As many of you already know, we just got back from a trip into the Congo. A team consisting of myself, Ryan Lawson, Danny Meece and Nathan Martin made the long journey to help raise up people in the Congo that would bring the kingdom of Heaven to their cities and villages. Even though I had lived there before, nothing prepared me for what we were going to experience on this trip. There was revival breaking out in the streets and yet there were times where we were literally running for our lives.
Indulge me a bit as I lay out why we were there in the first place. This is a story definitely worth telling.


THE RETURN

As the doors to the plane open up you could feel the heat and humidity flood into the Boeing jet. It reminded me of a bathroom after a steaming hot shower. The Congo’s humidity is penetrating and unmistakable. But alas, I was finally back in Africa.

AS we had begun our decent into the Republic of Congo on this Friday night, memories flooded my mind of the first trip I made to this country over five years ago. I was alone, didn’t know the country or the language and had no clue what was about to happen. It was a huge step of faith and trust that turned out to be premature but like many of our mistakes God turned it around for good. I ended up bringing my entire family here to live. We sold everything and moved to the Congo. Many people heard the Gospel for the first time, multitudes were healed, saved and delivered, and a disciple and friend was made, and that is why I am here again now.

God told me over five years ago that this was an area of the world that I was called to. While seeking God in a prayer room in the church where we were employed, I saw a map of Africa. It was as real as I see the room that I am now sitting in. The map was huge. An enormous finger came from heaven and drew a line, a red line around many of central Africa’s countries. I then saw another vision of a jungle path and an older me (with very little hair) walking with a small pygmy child. After that followed many more visions of Central Africa and a burning heart to go. When my family and I arrived I was determined to see the visions fulfilled. Despite some mistakes, we saw God do some incredible miracles and many of them with people that had never before heard the name of Jesus.

This trip would be different. This time I am not moving my family half way across the world; I am just here with friends and co workers in the Gospel. Even though our expectations for God to do an awesome work again, like He did in the past, were soaring, I honestly was not prepared for what was about to take place.

Before our mission here would be over, I would see a friend pay a price that was high and dear and one that I hope I will never have to pay. First hand we would see death, riots, pain, joy and revival just minutes apart from each other. This is the front lines of ministry and the reality of preaching the Gospel.


THE MISSION

There were only two of us arriving the first night but more were coming on Monday. As we stepped off the plane the humidity was stronger and the heat felt different than that of the United States. We were herded into a bus waiting at the bottom of the stairway. It was already different than what I remembered. The last time I was here there was no bus. Just a long walk down the runway to the very small airport in Congo’s Capital, Brazzaville.

There were also many more Mondeles (Congolese word for a white man) on our flight than any flight I had ever been on to Congo. I found out later that they were all headed to Pointe Noire in Congo’s southern coastland. Most there are involved with the oil rigs off of Africa’s rich coast.

As we were herded through the customs counters, baggage claim and through our last security checkpoints I could feel the anticipation rising in me to see my friend and fellow worker Edouard Ngoteni. Edouard is one of the best men I have ever had the privilege to be around. Yes he has integrity, yes he is a joy to be around, but the things that sets Edouard apart from others is his true hunger for the Gospel. I have seldom met a man so ready to take what the Bible says and put it into practice. When we first met he was a school teacher, a believer but not even considering going into ministry. His pastor and brother, Pierre introduced us out of necessity. I didn't speak French or Lingala and Pierre didn't speak English. Edouard spoke English fluently so he traveled with me on my first scouting trip into the interior of Congo. As I preached, he interpreted. As I prayed for the sick and they were healed, he watched in amazement. It didn't take long at all before Edouard caught the fire and we were ministering together. When he saw the Gospel at work there was no stopping him and he became a true disciple, eating up everything I could give him. After my family and I left the Congo he continued to preach the Gospel with signs and wonders following. Today he has a thriving church and more hunger than ever.

We were returning again to the Congo at the request of Edouard; to help him to equip his church for ministry. He had heard from me the stories of what was happening with us in the United States and wanted his church to be equipped to heal the sick, preach the Gospel and reach the lost as a part of daily life. The stories of normal people having incredible miracles happening daily excited him and energized his faith to believe that it could happen in Congo.

Beginning the day after we arrived Nathan Martin and I began equipping Edouard's leaders. Prophesying over them and speaking out their giftings and callings. Immediately after a short session with his leaders, one brother in the Lord went out and began to pray for and prophecy over people in the streets; winning three to the Lord.

The Sunday morning service was awesome. I preached about the Kingdom of God and our responsibility to share it with the lost. At the end of the service Nathan and I prayed for the leaders and they began to help us pray for the sick. Everyone we prayed for was healed except one lady who received her touch from God later on. There were scores of miracles. At one point Nathan and I looked over at each other and asked if the other was seeing the same results; Yep, constant instant healings.

The people were fired up and so were we. We made sure to tell them that everyday this week we would be teaching and equipping them to do what Jesus did. Excitement filled the air. Soon these same people would be involved in a rollercoaster of events that no one could foresee.

During the midst of a revival, a strong daddy would be fighting to keep his son alive and we would be running for our safety.

To be continued...