Excerpt from newest book "Missionary in the 21st Century"

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 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."