go to Jesus. Despite the decline, it motivated us more to preach the ‘thus saith the Lord.’ The result? Some children didn’t show up anymore but most of them kept coming.

We Praise God for young, faithful heirs of His kingdom!

Children Tested
 

Teaching on the Law of Love on a bright sky!

Our first Sabbath was held in the open field. Hence, projection was impossible; so I taught without it but not without sunburn, afterwards. African skin is not like us – so there was no problem with them listening under the heat of the sun; though some used their umbrellas still. It wasn’t a problem for me either, but a blessing to teach on a sunny, Sabbath day.

On the second Sabbath, we decided to do it in church for the sake of visual presentation. We held the first outside the church because of the leader’s thought that most children won’t be permitted by their parents to go to church; mainly because they are Catholics and we might not get a good number. Then, the day of test came – will they come or not? Guess what? That day, when many thought that most children can’t make it, we had the highest record of attendance – more than 800 kids! We Praise God for young overcomers of the the test!

Church-filled Sabbath!

Reaping Time!
 

Sowing seeds of truth in the adults and children’s hearts was done by faith. Final appeals have been called for; for souls to make an ultimate decision to accept Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord through baptism. The Holy Spirit has done a magnificent work in watering the planted seeds and it germinated! Human agencies, with the partnership of heavenly hosts, had done their responsibilities in bringing souls into the fold; and God had opened the windows of heaven for 45 children and 15 adults who buried their old lives and walked new lives in Jesus. We Praise God for 60 souls!

 

With church members and most of the adults and children who were baptized

Camp Meeting
 

Ate Maya playing with the kids

Asking a child about the health topic

Because of what the Lord had done through us for the three weeks, the brethren don’t want us to leave. Thus, we were invited again for their camp meeting. It turned out to be a month of evangelistic campaign for the children. That time, we included the ‘Naturally Healthy’ lectures, film viewing, and outdoor games as part of the children’s camp program for the whole day.

In the adults’ camp, Ken shared about Spirit of Prophecy; and I continued doing the health talks and a session on Adventist-Muslim Relations.

We Praise God for allowing us to share more, for another week, about how to experience genuine revival and reformation through His prophetic truth!

Milk and Meat
 

The milk of the health message was taught in public for three weeks; but the meat was fed during the camp meeting. Going deep, the brethren had a clear realization of their unhealthy eating practices – some through ignorance of the health laws; but mostly, influenced by African culture. The lectures were focused on meat-eating, dairy products and eggs consumption, and the Seven Reasons for Health Reform. It was because of the Spirit’s power that these truths brought about conviction in the hearts of the listeners to the extent that some said:
 

“You really enriched me, thank you so much!”
“I can’t forget what you said, that an intemperate man can never be a patient man.”
“Your last presentation on health really touched my heart and I learned things that I have never known.”
“We will change. Not totally now, but God will help us gradually to practice all the things that you’ve taught.”
 

Praises to God for the right arm of the third angel’s message; for the light that has come upon His people; and for the decided change that He impressed upon receptive hearts!  
 

 

At the end of the camp meeting, 26 more children and 2 more adults were baptized. Praise God for 28 more souls gathered into the fold!

The After-taste!
 

There was sourness in separation for we have been closely attached to Sony SDA Church family for a month. It’s sour to miss each other but not missing to pray for one another. It was sour to part ways but praying that our ways will cross again someday, somewhere – ultimately, in the streets of gold!
 

On the other hand, it is so sweet to work for Jesus! It was so sweet to gain new friends and new families in Sony SDA Church. It was so sweet to have experienced challenges that mold the character. It was so sweet ministering to the children, knowing that you have prepared them for heaven. It was so sweet teaching health, that God's people may have a closer connection with the Creator. The experiences were so sweet to testify of God’s love, goodness, greatness, and faithfulness. The provisions and blessings were so sweet that our words of ingratitude to Him are indescribable. The one month mission was so sweet that we can truly say, it was ‘the finest!’ Above all, it was so sweet to see Him reward all our efforts by the souls who have become new members of His remnant church – 98 souls for Jesus!

We thank and Praise God...

 

 

 

 

Above all, we thank and Praise God for everything and for what He has done in us and through us! Glory to God in the Highest!

The Greatest Joy and the Highest Education

It is the reward of Christ's workers to enter into His joy. That joy, to which Christ Himself looks forward with eager desire, is presented in His request to His Father, "I will that they also, whom Thou hast given me, be with Me where I am." {Testimonies for the Church 6:309}

In our life here, earthly, sin-restricted, though it is, the greatest joy and the highest education are in service. And in the future state, untrammeled by the limitations of sinful humanity, it is in service that our greatest joy and our highest education will be found - witnessing, and ever as we witness learning anew "the riches of the glory of this mystery," "which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." {Education, 309}

A Miracle of Faith: Sound the Trumpet!

    
    On the first day of the second week of July, after the camp meeting mision at Ranen Conference, we were invited to join the board meeting of Sony SDA Church where we are going to hold the next evangelistic campaign. We met the church Pastor and all the committee heads and briefly discussed the campaign preparations. Then, we travelled back to Nairobi – still uncertain on how God would work things out for our stay extension, as our visa is already expiring on the 19^th of the month.

