Reaching the Un-reached

[Brong Ahafo Region, Ghana] Our ministry in Ghana continues to move to show both the power of God and the motto of GEM (“Going where others refuse to go!”) working hand in hand. On Saturday night my film team traveled to a remote and rejected village to share the gospel. By “rejected” I mean, this particular village is viewed as both outcasts and dangerous people. Sammy shared with us that the villagers, native to the Northern Region, have all relocated to the Brong Ahafo Region in search of better farmland. All these people have some sort of Muslim tradition that people here think to be far too militant for their liking. As a result, none of the population of our area ever venture out to the particular village where we ministered last night.

Upon arrival in this rejected area I was humbled and awed by the gracious way in which we were received. The entire village had gathered in an open area of the place awaiting our arrival and the screening of the Jesus film. Although I have seen poor and desolate areas before, this particular one surpassed them all. There were no roads, no lights, and no water. Every dwelling in the place was wretched and horrible – nothing but sticks and mud houses for these people. There was literally no signs of livability.

We showed the Jesus film to a completely quiet crowd of more than 200 and then shared the gospel message in the power of the Holy Spirit. Our entire team was moved with compassion and gratitude when we witnessed approximately 150 indicated that they had just prayed to receive Jesus Christ!

We distributed bibles to each one of them and promised that we would have a pastor there to serve them this coming Sunday. Think about it. In a matter of three hours a new church had been planted in a previously unreached, neglected village of the world. This is certainly the work of God!

I, and our entire team, are counting on you to keep us in your prayers. None of this is easy, but it is comforting to know that our friends around the world are remembering to pray earnestly for us.

Our medical clinics continue to function smoothly. I stopped by the clinic today on my way back from a morning of school programs and once again was thankful for the great work each team member is doing.

I am especially grateful for the way Andy Poe is managing and coordinating these clinics each day. My original plan was for my dear friend and colleague, Jeff Andler, to coordinate the clinics, which would have meant loosing him from preaching each day in the schools. While I know Jeff would have effectively managed the clinics, I am thankful that he is able to utilize his dominant spiritual gifts of preaching and evangelism each and every day.

Please remember to pray for our film crusades each night. Normally the preaching takes place around 9:00pm each evening (which is 4:00pm EST). Pray for Craig Barker and Mark Chase who will be speaking tonight.

In addition to the already mentioned team members, continue to pray for Ronda Brookshire, Courtney and Matthew Bolling, Ruth Kandaras, and Sheila Radcliff. Everyone is doing an outstanding job! Through Monday noon we have recorded 8,706 indicated first-time decisions for Christ in 39 venues.