Month: June 2011

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 17th 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.

312 saved and well over 200 filled in the Holy Spirit

It was taken me longer than usual to
report on the events of the Yei Students’ Holiday Conference 2011 which ended last
week Friday. I needed time to reflect and reset. But, I owe you this brief
narrative.

Our plan was to invite
willing students, identify and connect with those whose hunger for something more than mere religion pressed them
towards a deeper and refreshing relationship with The Truth.

We could have done better
with more facilitators, but Abba’s grace was enough for those that gave their
time, strength and resources throughout the Conference. May God bless them!

It was a great joy to
have as international guest ministers; Rev Johnny Anikpe (my father-in-the-Lord);
Rev Dr. Mrs. Shade Toyin Kehinde and Pastor Mrs. Tolu Dawodu both from my church in
Lagos; Brother Mark Lucas of CDM and one of my mentors, Rev Yemi Ayodele both
from the USA; and of course my darling wife Sola. Their presence and
contributions towards the success of this conference cannot be measured.

From 8:00am each day, students from various schools and other
youths out of school filled the hall of meeting and started each day’s events with hot praises,
dance and worship to Abba even before the pastors and organizer arrived. Their
hunger for truth, authentic leadership, fellowship and worship underscores our
hope.

With all modesty and due
respect to all that ministered, I confess, we didn’t have it in us to satisfy
these kids. God came to our rescue daily. They longed for more, sat through the sessions from morning till
evening with great joy. Oh, may Abba be honored as He gives the increase.

The group discussions and
Bible studies which focused on discipleship were interactive and interesting;
as they generated some questions that highlighted the huge task before us, as well as the
great door of ministry open here.

Constrained for time, we
grappled with each session and it was all worth the sacrifice, dealing with
over 700 kids whose passion for the Lord and His word I wish could be exported. Everyone of them wet home with a gift, thanks to MTN Nigeria and Bibles from The Gideons International was available to all that needed a copy.

From our records, 312
students gave their life to Jesus at this conference.Though a few did so more than once; we understand why
and are working at it.

On the last day 17th
June, which we’d declared as Holy Spirit Day, there was massive outpouring of
the Holy Spirit. Well over 200 students received the baptism of the Holy Spirit
with the evidence of speaking in new tongues. Among them were six of the nine girls that had been earlier delivered of demons.

The drama of how the Holy
Spirit overran this meeting on the last day and the subsequent events that now follow;
will be told in my next blog.

Please pray with me as I
gather again, a few of these kids tomorrow at “The Furnace”; our informal
discipleship refinery.

Thanks to all that
supported with prayers, funds, calls and goodwill messages. Your sacrifice is a
delight to the Lord for and to Whom are all things.

The journey is still far,
but Abba’s glory and fame propels us.

Kingdom quests

Questions could say
several things to those for whom they are meant. They could also reveal much
about the inquirer’s ignorance, intelligence, values, dreams, passion, disgust,
maliciousness…

The ability to ask and answer questions is an integral
part of education and the discipleship process in particular.  

A simple and sincere question from a disciple could be
a clear witness to deep spiritual hunger and an apt response may unlock the
fountains of knowledge, granting revelation that could lead to terrible things
in righteousness.

There are questions that should be answered categorically
with a simple yes or no.

There are questions that could be answered analytically
or logically, by defining or redefining terms and perspectives.

There are questions that should be answered with a
counter-question.

There are questions that should just be put aside and ignored.

The Lord Jesus asked and answered questions in ways
that brought both clarity and confusion to the audience, depending on the state
of their heart. Those that sort to justify themselves went home upset while the
hungry for truth left filled.

Our Students’ Conference 2011 is in day four and we have
heard and handled some interesting questions as we attempt to chart a
discipleship path for over 600 young minds here in Yei.

The interactive nature of this meeting encouraged
these students to engage the facilitators with some probing questions that have
greatly helped the purpose of this Conference.

These questions may appear silly or funny but nothing
can be taken away from the sincere heart that asked them. This is where we are
today, but we are moving this elementary level to deeper truths of the Kingdom.

They asked:

“Does God have a father and
mother?”

 “Who is God?”

“How can I stop smoking?”

 ‘How long should I walk with Jesus?”

“What is faith?”

“If you say that God created
everything and lives in heaven; where was He staying before He made heaven and
earth?”

“How can I forgive?”

“What does Jesus look like?”

“How do I know I am saved?”

“If the Bible says we should
confess our sins to one another, why should we confess to God also?”

“Is it everyone that can
hear God’s voice?”

“How does God discipline His
children as a father?”

 “What does Jesus mean by saying he has come to
bring division with families in Matthew 10:34-37?”

“If it’s true that we are here to help others, then what are
the others suppose to be doing?”

“Why do men have nipples when they can’t breastfeed?”

