EVERY TIME I SEE MARTIN'S NAME ON MY EMAIL INBOX I just smile from ear to ear. The other day he sent me a letter from his children's ministers regarding the Kiddies Crusade in December. I tell you, tears just welled in my eyes when I read it--these precious, precious children. Most especially for you who supported them in December, I knew you would be touched in reading it, so here it comes. Enjoy! Glory to Jesus!

----- Original Message -----

Subject: Sunday School Ministries

Hallelujah. Glory to God, my dear brother. I have received this letter for you from our Sunday school ministries. We are presently working around the clock to follow up all the new souls from the December Crusade. Wonderful testimonies continue to come through, you are going to hear more. All the churches are so inspired because of the growth they are experiencing from new souls, brother. We are praying for you. God Bless You.

Martin

FROM THE SUNDAY SCHOOL

We would like to give our sincere gratitude to Pastor Bruce and to sister Sharon who led our children in December. God bless our dear Pastor Bruce and keep our brethren safe for us, guard them, bless them, provide them with good health and really spare them for us.

We have really learned a lot from you, sister Sharon, and the Sunday School Children don’t stop talking about their friends (your puppets) Sipho, Monkey and Precious. Using aids like puppets, giving children incentives has really aroused interest in our children in Jesus. Their concentration was kept and they still remember the stories Sipho, Monkey and Precious told. As Sunday School teachers we have now learned that we need such teaching aids and incentives for the children.

In the Crusade the children's group was so big, but sister Sharon really kept their concentration. Children were given short clear instructions like "Sipho, Monkey and Precious are going to tell you a story. Listen and after they will ask you questions." Children listened and they could answer questions. We have learned this from you.

One other thing that interested us most was that sister Sharon gave the children little stars on their foreheads for good performance and good behavior. Those who answered well, colored their pictures and listened were given stars. Everyone wanted a star, so the big group was very quiet and busy. We could really see their little faces moving quietly from one place to another seeking for the different colors (crayons). They were very good and quiet. This was a most interesting time. Everyone was trying to get his work done. We really liked this part of the session. We could not have done this well with such a big group.

We also liked the bible storybooks you gave to our children. They were enough for everyone to have a copy. The number of children grew day after day as they were flocking to the crusade to listen to your good teachings. They could understand the stories easily since they were on their level and in their language.

Day after day, you promised our children more interesting things for the next day. This kept our children coming. They did not want to miss the next day’s events. You really did your part here, sister. We realized this as the number of children grew and as parents came and stood by to listen. One old man from Letlhakaneng a nearby village, a member of our church told us that he was going to be with us the whole week. He told us in Setswana that “go a berekega ko Sunday school.” This means that things are happening in the Sunday school tent. Sister, you know what you were doing. You have a children’s ministry in your heart, you love children. God richly bless you for that, sister. Keep up the good work that God has assigned to you.

Everyday, sister, you started with questions from the previous day’s event. You wanted to find out whether the children still remembered. That was also good. From this you could find out whether they need more clarifications. We also learned that they could not think abstractly they needed concrete objects to can get the information into their little heads. Sister, you had everything. Sunday school to you is a real school. You had all the necessary weapons. You were truly at war for these children.

In between lessons there were songs sang. This really showed us how humble you are. Every one wanted to hug, touch and be next to you. We kept on asking children to get back but they did not want to. This doesn’t happen with most adults. Such a deep contact is difficult. You wanted to maintain the level of our children, as you were bending down, dancing, the children felt more free as though you were their size. They were very free. They looked at you as their peer and real friend. You created friendship.

We also liked to thank the sign language that you taught our learners. They got the message that every one needs to hear and know about God. In most instance you used very bright colors in your lessons. We thought colors were the topic for the day. You surprised us much as you used them to drive your message home on sin that separates us from God. You compared the black color to sin. The red color symbolized the blood of Jesus that Jesus shed his blood to buy us back to God.

Please give thanks to Pastor Bruce for the message of hope and love he gave to our children. They felt very special and loved. Pastor Bruce did a wonderful work. We could see the little faces brightening up as the message was given. This really gave hope to the despairing souls. We really liked this and felt God really took his rightful place during this session. The little children were really relieved. God bless you pastor for looking after our souls.

Every day was a new day. One other thing that kept the children was the magic bag. Day after day we had more magic. They don’t forget what you taught them through the tricks. Daily during our Sunday school meetings they will talk about them. Sister, we are looking forward to seeing you again. Our children miss you a lot.

Children also liked snacks and balloons you gave. As Sunday school teachers we learned that to keep our children we have to go an extra mile. We have learned quite a lot, sister. We realized that children are pleased with little presents.

Children were given time of testifying, telling others what God did to them. We had a wonderful testimony from one Sunday school child. She told how worried that she was going to die, she also told that she kept on praying for her. She told how worried the family was. Lastly she was happy God healed her and she is now more strong and happy. The Sunday school child really told of the importance of a prayer.

