The Spirit of God is like the wind, says scripture. We do not know where the wind begins or where it will end. Nor can we control it. But we do know when the wind is with us for although it is unseen, we experience its presence. So it has been with missionaries Charles and Sarah West, serving in Zambia with the Baptist Convention of Zambia.
Sarah leads a weekly Bible study with several women who have found themselves in various ways snared into prostitution. One woman who has now opened a prayer chapel in her home was HIV positive. But like the wind, the Spirit moves in ways beyond our understanding or control. This woman is now HIV negative. And she has her prayer room open 24 hours a day for the praise of God and for ministry to others.
Recently Charles was asked to serve as the preacher for a series of annual meetings held by associations of churches around the country. It was a grueling schedule: preaching twice a day for five days in succession, then moving to the next association to repeat the pattern.
As Charles puts it, while preaching at one of these locations in the north of Zambia, "the Holy Spirit fell upon us."
At the conclusion of his preaching, Charles asked if there were any present who wished to give their lives to Christ Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. One after another, people stepped forward to speak and pray with local pastors from their own language groups. The prayer and counseling went into the night. The following day, 147 men and women were baptized in public witness of their commitment to Christ. Similar things occurred elsewhere where 40 or more people became followers of Jesus. Charles says emphatically, this is not because of anything special about him or his preaching. It is the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit.
All those who have made professions of faith have been brought into contact with the local pastor and church where they reside. Young children, who expressed a desire to follow Jesus, have also been placed under the pastoral care of local churches.
Among those present to hear Charles preach were people who had walked three days to the event. In a show of appreciation for Charles and his ministry, some villagers presented him with a goat. Others gave him a chicken. Both were gifts that Charles received with deep gratitude and joy.
The Spirit is like the wind. Come, Holy Spirit, blow upon us today!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment