From Crusades to Churches
Zambia
From a Crusade to the Church: The Gospel Takes Root in Masiwa Village
What began with a Gospel crusade in Masiwa village (located in Chipata) last year has continued to grow into something beautiful. Since hundreds first surrendered their lives to Jesus, new believers have continued gathering, being discipled, receiving Bibles, and growing together as a church.
At the end of August, we returned to Masiwa to celebrate a beautiful new chapter. After more than a year of prayer, construction, and discipleship, the church building was officially dedicated to the glory of God. The church was overflowing with people, and more than 150 gathered on Sunday. Fifteen disciples were baptized, including two village chiefs, and Brother Wilson was the very first to step into the water. Seeing the man who once arrived at the crusade drunk now publicly declaring his faith in Jesus was a powerful picture of the transforming grace of God.
During the weekend, Eli Sulack ministered by virtually preaching the Gospel and encouraging the believers. As a result of a move of the Holy Spirit, approximately 100 people, 60 adults and 40 children, made decisions to follow Jesus! Small groups were launched to strengthen discipleship, Pastor Ng’uni was officially entrusted with shepherding the congregation, and the team also went door to door sharing the Gospel and distributing Bibles throughout the community.
And already, the vision is spreading beyond Masiwa. A discipleship program has begun in nearby Mefula Village, where another church is being prepared to launch. The Chief of Mefula is already part of the Masiwa church, and neighboring chiefs are asking for the Gospel to be brought into their villages as well.
What began with one crusade is becoming a multiplying movement of salvation, baptism, discipleship, leadership, and church planting.
The Gospel is taking root, and the Kingdom is advancing in Zambia!
Ghana
The Gospel Advances in the Face of Opposition
Meanwhile, in Matsekope and Sallom, Ghana, another powerful weekend of ministry was unfolding.
This region is deeply affected by idol worship, and from the beginning, there seemed to be opposition at nearly every turn. Vehicles broke down on the way to the crusade grounds, and on Friday night, the network connection was lost before Eli Sulack could finish ministering. But the Gospel did not stop. Deacon Stephen stepped forward to complete the altar call, and by the end of the night, 865 people had surrendered their lives to Jesus.
The opposition continued Saturday. The network remained unreliable, so Pastor Matthew was prepared to step in and preach if needed. Across the street from the crusade, people even began playing loud music in an attempt to disrupt the gathering. Yet through every obstacle and distraction, people continued listening. Hearts were being stirred, many openly confessed their sinful deeds, and another 1,008 people chose to follow Jesus.
In just two nights, 1,873 people made decisions for Christ.
Hundreds also received their own Bibles, a gift many would never have been able to afford for themselves. Now, they not only heard the Good News, but they left with the Word of God in their hands so they could continue growing in their faith. No broken vehicle, failed network, loud music, or spiritual opposition could silence what God wanted to do that weekend.
When the Gospel takes root in the next generation, the Kingdom of Heaven expands all around us. Among those serving in Ghana is Francis, a 20-year-old pharmacy student who also serves as assistant pastor of the Prampram Village church, Matthew 10's second church plant in Ghana. That church itself was born out of a Gospel crusade, and today Francis is helping disciple and lead others in the same faith that is continuing to spread from village to village.
This is the beautiful picture we are seeing unfold across Africa: Gospel crusades leading to salvation, salvation growing into discipleship, discipleship raising up leaders, and those leaders carrying the Gospel into new communities. What begins with one encounter with Jesus can multiply into churches, disciples, and entire villages being transformed. We are so grateful to witness it and to play a small part in seeing the Kingdom of God continue to advance.
Thank you!
Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel! We are so blessed to link arms with you in advancing the Kingdom of God. May the Lord be honored and His name be lifted high in all the earth!
“To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations,
forever and ever. Amen.” — Ephesians 3:21
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