One Sunday school teacher also testifies. She told how God helped her sister, who waned to commit suicide. I think in asking for testimonies, sister, you wanted us to realize or experience daily what God does in our lives. Sister, we acknowledge that and that daily God reaches out to us. He lifts us up he blesses us and really it is well with us.

We warmly want to thank you sister for the surprise party (outing) you arranged for our little ones. The children enjoyed their trip to African Island. Children had no money, you paid for their entertainment. They enjoyed all the games, they relaxed and swam all day long. Thanks very much sister, you have the heart for African child. This was really a blessing. As Sunday school teachers we would like to thank you very much. We won't forget the impact you made in our lives and the children. You have really sowed on the good soil. We love you very much, your kindness, your humble heart, your patience, the time you spent on God’s kingdom really fills our hearts with joy. Above all, woman of God, we thank you for the souls that seen the Lord through your message. Many children have heard God’s voice through you.

We thank God very much for the extension of his kingdom. We join the heavenly choir as they rejoice and keep rejoicing for the souls that came to the Lord.

God richly bless America. God keep you safe, for our African child.

Yours sincerely

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS.

Go to Top
         

DECEMBER '03 CRUSADE REPORT. Well, what a time it was--and again, thanks so much for all of you who shared of yourselves in making this happen financially and in prayer. I know it sounds "token," but in God's perspective, it's the real thing--you were as much a part of these souls coming into His kingdom as anyone. "Well done...," He whispers. "Well done." Glory to Jesus!

So here's the final report that Martin handed to me the day before I flew home. As you read, especially the testimonies, keep in mind that English is their second language. What's going on is they are writing in their African language and then it's being translated directly, so sometimes the sentencing comes out a little awkward. But I wanted you to get the full flavor, so I left it all just as it was. Enjoy... Here comes my dear brother and precious partner, Pastor Martin...

Oukasie Crusade Report
Dates 10 December to 14 December 2003
"Blessed are those who dwell in Your house!"

INTRODUCTION

Pastor Bruce, I an deeply touched by the heart that God gave you for these forgotten South Africans. I want to thank you for the marvelous way in you, which the Almighty God has used you in the year 2003. I enjoyed every moment that we prayed together, stood together as partners in faith. I thank God that standing on the wave that He has created we are seeing mighty acts of God through your ministry. It is difficult to find words to express my thanks for the kind and pleasing thoughts, the confidence and trust you have placed in me and the leadership. I want to emphasize that what you have done in these crusades and working with us as partners serves to emphasize the great responsibility of spreading the Love of Jesus to all parts of this continent.

Thanks and thanks and ever thanks for the kindness you have shown me and the confidence you have in us.

Pastor Bruce, I am writing these few lines and please pass to other Americans and those in Europe and Canada you told me of who contributed through prayer and finances for the crusade. If there was a way of meeting them in person I would like to look deep in their eyes so that I can see Jesus in their hearts. For you what they have done in all 2003 crusades, hundreds and thousands have received the message of Love and Hope that you preached.

TESTIMONIES.

1. Happy Maikepo write: Oh yes, the word of God is quicker than the arrow. It separates flesh and soul. I thank God for his mercy upon my life. God is a God of second chance. I was so stressed up until Pastor Bruce tell me that God had send his only beloved son for me to have eternal life. I thank God by sending Pastor Bruce to share the great news with us. The impossible things of me are being possible with God. Thank you Pastor Bruce since I attend the crusade my eyes are wide open and my heart is healed and I am now free. May God bless you.

2. Meisie Xinwa. Blessed is he who is within us, our Lord Jesus Christ. Pastor Bruce has just read the scripture which says that God will open doors for everyone to enter no difference who, and I did give myself to God and I am now healed. I was having pain on my left hand but Jesus comes to the crusade where He healed me. I thank Pastor Bruce for making me understand that the word of God is able to heal and deliver a person from all kind of sin. May God give you more wisdom to teach us.

3. Miracle deliverance of Bishop Maikepo and his family. Halleluya to the living God. I would like to share the following testimonies that took place during the weekend, one miracle on Friday and the other miracle took place on Sunday evening. FRIDAY MIRACLE. Bishop Maikepo introduced to us two of his daughters who were practicing sangomas (witchdoctors). The two ladies were attending the crusade so they recognized us after we introduced ourselves. After sharing God's word these two ladies gave their lives to Jesus. Remember the utterance at the last night of the crusade, (you and your family can be saved). The whole family then gave their lives to Jesus.

Afterward they brought everything that was used to practice witchcraft, unbelievable, 4 big boxes full of muti (traditional potions and evil medicines), water used to wash the dead and skins of animals, blankets and clothes that they were using during their practices. Sticks that would paralyze people just by pointing it at the person, other things. Blood of animals and other things evil. This was one of the most challenging evenings of ministry, demons cried out as they were leaving the souls of the people. The Holy Spirit was cleansing the family in a mighty way.

