Then came the Holy Spirit

Often, when we think we’ve figured out how and when
God will move, He smiles; then starts by first making our plans look ridiculous and sometimes stupid, thereby creating room for Himself
to be the GOD He is, on invitation.

For most of the facilitators and the students at our last Yei Students’
Holiday Conference 2011, our experience on the last day of the meeting will
never be forgotten. It was a holy commotion. All creation longs for such
moments because divine purpose is being executed; and God is center stage.

We’d switched and changed the program quite a bit to accommodate lapses. It
was all in Abba’s plan.

Friday 17^th June, the last day of the conference, had been
declared “Holy Ghost Day” and we’d also asked the students to come
fasting. We anticipated a unique experience, but nothing like what we got.

The Bible Study topic for that day was “The Holy Spirit and You”, and
the small group discussions were tailored towards helping the students come to
grips with what could hinder their fellowship with the Holy Spirit. This was
another good move.

“…is there anyone around who knows God’s Spirit, anyone who
knows what he is doing?” 1Cor 2:16a (The Message) Planning is always good,
but more blessed are they that give Abba enough room within their plans to do
as He wills. “…in all your ways, acknowledge him and he will direct your
path” (Prov 3:6), is a profound scripture.

Going by our program for that afternoon, we were an hour behind; barely enough
time left to split into our 10 different classes and do a meaningful study on
the Holy Spirit as scheduled

“Rev Johnny, I think you should merge all the classes into one and just
talk a little on the Holy Spirit. while I go get Rev Yemi.”
 He was scheduled to take the evening session.

“That’s a good idea” said Rev Johnny; and I drove off to go the
hotel.

When Rev Yemi Ayodele and I arrived at the conference hall, we were
awestruck with what we saw, standing at the doorway. It was amazing to see many
of these school kids blasting away in unknown tongues at the top of their
voices, some were rolling on the floor as they prayed, drenched in their sweat;
and some were weeping, unsure of what was happening to them as they muttered
words never heard before. 

As we maneuvered through those slain in the spirit, Rev Yemi said,
“Uche, God has finished the work for today. We cannot add to this.”
Indeed, there was holy pandemonium and God was at the centre stage.

Rev Yemi had to close the meeting, teaching the students what was taking
place and why. In fact as he spoke, some were still praying in tongues,
unable to control themselves. Their hunger for righteousness was being rewarded
beyond our prayers. Tears of joy flowed from my eyes as I laid hands on a few
to pray for them to receive the Holy Spirit.

I’m still reflecting on what happened that afternoon, and asking myself
a few questions.

“What form would this conference have taken, if the event of that last
day occurred on the first day?”

“Did we make the same mistake again, seeing that a similar outpouring
occurred last year on the last evening, leaving us little time to teach in more
detail what they were experiencing?”

“Are we honestly and consciously giving the Holy Spirit His rightful
place in our lives, ministrations and ministries?”

“Who and where will these kids be in five to ten years from now?” Abba knows, He has his eyes on them. He smiles.

Author: Uche Izuora

I'm inspired by God’s passion for His name in every generation, which provokes global worship through Jesus Christ. Becoming an emotionally healthy and transformative disciple, I aim to mobilize the Church to engage in cross-cultural missions and raise other like-minded disciples who discover themselves in Christ and seek to present and represent Him as Savior and Lord among the nations northward of Uganda. View all posts by Uche Izuora