     Months back, the general manager of Second Coming Broadcasting Network (2CBN) and whom we also befriended offered to help us – to tie up with the ministry (since it is registered) and apply for a working permit. We Praise God because the board members agreed to such and we were issued a letter indicating that we are working for and with them.

     Five days before our visa expires, we went to the immigration and asked some officers on what we can do about the situation and their answers were the same – a second extension is not allowed and applying for the working permit is impossible since it will take months of processing before approval; so we need to go out of East Africa to secure a new visa. Considering to exit, one possible country is Ethiopia (which is the cheapest); but when we inquired at the Ethiopian Embassy, unfortunately they are not issuing visa on arrival for Filipinos. Also, all possible countries are already out of the option for the same reason. As we perceived that there was no other way but to go back to Philippines, we tried to visit our own embassy. But then again, even our own co-Filipino officer there told us that we better go back home and just come back in God’s time.

     Time was flying so fast! So we set a deadline (July 16, Wednesday) for the efforts to be done – if nothing happens, then we are only left with going back to Philippines. Nevertheless, our constant prayer was ‘May God’s will be done.’

   July 16 came…the application for the permit, along with the banker’s cheque, had been launched. The Rono couple from Eldoret tried to help as they have connections with the higher officials in the immigration. We waited for 8 hours but there was no positive outcome – even we can’t apparently figure it in Ken’s countenance. After trying to work things out the whole day, Ken accompanied us to the terminal and Ate Maya and I went back to the house by ourselves; but still he remained with our passports. He was conscious of the deadline that we agreed on, then we’ll make the final decision.

     The Rono couple advised Ken to just let us go back to Philippines and come back in God’s appointed time – they had given up, as we did! But Ken still pursued – he called his friend, who is a county officer in Mombasa, and he was given the assurance of help.

    Arriving at the place of our friend working in 2CBN (where we were accommodated), he then faked everything! When he opened the door, he said there was good news – sound the trumpet! He then told us that the passports will be stamped the next day (bearing a happy face but he doesn’t really have an idea if it will undeniably be stamped); and said that he left our passports with somebody (but the truth is, it was with him). Why he faked everything? He wanted to avoid the meeting that night which would close everything – resulting to the rebooking of our flights back to Philippines. Consequently, he gave us a false hope to comfortably sleep with.

     July 17 arrived, 2 days before the expiration…Ken was supposed to fast but he didn’t want us to notice an unusual act so he ate a little; then he hurried at 8 a.m. to the immigration. The man from Mombasa, who knew the Immigration Director, referred him to Ken for help. Ken talked to him personally but he said that we apply for ‘special pass’ which costs Ksh 15,000 each – not possible ‘cause he had not as much money. Even the higher official that the Rono couple was connecting with asked for a bribe of Ksh 30,000 each – doesn’t help at all! That time, all the options did not work out! So Ken went to one of the counters and queued. At first, the lady told her that he had been there for already three days and he was telling the same, same story – as he had no other story to tell. Ken had explained to her about our situation: that exiting the country is not possible anymore, that the special pass is far from being likely, and all she can help is to grant us the second extension. The lady told Ken that she will entertain other people in the queue first, but then remained with our passports. While waiting outside the immigration, he called our friends from Umoja 2 SDA Church and asked to pray with him ‘cause of the very critical situation. After such, he went back to the counter and there was no queue anymore. Once more, he told the lady that he only needs the extension; nonetheless, she asked if he can pay for the normal visa fee of USD 50 each. Ken looked at his pocket – he only had Ksh 4,500 left; so he asked her if he can pay for one then find a way to pay for another. When the lady noticed that he can’t really pay for it, she asked if he can afford to pay Ksh 2,000 each as the standard visa extension fee; Ken said yes (as he had more than enough)!

     After a while, the lady went inside the office (probably to talk to her superior), went out, and stamped our passports for three months extension. We Praise God for this miracle of faith!

    As we were listening while Ken was relaying the whole story, we’re so moved and inspired on how God worked when all other resorts failed; yet, we also felt guilty – of impatience and lack of great faith. This great miracle was and will be a testimony and proof that the God we are serving is truthfully a living God. We prayed for His will to be done, fervently and sincerely – He heard and it was done!

Israel’s Part in Conquest of Jericho

“It was not Israel, but the Captain of the Lord's host that took Jericho. But Israel had their part to act to show their faith in the Captain of their salvation.” {2BC, 995}

     As it was not Israel who took Jericho, so it was not any human being who wrought the miracle of our visa extension – it was the Captain of the Lord’s host!

     As Israel had their part to show their faith, we believe that it was because of Ken, acting on his big faith; despite us not being able to manifest as much of “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” – having somehow been carried away by the feeling of excitement to go back home, seeing that the wall of possibility was too high to be destroyed, and blinded that the hope for extension was too vague – that the miracle happened!

     Truly, that big faith, even the faith as a grain of a mustard seed, can let impossibilities in finite human minds become possibilities – which the One with the Infinite Mind can only bring!

     Emmanuel – God was indeed with us! What a lesson learned to exercise faith, and even more! When all resorts fail, through faith, God will manifest His power and rescue His people in times of emergency.

Faith, faith, faith…is what a Faithful God requires among His servant-workers!