After this powerful experience something happened most extraordinary. The Holy Spirit touched these very same people and they began to sing and worship God. One moment they had demons and then they just began to worship God. We took everything, burnt it, the fire was so big that people from all the community were watching this occurrence.

2ND MIRACLE (Sunday Night)

Background to the family. Bishop Makae has been a leader for a "church" that practices ancestral worship and muti (medicine practice) for 27 years. He was separate with his wife before the crusade (September). He dug in his house and beneath the floor has placed a pot full of goat's blood for his protection. He confesses that he has misled many people to follow his occult practices. He had two sticks that he uses, which were smeared with muti to instill fear into Christian people. He was in the class of senior bishops in this organization.

He attended September Crusade, he was touched by the preaching of the Word. He couldn't sleep until Sunday night, he gave me a call to come to his house. He gave up all things that he used to practice terrible things (witchcraft) in the lives of people, they were burned and destroyed by the fire. He gave his life to Jesus.

This man in size is a large man. Huge, I mean it, with hefty shoulders. But when he gave his life to Jesus he cried like a baby, sobbing before everyone, asking forgiveness from God.

Conclusion of the testimony. The whole family has accepted Jesus and they now attend the church we planted in Jericho to follow-up those from Jericho that came to Jesus in the May Crusade.

4. Dikeledi Mmatli. Praise is the Son of the living God. God says I am the Lord who cares for you. I was blind but I thank God for miracle. He has done great things for me, now I can see through Christ who is within me. Pastor Bruce did pray for me and I have sight immediately. Yes, through the blood of Jesus Christ I can see I am healed. I can feel His love flowing within my heart.

5. Peggy Bopane. Yes, God can make a way in the desert and open the streams of water, this is our living God. After being let go from my work in 2001 I sin terribly. I received deliverance and freedom during the May Crusade. I received Jesus in my life. Oh our Lord died on the cross! I thank God for the Pastor who come and Jesus save our souls.

6. Aida Mpshe. Halleluya Praise His Holy Name. God never fails us. After suffering from all kinds of sickness, nowhere to find help I was sitting next to the sea like a blind man waiting for someone to throw me inside. I thank God by the crusade. I hear preaching that God doors are open for everyone. Jesus has changed every plan of the devil about me and my family.

7. Herriet Mosome. No one has separate what God has joint. Halleluya Praise the Lord. I was having problems with my husband till I was prayed for during the Crusade on the 11th December 2003 where I did feel that the covenant of suffering and pain is taken out of my life. My family is now peace.

8. Michael Monoane. God says there is great joy in heaven when one comes to Jesus. I thank God for giving me a second opportunity. I repent when I hear preaching about the blood of Jesus that was shed on the cross just for me.

9. Anna Kgasi. Yes, our God is able to deliver us from all suffering pain. And He says when anyone is in Christ she/he is a new creature. Pastor Bruce keep saying Jesus Loves You and I was healed from 10 years suffering headache.

10. Maria Seanego. I thank God for his miracles. After such a long time serving the devil and doing blood sacrifices with my family. I also follow devils footsteps by worshipping snakes and idols. Our Lord can hear us crying. I thank God for sending his servants of the crusade who tell us about the greater who is within us. I come to the crusade with burdens and curses but after Pastor Bruce preach and say that God loves us, Lord has changed my life and my family. Pastor prayed for me and my sick daughter and when we arrived at home she was well. She vomited something that was like a snake and then was well. Oh yes, praise the one who is in heaven the almighty God who deliver those who are captured by devil. And I am saved with the Love of Jesus.

11. Oupa Modibane. Today as I stand before everyone in Oukasie to share my testimony I am overwhelmed by the fact that God's Love has touched and healed me from the hurt back that was caused by the car accident. I could not bend, I was about to lose my job because of this but today after the Crusade I feel strong. No more back pains. I am completely healed. As the Pastor preached I felt like heat on my back. I am healed. I received Jesus as my Savior. I have denounced the ZCC religion. They are deceivers. I am free.

12. Refilwe Maikepo. Halleluya Praise God I am delivered. I have started attending Crusade in Brits in September. When I came to the crusade I was not saved, I was a trained traditional healer (sangoma) using herbs and dead bones for spiritual matters, sadly the devil cursed me and I become cripple my husband separated from me. Since that moment I have been living under a cloud of curses, broken-ness, nothing was coming okay in my life. My father encouraged me to attend the crusade. I met a miracle that changed my life through the power of the blood I am born again. Thank you for telling me how much Jesus Loves me. I am not looking back from today, I am experiencing the Love of Jesus on daily basis. Praise God!

13. Mr. Makae. I have started attending the crusade. When Pastor Bruce preached that Jesus love me I was touched deep inside my heart, yet I was sitting in a church that practices ancestral worship, I had no way out. I was sick, separated with my wife for years. The turning point came when I heard how much Jesus loves, I gave my life to Jesus. I want to grow spiritually. We are back together with my wife. The whole family accepted Jesus. Thanks Pastor Bruce for your messages of Jesus love. Truly I can experience the Love of Jesus. Thanks for the freedom.

