David and Shonda have felt a pull towards Nigeria for many years. On more than one occasion, they have tried to acquire invitations for visas to enter the country but to no avail. This time though, it seemed like it was a divine appointment. The enemy fought at every turn to keep us from going, but God was with us every step of the way!
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here were multitudes of people that came forward to give their lives to Christ for the very first time during this Lafia Healing and Deliverance Crusade. Even more so came forward to ask God to forgive them for their sins, rededicating their lives back to Him. On one particular night, after the call for first-time salvation was given, David and Shonda felt like the Spirit of the Lord was leading them to speak a release of the manifested power of the Holy Spirit over anyone who wanted to go deeper into his presence. The entire front of the auditorium was filled with people that had come forward and a large number of those were children under the age of 12. You could actually feel the glory of God in the place. We noticed as the children begin to push their way through the crowds to get all the way forward to the platform. Sometimes this is done because we see children so curious. It was so crowded that people were pushing forward shoulder to shoulder, from the back to the front they were seeking to have more of God's Spirit. There was way too many people to pray for individually, and David and Shonda were only able to lay hands on those that were near the front. This was mostly the children. When they began to pray, there was a sweeping of the Holy Spirit that began to move across the people and from the children back they began to weep, then they began to verbally praise God very loudly. Then people began to burst now praying in other tongues, especially the children. All of them for the first time, were baptized with the Holy Spirit and in. The people were praying in the spirit and could not stop, many of them falling to their knees weeping uncontrollably. Parents were overwhelmed by what their children were experiencing, they too were weeping and praying, and praising God! Many children had to be helped out by their parents to leave the facility that night. It was unlike anything we have ever experienced before with such a young group of people (this photo is poor quality but at least you can see what was happening).
David and Shonda were also honored to pour into the lives of many Bishops, Senior Pastors and ministry leaders, teaching on godly character, discipleship and ministerial integrity. Not only was it a great challenge to those who were in attendance, it was also very encouraging to watch them receive the love and the strength that was released into their hearts and lives. There were many pastors that were so discouraged during the ministers conference but by the end of the week, they were walking with confidence in great grace and in the knowledge of God's blessing. The theme for this special ministers conference in Lafia was "In Regions Beyond". David encouraged them that we must be about the Father's business, and that His business is the "Great Commission". There is a great need all over Africa for people to learn about Jesus Christ. No one can travel Africa and do this better than the nationals there!
We find that everywhere we go in the world, people have the same problems. Therefore, pastors in Africa deal with the same people problems that pastors in America deal with. Pastoring is people management and people are people all over the world. It really blesses us to have the opportunity to teach and to train, encourage and love these pastors.