I'm in the process of writing a new book called "Missionary in the 21st century." Here is an excerpt from the section on Burundi. It is still in developmental stages as I'm only about 30% complete with the writing. I would like to ask for your prayer support in helping me write this book as I feel that there are many lessons that I have learned in ministry that are valuable for the larger Body of Christ that can be shared in story form through my life experience.
“I sensed it as we were praying and I almost gave up because she was making so much noise in the church.”
"I quickly discovered that
Olivier was a fiery man of God. He had standing invitations to preach in
multiple congregations across the city. He was dynamic and funny. He became one
of my best friends in Burundi and frequently served as my translator when he wasn't ministering on the weekends.
One story will illustrate the
kind of relationship we enjoyed. A friend of mine traveled to Burundi to
minister. I asked Olivier if he would be willing to serve as the translator. He
agreed.
I set up a speaking engagement
in Musaga, one of the poorer neighborhoods in Bujumbura. As my friend gave the
altar call a crippled lady came hobbling to the front along with several
others. We prayed for healing for everyone. Nothing noticeable happened
externally. My friend started praying with people who wanted to receive Christ.
The crippled lady intrigued Olivier. He continued praying for her. After some
time, he announced to the woman that she was already healed, but that she was
refusing to receive her healing.
My friend continued praying for
other people. I watched in amazement what transpired. Olivier took her by the
hand without her crutch and forced her to take a step. She shrieked horribly
for the whole church to hear. I winced my teeth thinking that he was hurting
her. My friend tried to keep the other people’s attention, but it was difficult
as Olivier forced her to take another step. More protests and hollers. I
considered intervening. Surely, this couldn’t be the Lord.
After a few more steps he got
her out the back door of the church so that the interaction wouldn’t be as
distracting inside the building to everyone else. I was relieved because it was
so painful to watch. Some fifteen minutes later he reappeared with the woman
walking as normally as any other human being. The place erupted with shouts of
praise and many more responded to Christ. It was awesome!
I was amazed. “What happened?” I
finally managed to ask after the service.
Olivier just smiled.
“No really! What happened?
Please tell me.” I almost pleaded wishing I had followed him outside.
“She just had to keep taking
another step until all the pain was gone. Jesus already healed her.” He replied
confidently.
“How did you know?” I asked
again.
“I sensed it as we were praying and I almost gave up because she was making so much noise in the church.”
I chucked because I was sure
that he must have noticed everyone else staring at him.
“However, I knew that if I could
just get her walking that she would soon see for herself that Jesus had healed
her.”
To me it has been an active part
of my spiritual journey. Many times I have had to just keep taking another
step—despite the pain, despite the tears, though the questions linger, I keep
taking another step confident that He has promised to come through for me."