THANKS FROM PASTORS

PASTOR MMEKWA. I am William a servant of God at Jericho Flames Christian Church under the leadership of Pastor Martin. I thank God to raise men like Pastor Martin and Pastor Bruce. It is real that God has called you. Don't be afraid God is with you and you are a blessing to the people. When I came I was having a light concept about God, but today God has given me a Glory because of your teaching. Let God give you a Grace of Life and a cloud of Fire. The love, passion, humbleness, and faithfulness that God gave you to touch these people. The vision of 10,000 souls is flowing like a river and is higher than that mountains.

We form the body of Christ and we need each other. With this words I am saying that no one can separate us from the love of God. Don't give up, move on. The words of courage in Deuteronomy 28 v 1-2 said "You listen to my voice diligently and obey my commandments that I am giving you today, I will make you greater than any other nation on earth." God bless you, I love you.

PASTOR FIELD TIVANE. Greetings in the wonderful name of our Lord Savior and Jesus Christ. We like to thank God for what has happened in South Africa. God has used you mightily, once more the church was built and strengthened and many miracles too place in the area. Many people came into knowing God as their Savior, many people was delivered from powers of darkness, and many people experienced joy in their lives for the very first time. We thank God for you.

Special thanks to the team who worked with the little ones. Little ones were taught the Word of God throughout the crusade, they worshipped God, they received Jesus, they were over the moon when they were taken to African Island where the little ones have never dreamed they would ever see.

We were also pleased to see the ministry of Jesus taking place after the crusade (John 6 vs 10-12). All people and children were fed to their satisfactory. Pastor Bruce (Jabu), we thank you.

Pastor Field Tivane (The Erasmus and Motholung Churches)

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY REPORT ON THE OUKASIE KIDDIES CRUSADE.

Preamble. The body of Christ thanks God about the efforts to teach our children and for the sisters who worked very hard throughout the crusade to bring the gospel to the young ones who in many instances are neglected.

Children's Teachings. The teaching went on well and were quite educative on the children. Even as we speak many children are not in the playgrounds but are engaged in the teachings and activities that were given them. By God's grace the teaching changed the attitudes of the little ones toward God and many received Jesus.

There was a large number of children's ministry teachers in attendance who are as of now battling to keep the standard set for the children during the crusade, but by God's grace and with the material that was provided we are better equipped to run with this ministry.

Entertainment and Gifts. The children enjoyed every minute of their outing to African Island. To most of the children this was the first time they were treated with warmth, love and appreciation. This is a moment they will cherish forever, and may God bless you for blessing this little ones. The little gifts they received revealed God's love upon them. To receive books to teach Jesus in Tswane is like a treasure for them.

Training For Children's Ministry Leaders. We appreciate the training of the children's ministry leaders. This training is a God designed plan. We thank God about your contribution towards the little ones. We also thank God about the people who contributed their moneys towards the children. May the good Lord bless you mightily. May his blessing flow into your children also, and into many of your generations to come.

CONCLUSION

Pastor Bruce, please tell the Americans and others that we say THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS 2004.

Pastor Bruce we extend our deep appreciation and sincere thanks to all Americans and others who have contributed both prayers and finances towards making this distinguished SUCCESSFUL AND FRUITFUL CRUSADE. WE PRAISE GOD ABOUT THE HARVEST AND ALL CHURCHES THAT HAVE BEEN PLANTED. OUKASIE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME. WE LOOK FORWARD WITH GREAT ANTICIPATION YOUR COMING IN 2004 AND THE WORK OF PARTNERSHIP THAT GROWS AND CONTINUES.

WE LOVE YOU!

Pastor Martin

I tell you, I've said it so many times, but what a thrill--what a pleasure. I was looking through my notes just now and I came across a list of "lines" I heard during the Crusade and jotted down. "I was living in darkness, now I have seen the light." "I heard the preaching and I knew it was the truth." "Through the healing I have found Jesus." "My child told me to come and when I entered the door the sickness left me. I told my husband now the whole family must be born again." "Jesus give me my sight! I can see!" "I had no food for 4 days, but last night I went home and I felt like I had food. I never knew a person could be so happy." (she'd given her life to Jesus). "The church that healed me is back (in Oukasie) again." "I have told everyone, 'The God of the Christians healed my child.'" "The bitterness is gone. I'm happy now. I have Jesus."

I tell you, what a glorious opportunity. What an astounding release of God's goodness and glory and utter passion for human souls. Yes, the glory of God, released, displayed, and quietly played out in the lives of simple, anonymous, forgotten by the world but oh-so-precious-to-Jesus people... And all I can say is, "Glory, glory, glory to His precious precious Name!"

AND SO WE'RE GEARING UP FOR 2004. Yes, here we go again! We're looking at August/September and another during the second week of December. I'll keep you posted--and again I say, "Glory, glory, glory to Jesus!"

