I have officially been a part of an African church service. We were in church for almost 5 hours. Other than the sheer length of the service, there were many challenges presented while we were at the church. As I mentioned in my previous blog, the church we are working with, Christ Miracle Centre, has some sort of evil spirit inside it. All 6 of us get an uneasy feeling anytime we walk in the church. Witchcraft is very present in the area and we believe the evil spirits have invaded the church.
As we walked into worship this morning a few people were in the church praying. One pastor was pacing and praying very loudly in tongues (public display of tongues without an interpreter not biblical but that wasn’t the worst part) he was shaking this instrument that was making a very loud annoying sound that was drowning out all other members’ of the church prayers besides his screams. The whole scene was very unpeaceful. Courtney and Sarah approached one of the other pastors and shared their concerns. We were told the instrument is used for witchcraft, so Courtney encouraged the church to stop using the instrument, we do not know why they were using it in the first place.
There are many things we would like the change about the church, but we are trying to decide what is wrong or simply different. I also believe more issues are important than others, so please be praying for our discernment. I have had the opportunity to start a new member class at the church for all the believers that have recently come to faith in Christ. I hope this class will be taken over by the pastors because the church sees many new believers, but its retention rate of seeing people remain faithful is very low. We have talked to many people who had recently become believers, but did not know what the next step is and the church’s response is “Pray the sinners prayer again.” Discipleship is non-existent, but praise God because the pastors are willing to explore the chance of discipleship. I am preaching on the subject Wednesday, so please be praying for God’s word to be spoken. We really need everyone back home’s help in praying for the church and our team as we are all facing quite a bit of spiritual warfare, and I truly believe the church is ready to take off and grow.
One other way in which we need your help is… Two of my teammates, Sarah and Heather, have not reached their Oct 31st fund raising goal of $11,500. AIM has informed Sarah and Heather if they do not reach the goal by Oct 31st they will be sent home. Please consider supporting both Sarah and Heather, they do not have far to go, but they desperately need financial help. An update on my funds, I am just over $12,000. My next goal is Dec 31st where I have to have the entire trip funded, $14,300. So as you are considering supporting Sarah or Heather, please also remember I need your help also. I realize this is a lot to ask in one e-mail, but we are the body of Christ and no need is too small. Thank you for your prayers and support.