The ultimate aim of every question should be to shed
light on what is unknown or misunderstood. Questions should prompt knowledge,
truth and action.

We all as students of life use questions to nurture
our relationships, process our judgments, search for truth, expose error,
establish our faith and so on.

Jesus asked one that was not answered, “My God, My
God, why have you forsaken me?”

When last were you asked a question you had no response
to? What’s that question you are seeking answer to?

Faith is for the deeper ends


As we plan to host some 600 or more students for six days beginning next
week Monday here in Yei, I’m waking up to the essence of my faith. 

Though the intensity of our prayers and preparation for this meeting continues to grow by the day, there’s still an uneasiness I feel, an anxiety I thought I should have overcome; having organized several conferences in the past and a largely successful camp last year.

Several times, I’ve wondered and people have asked, “What’s your aim with this?”

“Why invite all these students?”

“Don’t you see that many of them can’t even read properly and that will pose a big problem with understanding?”

“Will you have enough facilitators to handle the anticipated huge crowd?”

“Where will you get the money for this and that?”

“Can’t you plan something small and simple, with a few leaders, spend less money and time, and have little or no troubles to contend with?

If faith should always make sense, I’d probably answer these questions differently each time.

The deep ends of any river could be an exciting place to swim or fish, but they are often dangerous and sometimes lonely.
Heading that direction intentionally, especially when it’s not placid could seem foolish. However, that’s where faith for the impossible thrives.

Striving towards the deeper ends in faith is always expensive. It’s also a complicated place because of the assortment of confusions occasioned by the unimaginable challenges and the manner with which the problems suddenly fizzle out; forcing us to wonder again and again, “What just happened there?” (Psalm 107:23-30)

Abba smiles when our countenance glows in anticipation of His intervention at the deep ends of life. He’s thrilled by the shifts on the scale of our faith indicator. The rise and fall thereof are lovely to Him. But not the absence of it altogether.

The process of our spiritual formation which God jealously oversees involves
moments of fear, tears, doubt and uncertainty. You are either heading towards this direction, away from it or you are in the zone already. If God will be honored on account of your years on earth, you must tread this path of faith on His terms.

No two storms are the same. But they always have the same effect of either wrecking us or rousing us to the realities of our present spiritual condition.

Once again at this conference, there’s much uncertainty. But we’ll surely create a platform for God to be glorified; a
place to teach, inspire, instruct, correct and encourage and pray for those the
Lord will bring our way and open their hearts to receive His word. Hopefully, a
few would catch this flame and run with it to places we may never go.

The gift of faith is offered to all. I’m learning to use and grow my allocation. I hope you are too.

The word of their testimonies

Last Sunday was one I won’t forget in a hurry, not
for the praises and dance, testimonies and prayers, water baptism of 14
disciples nor because of the emergence of a new generation of very young
disciples who by the leadership of a dear son, gave a refreshing recitation of
many memorized Scriptures.
 
All these were fun but can’t compare to the outcome
of the unplanned small group meeting that followed after the service.

The message was on God’s longing to have and keep
us in, not just near. A hand full of people came forward to receive Jesus and I
called for a small meeting to encourage them after the service. But Abba had
other ideas.

David was not invited to this meeting but he joined
us. After a few admonitions, I asked if anyone had a question or prayer
request.

David asked, “Please can I share my
testimony?” “Sure.”

When he finished, the doors opened. All the new
converts had a dark past they desperately needed forgiveness from and felt they
should confess.

I was in the midst of hurting people. Three of them
confessed to attempted suicide. One testimony stood out, it lasted 30mins and
shocked us all.

Taban (not real name), in his late 30s is a mechanic but use to be
a soldier. While in the force during the Sudan civil war, he got into a fight
with another soldier, shot and killed the fellow. He was sent to jail for a
season but later the Judge sent him to the war front with the mandate to bring
back five rifles.

That meant he’s to kill five enemies, collect their
weapons, thereby complete his sentence and purchase his freedom. He succeeded
but became a more violent man.

One day, while driving some other soldiers to
another location, he decided to kill himself and all in the army
truck with him by driving it off the road into a gully.

When he turned off the road, he said he didn’t know
how the truck jumped over the ditches and everyone survived. He left the army
thereafter.

This man’s testimony was one of rage that often led
to murder. Here was a killer seeking Jesus and finding Him among other hurting people like himself.

Taban was entering a church for the first time in
six years last Sunday. His confession encouraged others to freely tell their
story of pain with graphic details and ask for forgiveness. From witchcraft,
abortions, bitterness against God for various reasons… we heard it all.

As we prayed and wept before the Lord, I recalled
the scripture, “And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and
because of the word of their testimony. And they did not love their soul until
death.” (Rev 12:11)

It continues to please God, that by the foolishness
of preaching, those that believe are saved.

Com’on Jesus!!