Go to Top
         

SUNDAY CELEBRATION. Glory to Jesus! The cow has fallen!!

it's midnight here and all i can say is it's all over. i've rarely been this exhuasted and i've rarely been this fulfilled. it's amazing, really, and it's just God, God, God... as i sit here typing and just thinking back on the week, i can't help but wonder why any of us does anything else. glory to Jesus.

it was a glorious day to say the least. the hall was packed and when i arrived the worship was like a tidal wave. and we just went on and on... and then it happened again--'it is well with my soul.' it has happened in every past crusade and today was no different. the people sang and sang, and one just can't describe the crying out to God in worship--thousands of people, most of whom have next to nothing, tears streaming down their faces, arms thrust high, on their knees, on their faces, at the top of their lungs, 'it is well with my soul.'

i tell you, i just lost it. i sat in this little plastic chair and just cried and cried--so aware of how far i had to go in the Lord, and so aware of his love for me in spite of it. i tell you, words cannot describe it.

but the lord gave me a tremndous message of his love for the people, and martin gave a salvation call, and the response was again massive. and the kiddies came in and sang the Jesus songs they learned during the week, and the people were blown away. this is a huge thing, this kiddies crusade. kids were saved and beyond that, real understanding was imparted.

i'll tell you one short story of how God worked in these kids' lives. there was a white woman from the town of brits that was visiting. she was so overwhelmed with the beauty of it all she just sat there crying. she told me later that a little boy of about 9 approached her, asking, 'why are you crying, auntie?' she said she was ok, but apparently the little boy was not so convinced. he responded by asking her, 'can i pray for you?' she said yes, and there he reached out his hand to her, bowed his head, and asked Jesus to touch her.

here's a little african boy of 9 approaching a white adult like that--i tell you, in this cultural environment that's like something from mars. but all this boy knew was that 'auntie' was crying and God could heal whatever it was. i tell you, there just aren't words for something like that. so yes, the Lord reached the children this week. glory to his name.

so then all the dust settled, the kiddies climbed on a bus and headed off for the outing of a lifetime--an amusement park called 'african island,' and back in the hall, 3000+ settled in for food. it was a meal that would blow their minds--meat and rice, vegetables and salad, pasta and pudding--the likes of which most of these people have never even dreamed of eating. yes, 'the cow fell' big-time, and the people ate till they were filled.

i could go on and on--and on and on. but late in the day, early in the evening, i was sitting with martin and he said that the bus drivers were getting restless. it seems they wanted to get going but the people would not get on the buses to go home. martin asked the guy who was in charge of all that why the people would not get on the buses and he said this in return:

'pastor, you (meaning the people) will never see something like this in your life. they will not go home until you make them.'

they met Jesus, they tasted God's power, they heard prominent cult leaders denounce their religions, they saw people they knew to be sick get healed, they tasted food they never imagined... it was just Jesus, Jesus, Jesus...

so it was an incredible week. it is always bitter sweet when it ends like this--sweet because you can barely stand up and need a good rest, and bitter because it's such a taste of heaven. but the one thing that keeps me smiling is the knowledge that it isn't the last one--no, in fact it's only the beginning. i'm in this for the long haul and it is truly a case of 'from glory to glory,' and as i've just tossed my sweat and dirt-ridden clothes into the laundry, i just know beyond knowing that it won't be long until i don them again.

so glory to the living God. yes, that's the bottom line and really all one can say--glory, glory, glory to Jesus.

turning off the light and signing off from africa. the Lord is good, and that ain't no cliche. good, good--the Lord is good. glory, glory, glory to his name!

Go to Top
         

SATURDAY NIGHT'S UPDATE. An evening of unbelievable testimonies...

tonight i stood on the platform leaning on one of the speakers watching the people come forward to give their lives to Jesus, and i just don't know what to say... there were hundreds--literally hundreds coming to Jesus.

we started with worship, and i tell you, the people were bouncing off the walls. then martin invited ayone who had a testimony--and that was the thing of the night. one after the other--incredible testimonies--two of these african religion/cult leaders from the biggest one in the country--it's the biggest 'religion' in the country, called z.c.c. the 'z' stands for 'zion,' and i forget what the other letters are. but they wear military-style uniforms and do all sorts of ugly ritual stuff.

we had one of their leaders get saved in the may crusade and more in september, and now they are following like dominoes falling as word spreads. but here's the thing--this cult is a huge thing to the people and it is creating quite a stir.

so this lady gets up there--same saved out of the z.c.c. story. i couldn't understand her words but a pastor next to me interpreted in my ear. she called herself a 'senior witch' in the organization. this will shock you as it shocked me, but in a round-about way she even talked about human sacrifice--talked about using 'human body parts' in their rituals. i tell you, she was shocking the people.

but her sick child was healed--i think it was in september. and the line she spoke as it was translated to me is a line i'll never forget--phrased in a way i couldn't believe: 'the God of the christians healed my child.' what a line--i'll never forget it.

