THOMAS' TRAVELS - October, 2008
KAMPALA, UGANDA
400 church leaders from ten African countries came together to launch ARISE AFRICA, a five-to-ten year project for the evangelization
of the continent. They came from Ghana, Congo (DRC), Rwanda, Burundi, Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Sudan and Somalia.
It was more than just a physical togetherness. There was intense worship and fellowship, with men and women crying out to God
to have mercy on their countries.
We learned of the great need for evangelizing in "regions beyond" like the coastal areas of north-east Kenya where witchcraft
and demons hold sway; of the need for healing and reconciliation throughout Kenya due to the awful turmoil of last year.
A pastor from Congo asked for help in reaching the pygmies in parts of that country. In every place, Islam is growing
and challenging the church.
There was also a cry for humanitarian help and for training church leaders. A staff worker with World Vision, Mr. Arthur Magezi,
called for evangelists to help bring about a spiritual transformation in the cities in Uganda. He said,
"Many of these places are under a curse; they have been dedicated to Satan. We need preachers who can minister in power
encounters with the forces of darkness and not just in an intellectual presentation of the gospel."
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| Bill preaching with translator in Gaba at the Conference |
Much networking took place, not just westerners with Africans, but Africans with Africans.
I was one of the main speakers. Because 60% of the delegates arrived earlier than expected, we began at 10 AM rather
than at 5 PM, so I was asked to take the first three hours of the conference. Later in the week I replaced a brother
who was "under the weather" and also an NGA colleague who was not able to come. At the close of the latter meeting,
I felt led to pray for those who were sick and afflicted. The atmosphere was already spiritually charged through prayer and praise.
The next day a pastor named Vincent testified that God had healed his eyes; another pastor told me privately
that God had healed a swelling in the crouch; another one told me that he had been healed of a fever.
Along with the plenary sessions, there were also seminars on many aspects of evangelism.
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| Vincent in Uganda |
Each of the Sunday services were attended by 500 people. The last Sunday, I spoke in the second morning service
in Gaba Community Church. What a wonderful time we had! Oh how the people can sing !! It reminded me of Maranatha Bible Church
in San Antonio, Texas where I will be next month. The Gaba Church has cause to praise. A while back, 24 year old Mabel Nakazibwe
was healed through prayer and medicine after being in a wheel-chair for FIFTEEN YEARS. I knew her in the days when she was paralyzed.
At the morning service, 20 people came forward for first time commitments.
All of the NGA evangelists came away with so many invitations, enough for the next three years!
On the way home from Kampala, I stopped in Paris to attend a national pastors' gathering where I did some planning
for future ministry in France.
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| Mabel in Uganda |
While this letter is on the way to you, I will be ministering in Amiens (North of Paris) and London.
I will tell you about these events in my next letter.
My autobiography is finally ready! I will be sending the books to my Association in California at the end of September.
One will be sent on request to those contributing to my ministry a minimum of $15 (this helps to cover the cost of printing and postage).
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| My book |
Thank you for caring and for sharing.
Blessings,
