| The Book of Acts - 'Continued.' |
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Ever since I was a child, it was always the personal stories told by members of my family that seemed to have the greatest impact upon my life and left me with the clearest memories. On a recent visit to OMS International's annual conference (Missions in the Midwest Family Retreat) in the States, I caught up with various OMS missionaries who shared some extraordinary stories with me. It was like listening to the Book of Acts all over again, and it made my heart bubble with enthusiasm and delight as they shared pictures of the power and anointing of the Spirit of God in people's lives. Here are just a few of their stories.
From Brazil came the story of God's leading and miraculous provision. A missionary travelling to the United States found herself, through a series of other people's mistakes and misunderstandings, all alone with only $20 in her pocket. With no prospect of any accommodation or food, she felt terribly confused that God would allow her to be in such a situation, especially when He had so clearly led her there. Managing to convince a church member to take her in for the night - with the understanding that she would find other accommodation the next morning, she had a very sleepless night. Early the next morning she set out, uncertain of what was going to happen next? Miraculously she was approached by someone in the church and asked if she spoke a certain language - they had a desperate need for someone with those skills immediately. That same day, she saw the Lord open doors in the church she had originally been called to speak at, that enabled her to not only get accommodation, but to minister and get paid for it as well. In fact, she soon had that church supporting her ministry back in Brazil. From Colombia came the exciting accounts of God moving by His Spirit in a prison that originally was to house 1500 inmates, but had swelled to 6,600 of some of the nation's most hardened and heartless criminals. God was moving powerfully in the midst of that prison, as OMS missionaries prayed, wept and worked alongside many of the prisoners, helping them find Christ, who in turn were leading other inmates to the foot of the Cross. With discipleship programs and prayer filled outreaches, broken men were discovering that the power of the Risen Christ was able to forgive sins and transform lives. Those who were there, spoke of the power of God working in the most troublesome prisons in the world. Then from OMS Headquarters, in Indiana itself, came the amazing story of a missionary burdened with a passion for India. For two long years, a very young Wesley Duewel prayed and pleaded with God to send a mission such as OMS to that great Hindu continent. Now decades later, with many tears and a sense of great excitement, this spiritual giant of a man (now in his late 80's) wept as he shared with us how God answered his cries and called him to plant many Indian churches which continue today to bring forth much fruit for the Kingdom. These are real miracles, performed in our life-time - acts of a loving God, reaching down to a very lost and hell-bound world. We wonder whether the God of miracles still works today, whether He still moves with transforming power in answer to prayer? From listening to those who were first hand observers, the resounding answer is "absolutely yes!" We are in the midst of very significant days, with miraculous events happening right before us. God is very much alive and we are humbled to think that He chooses people just like you and I to reveal to this troubled world that He loves them so very, very much. "Then the church... enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord." Acts 9: 31. Reverend Chunillal Pema.
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