and even before the meeting started a little girl came to us with a bag full of ugly witchcraft stuff. she said as we were praying for her last night the Lord 'showed her' that these things were buried in the floor of her house--that when she was just born her parents called in the local sangoma (witch doctor) to pray over the child and he planted this stuff in the house.

it was really wierd--candles soaked in blood and animal fat with wool tied around them. martin explained to me that the candle represented the child, and the wool a 'binding' of her to the demon spirit. i tell you, when i hear this stuff i just shake my head...

but the little girl didn't even know it was there until the Lord revealed it to her. she dug it up and brought it to us. martin knew exactly what to do. he called a couple guys over and they started a small fire right there in the parking area, and the stuff was burned. you should have seen the little girl's smile as she watched that filth go up in flames. and one of the last things we did in the service was tell the people her story and invite them to bring their stuff tomorrow so we could burn it for them, too. yippee!

so again, we're having a God time out here. i can barely keep my eyes open and tomorrow will be a long day of the concluding service and the celebration feeding of the community. 1000's will come and 1000's will be fed while the kiddies jump in a bus and head to an amusement park--and all of it in the love of Jesus. glory to his precious name! off to sleep!

Go to Top
         

FRIDAY NIGHT'S UPDATE.

blown away again. it is the living reality of 'He takes us from glory to glory.' i don't even know where to begin--i feel like i keep saying the same things over and over. the salvation was massive, the testimonies of healing were so many we had to cut them off, the obvious presence and grace of God--it was like godness just sweeping through the people. i could go on and on and if it wasn't 1:30 in the a.m. i probably would.

after the salvation call, martin gave a call for people with deep, long-standing hurts--left by their parents, left by their husbands, abused... i can't describe the people coming forward, and i can't describe the sense of the Lord really reaching into their hearts when we prayed for them.

then he gave another call--women who had suffered rape. oh, i can't tell you the heartbreak--the numbers of girls--young girls-who came forward with their faces in their hands. martin spoke to me afterward and told me he could hardly pray for these girls because his heart was breaking so much. but we prayed and we prayed, and we'll follow them all up, and we just trust God's love for them to heal them all the way.

then martin turned the tables--a call to any men who had committed such crimes. it blows the mind, but they came forward--shame-ridden, they came forward. they too will be followed up.

then it was for those who dabbled in witchcraft, then it was for those who need healing in their bodies, then it was, and then it was, and i tell you, what God did only He knows.

a young man testified he was healed wednesday night. he'd been in a car accident and his spine was all messed up. you should have seen the smile on his face--completely ok. the woman i spoke of tuesday--harriet--testified. she just kept talking about the joy in her life--'i never knew a person could be so happy.' an african cult/religion leader testified--he'd tossed out all his evil stuff and given his life to Jesus. glory to His name.

so it's amazing, i tell you. massive and amazing. one image that will stick in my mind--in the front row there were about 7 teenage boys--maybe 15-17. martin gave the salvation call and the people were steaming forward, but in this front row 4/5 of these guys had their faces down in their hands and you could see tears leaking through their fingers.

they weren't going forward--just crying and crying. martin began praying with the new believers and they were still crying. i couldn't resist--i went to each of them and lifted their faces and wiped their tears and asked them if they wanted Jesus. one by one they each said yes. i said, 'come, i'll walk with you.' one by one i walked with them to the front and man, you should have seen the release. it was glorious.

but this row of hard-looking teenage guys with their faces in their hands--it's an image i'll not soon forget. it's the glory of Jesus--His love for those guys--Hs reach into their hearts--their salvation!

so having an incredible time. 'i have fod to eat you know not of.' for the first time i think i can say i'm really beginning to understand what Jesus meant. it is just SO 'filling.' what a wonder. glory to His name!

Go to Top
         

THURSDAY NIGHT'S UPDATE.

it was a huge evening--an evening beyond evenings. you wouldn't believe the salvation response--absolutely massive. and long after the call they just kept coming on their own--one by one they kept coming and coming... it was beyond breathtaking. we had to scramble and 'create' a second follow-up room out of a storage area to handle them all, and even then the people were overflowing into the hall. i tell you, it blew my mind.

and again, you should have seen the kiddies--100's of kiddies so excited, clutching their little 'Jesus' books and gathering in the tent. the little kiddie salvation response was the same--absolutely massive.

so the Lord is doing a thing out here. i tell you, martin and i sit after the dust has settled each evening and we just shake our heads in amazement. there were testimonies tonight--people healed and saved unto Jesus. i hardly had to preach. i just talked about the parable of the one lost sheep and how the shepherd leaves the 99 to find him. i just kept telling them how 'the shepherd' loves that little lost sheep--how no matter how lost a sheep they think they might be, how he loves them, too.

and they came. they came and they came and they came. to Jesus as their savior, the people came.

i tell you, it is breathtaking. before the meeting martin and i were talking with this older woman sitting on the curb outside the building. you wouldn't believe it...

