Africa & Europe, October–November 2009
Hi Friends,
It is very difficult to share what God allowed me to do for Him for 5 weeks in Kenya, Uganda and Hungary. Any stories or comments that I share are only because of God, not me. I was only willing to be obedient to God’s calling to go and share His Good News.
Thank you to those of you who financially support our family and ministry and those who pray for us.
Every trip, anywhere, is difficult when you are going to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Many of you know this from your ministries or mission trips you have taken. But God is in control.
So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:11
Kenya
Pastors Conference
I taught 2 days at a conference outside of Kisumu. 20–30 pastors traveled to be at this conference. Many traveled up to 150 km to come. Some walked, others rode their bicycles. Only God knew what these pastors needed to hear and it is only through His guidance that I was able to share and to serve.
I have received more knowledge and useful teaching in these 2 days, than I heard from other visiting pastors. Thank you.
Pastor, Kenya
Five pastors have called me to tell me how much your teaching and messages had impacted them and it was what they needed to hear.
Pastor John, Kisumu
Evangelistic Crusade Outreach
I preached 3 evenings in a very poor section of Kisumu. Several people repented and gave their lives to Jesus Christ.
Orphanages
I visited one of the orphanages that our ministry has been able to support for the past 2 years. I was also blessed to lay the ‘cornerstone’ for Pastor John’s new orphanage and school.
Prison
I shared my testimony and proclaimed the Gospel to many prisoners. When I asked them to pray with me and to repent of their sins and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, about 50 raised their hands.
Schools
One day we drove through the interior for over an hour looking for a school that had invited me to visit. We located a school and drove in. After speaking with the Headmaster and teacher, Pastor John realized that this was the wrong school. They asked me to speak with the children since we were there. I shared some of my life and made them laugh a few times. I then shared how Jesus changed my life and allows me to travel to many places to tell people about Him. I gave the Gospel message and asked them to pray with me if they wanted to know Jesus. All I heard was a chorus of voices asking Jesus into their lives. God obviously had planned for us to visit this school. PTL!
We then drove some more and walked to the next village and found the correct school. I again shared some of my life and made them laugh, then shared how Jesus changed my life and allows me to travel to many places to tell people about Him. I gave the Gospel message and asked them to pray with me if they wanted to know Jesus. All I heard again was a chorus of voices asking Jesus into their lives. A few of the children were wiping away tears after we prayed. God is awesome.
Uganda
Churches
I preached and taught at 5 church services during my 10 days in the Kampala area. Several people that had given their lives to Jesus at the crusade in Entebbe, came to the local church the following Sunday to join.
Bibles
We provided for the church in Entebbe to purchase several Bibles in the local language. The people were so excited for this blessing.
School
I visited the school that Pastor Ben operates. Our ministry has been able to help support several children and also help purchase the land for the school.
Evangelistic Crusade Outreach
I preached 4 evenings in a village in Entebbe. This was in an area where there was a ‘witch temple’ and strong muslim influence. God gave me the messages that He wanted me to share each night and many people repented and gave their lives to Jesus. This was a difficult week and when I shared with my good friend Pastor Benjamin how exhausted I was, he said, “You’ve been in a battle brother. You preached against false religions and brought people to Jesus and Satan didn’t want you to do this. But God is powerful.” Amen.
Hungary
I was in several areas close to Budapest and Debrecen.
Youth Groups
I spoke at 2 youth meetings of 15–23 year olds. I shared about the work that God has called me to and where my family and I have been able to serve. I challenged them to stand up for their faith in Jesus Christ, no matter the consequences. I encouraged them to use the talents, skills and gifts that God has given each of them to bring Him Glory. It was awesome to see many young people excited about their faith and wanting to serve Jesus. In both meetings I received comments from individuals on how my message had brought them closer to God.
Concerts
I was very busy with evangelistic concerts in many places.
Churches
Many churches hosted an evening concert and advertised in their community that I would be there to share music and my life. Many unbelievers came to these. I played several styles of music for about 1 1/2 hours and shared a message and proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The pastors were very pleased that many came and heard the Gospel. Eastern Europe is still a very difficult place to share the Gospel. Only about 1% of the people have committed their lives to Jesus.
Senior Home
I shared music, pictures from Africa and gave the Gospel. Many thanked me for coming to be with them.
Jail for delinquent teenage boys
I gave a concert to about 100 boys in this place. I presented the Gospel and challenged them to give their lives to Jesus Christ. Afterward, one boy came up and thanked me for coming to be with them and for the message.
Culture House
This is the main facility for events and concerts in many European cities. A brass band from the local Baptist Church performed before I started. Over 100 people came to hear the music and they also heard the Gospel. Many were guests and not Christians.
Art Gallery
A new church plant hosted an outreach concert in a Art Gallery in their city. Many guests came as well as a reporter from the local newspaper.
Coffee Club
A beautiful Christian Coffee House in Debrecen invited me to be with them. Many guests came as well. One of the organizers said to the crowd afterwards, “We have many guests come to speak to us and challenge our thinking, but tonight, Scott came and touched our hearts.”
Church Services and Bible Study
I preached in Sunday morning services and also taught an evening lesson at a local church Bible study.
Online News site
I was interviewed for an online news site.
Summary
It is hard to put into words what God allowed me to do for Him.
Kenya and Uganda are very poor countries. An average income would be maybe $1 per day. Yet the people are open to hearing about the True God, Jesus Christ. Close to 50% of the people follow Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
You are correct in saying that we are blessed with many Christians. Africans only have God to depend on, not jobs, not money, not material things as in the USA or Europe.
Bishop, Kenya
Hungary, like other countries we serve in Eastern Europe, is very difficult ground to plant God’s seed. But God’s Word does not return to Him void. An average income would be about $500 per month. The people and churches are struggling with economic challenges as well.
He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects me rejects him who sent me.
Luke 10:16
I have invitations to return to these countries next year. There is much work to be done to stand with and work next to the local churches and pastors. There are great men and women of God in these places that are my very good and dear friends. Please pray for them.
Thank you for being a partner with our ministry. Please pray about becoming one of our monthly supporters. Our family can not follow God’s calling in our lives without you.
And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’
Romans 10:15
God Bless,
Scott