she came to the final sunday meeting of the september crusade that was held in this same hall. apparently we prayed for her and she says she was healed of diabetes. but when she went back the following sunday there was no service--she thought the crusade service was an ongoing church holding meetings in that hall.

so in her words, she asked everyone in the area where we were, giving us the title, 'the church that heals me.' martin had no presence in oukasie, so no one knew. 'where is the church that heals me,' she kept asking around. then she saw the buses coming in this week and went in and saw us all--she'd found 'the church that heals me.'

you should see the happiness in her. she just kept saying that line over and over, 'i have found the church that heals me.' to follow this week up martin will plant a church near the hall, so now this woman will never be without 'the church that heals me.'

i tell you, it is a humbling thing. i come home every night just blown away. to see the Lord so big and so awesome in people's lives. to be with these guys who hunger so much for him. to grow in the wonder of his presence in my own life. it's like that line in the psalms, 'i have seen you in your sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory'--and i tell you, there's no going back. Lord, i have seen you in oukasie and there's no going back! glory to Jesus!

off to sleep--off to rest up for the next adventure. good night from oukasie! glory to Jesus!

Go to Top
         

WEDNESDAY NIGHT'S UPDATE. A night of miracles...

it's 1 a.m. and just got 'home.' i tell you, what a night. first miracle--there is a pastor from mozambique who comes all the way over to every crusade at his own expense--walking, hitching rides, buses, whatever... well he came down with malaria and was in a serious condition. martin and his church were praying and praying, and martin sent him funds to get to a hospital in maputo (7 hours by car). well, martin got a call from him yesterday--he was fine and crossing the border and would be at the crusade.

you wouldn't believe it. i mean, malaria is very serious stuff--people die regularly--and this guy was in such a remote area there was no opportunity for help. but at 6 p.m. this evening, there he was with the intercessors praying his socks off for souls. the guy is amazing. the last crusade he went on a total fast for 4 days for the crusade. he doesn't participate or anything--just comes and enjoys the salvation.

amazing some of these guys--the lengths they go to for a taste of God, if you know what i mean. but anyway, miracle of miracles, he's completely fine and with us. glory to Jesus!

but the whole evening was miracles. a crazy thing happened--in the middle of my preaching a blind woman received sight. it seems so crazy to even type the words, and if i wasn't there i'd never believe it. but there it was--no one praying for her or anything--just spontaneously healed.

the intersting thing, the scripture i was preaching from was in matthew 11 where john the baptist sends his disciples to ask Jesus if he is indeed Messiah. Jesus responds, 'go back and report what you hear and see--the deaf hear, the lame walk, THE BLIND RECIEVE SIGHT... and the good news is preached to the poor.' so here i was talking about this blind thing--drawing a picture of blindness of heart with it--and the Lord just decided to do it literally. absolutely amazing. i tell you, i just have no explanation.

and she wasn't alone. i was moving through the crowd at one point taking photos, and there on the stage was a cane! just lying on the stage with no one around it. i looked around and here was this old man walking up and down and up and down in front of the stage all on his own. you should have seen the smile on his face. and after the meeting was dismissed and the hall empty, i walked up on the stage to get my Bible, and guess what was still lying there--that old man's cane. i tell you, it is simply mind-blowing.

and the worship-you've never seen such hunger for God. and the salvation--just masses again tonight. and the kiddies crusade--yikes! all the kids from last night went home and told their friends and my goodness--hundreds and hundreds and... showed up. and i was told that they gave a salvation call and 1/3 of the tent responded. i tell you, it is breathtaking.

the resistance is also crazy. we had bus trouble again. it seems one of the bus managers is an elder-type guy in one of these african traditional religions--real cult stuff with animal sacrifice and praying to ancestors and all. he was so upset about people getting born again and walking away, he played games with us and witheld buses that we paid for. i tell you, martin was steaming. but it was all straightened out tonight and that guy is walking on thin ice with his job.

and there was more. you won't believe this, but we had to haul a guy out of the room. again, he was big in one of those religions and he came in with this huge knife trying to intimidate people--trying to chase them out of the crusade. and then there were guys throwing rocks at the buses as they rode out. i tell you, it is really something.

but oh, the victories. one quick testimony and then i need to get to bed. when we drove up there was a woman sitting outside waiting for the doors to open. we got to talking with her...

she had come into the area yesterday to see a sangoma--witch doctor--to help her with problems. one of our guys was walking up and down the street with a megaphone announcing the crusade. he said we would pray for the people, so she thought she would come and maybe save a few bucks.

well, she heard the gospel, felt the love of Jesus, and recieved Him as her savior, and here she was back for more. she talked on about how good she felt and happy, and how she never thought a person could feel so happy. but here's the line of hers that really knocked me out. i tell you, someday i'm going to write a book about all this and this line will be right there... she said, 'i have not eaten for 4 days, but when i left the meeting last night i felt like i had food.'

'i am the bread of life,' Jesus said. he filled her heart--he somehow even filled her belly. and all that adds up to him just doing what he always does--he loved her, and loved her, and loved her...

so we're having an incredible time. it was elbow to elbow tongiht and the crowd will only get bigger. i don't know where we're going to put them tomorrow, but i guess the Lord does so i need not worry. off to sleep... glory to Jesus!

Go to Top
         

CRUSADE UPDATE FROM BRUCE. The Brits Crusade is happening and the Lord is already doing "above and beyond what we could ask or think." So here's the lastest word from Bruce (you can easily recognize an email from Bruce - no capitalization! What a hoot.)...

just got in from the opening night of the crusade. my clothes are soaked through with sweat, my feet are aching me, and the smile on my face is as big as the African full moon the Lord has blessed us with this week. in a phrase, we opened with a bang. the place was packed out. as you know, the crowd builds as the week progresses, so martin is a little concerned. but we'll sort it out--we'll put seats on the stage if we have to.

but the most exciting thing--you should have seen the people come forward to receive jesus. i tell you, i'm astounded every time, but this evening it was even more astounding. scores and scores--and i hardly spoke at all. just a short message about the cross, and man, the people responded. it was downright glorious.

but as we began praying before the meeting i knew it was going to be a big night. i can't put into words the quality in the room. i mean, i've prayed with these guys so many times, but this time was something special. it just went on and on, and there was martin on his face on the floor, and the worship leader, too, and these two ladies leaning on the wall just wailing before God for souls. i tell you, it was something to behold. and the 'presence' of god was so thick... i walked away really realizing the value of 'unrestrained' worship--to just be willing to 'go for it,' and make a fool of yourself to honor god and cry out in desperation... i tell you, i don't know what it is, but there is just something to that.

and then the worship in the service--it was just like that 'it is well with my soul' time when it was like the roof came off the building and hearts were just opened wide to the lord. even martin was astounded--and this is just how we're beginning!

oh yeah--the kiddies crusade. absolutely incredible. hundreds of kids all sitting on the grass in this tent and no joke here--you could hear a pin drop as these two ''african' puppets we dug up explained the gospel. man, it was something. and then they colored a little bible story thing and they each got this little book about jesus in their 'tswane' language.

i saw the most breathtaking thing-this little girl of maybe 8 years old. very poor--tattered clothes, no shoes... she was holding this book about jesus like it was a million dollar bill, and just sitting on the ground and running her hand ever-so-gently over each page. it's humbling to write this, but the book was a treasure to her. i tell you, i almost lost it while i was watching her.

so the bottom line--we're off and running. i can barely keep my eyes open but i wanted to keep you updated. it's so 'easy'--that's the thing that stuns me. no frills, no fancy anything, no big name anyone... just worship god, share his love, and bingo--salvation and redemption like i've rarely seen it. glory to jesus.

so i'm off to sleep. i'll shoot you another update tomorrow night--if i can keep my eyes open. thanks. glory to jesus

Go to Top
         

EMAIL FROM BRUCE...IN SOUTH AFRICA. Just received a quick email from Bruce about what is happening in preparation for next week's crusades. As Bruce would say, it seems the Lord is getting ready to "do a thing" in Brits. But I'll just let Bruce tell you himself...

man, teri,

it is just too exciting. met with martin yesterday-we sat for hours as he told me story after story of lives changed during the september crusade. and get this--remember that guy who got saved who was the 'bishop' in the cult religion? remember his son's hearing was restored and he got saved? well this guy was HUGE in his community-'big man on campus' kind of guy-and him walking away from the cult stuff that the majority of the africans are into has really shaken them up.

they are calling martin like crazy to come to the crusade. his biggest fear is that there won't be enough chairs. but there's been a domino affect among those cult leaders because of this guy. they are all now coming to martin and he is leading them to the lord left and right. they are having big events where they gather all their witchcraft stuff and burn it openly before the community. and this has reached the ears of the 'chiefs.' yes, they still have a tribal system within the governmental system. but several chiefs from the townships around brits will be at the crusade, and if you knew the social systems and how these guys are revered and feared and all, i tell you, it's a mind-blower that they would publicly come like they have told martin they will.

so God is doing a huge thing and it is exciting. today i picked up a few thousand 'tracts' in their 'tswane' language and i can promise you, it just won't be enough. tracts for kiddies, too--they'll bless their little socks off.

so that's what's going on. we kick it in this coming tuesday. as martin says, 'polish your preaching shoes, brother!' by the end of the week they'll have to 'carry me home on my shield,' but it's going to be incredible. 'kgomo e wele,' they say--'the cow has fallen.' it has a dual meaning--it's time to celebrate and there's lots of work to be done. and if that doesn't say it all, i don't know what...

so thanks, teri. enjoy! i'll do my best to keep you posted.

bruce

From all of us at Marchiano Ministries, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for your support of the crusades. It's all about precious souls coming to Jesus...so please, keep praying! Hallelujah!!

Go to Top