The Fire of God in the Pearl of Africa

I must say...I feel invigorated. With the Crusade in Bali, Nigeria completed, we came straight to Cape Town South Africa for the South African Fire Conference and Evangelism Summit hosted by Christ for all Nations. We had a powerful weekend of ministry and also managed to squeeze in some much needed recreational time. Cape Town is “The Pearl of Africa” and our lodge sat in the shadow of Table Mountain, South Africa’s signature landmark, giving us a spectacular view of both the mountains and the bay.

On Friday the Fire Conference began. Evangelist Bonnke preached first on the Holy Spirit and then I followed. That evening Evangelist Bonnke preached one of the most phenomenal Gospel messages I have ever heard. The altars were packed and salvation was flowing like a river. He later shared with me one of his secrets to powerful Gospel preaching. He said that once he has thrown the net out (the net being the core of his message) then he concentrates on closing holes in the net. The holes are any objections to what he has preached. He is concentrating on taking away any excuses that someone might have for getting saved. With each hole that is closed, more fish are caught. I can say that it definitely works.

On Saturday, it was my turn. That evening I preached Jesus. The service (as well as Friday’s service) was broadcast live on “Radio Tygerburg”, Cape Town’s premier radio station. That night 400,000 people were listening and phones were lit up all night long. We also told all of those listening by radio that if they received Jesus, they could text message a particular number and receive a copy of the follow up literature right on their phones. The total count of such downloads was 1,579 for the two days. Salvation, healing, deliverance...this is the Gospel in action. Jesus came not just to present an alternate religious philosophy, but to “...Destroy the works of the Devil”.

With all ministry activities completed, we had some time for recreation. We rented Harley Davidson motorcycles and took a ride down the scenic coastal roads. The scenery was undoubtedly among the most stunning I have ever seen. On our right were rugged mountain cliffs. On our left was the incredible Southern Atlantic Ocean. The winding road hugged the mountainside as we rode up to Chapman’s Peak on beautiful Hout Bay. That is where we took this picture. With the ocean hundreds of feet below us, incredible mountain peaks in the distance and cool salty water blowing through our hair...It was hard not to feel refreshed. On our way back we stopped to have breakfast at an Oceanside restaurant before heading home.
I just received an email from a young man who received Christ at the meetings...what a joy. With hundreds of thousands being saved, it is easy to forget that each one is an individual life for which Jesus died. This has been a long trip of almost 3 weeks across many thousands of miles, but it is these lives that make it all worthwhile.

THOU HAST CONQUERED

What is it about Jesus that provokes such incredible passion in our hearts? Why do we long for Him so much? Why do we hang spellbound on His every word and love even the mention of his precious name? How can it be that this whirlwind romance never ends. It defies the most articulate words to describe and the most logical explanation to justify. Though we have not seen Him, we love Him, and though we do not see Him now, we believe in Him, and greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory. We desire Him not so much as one desires a delicious meal, but more like a heroine addict desires a fix...we are undignified, unrestrained and undone by our need for him. We pursue Him relentlessly. We follow Him blindly. We obey Him recklessly. We love Him hopelessly. We need him endlessly. We would pour over Him the most costly bottle of perfume. We would wash His feet with our tears and dry them with our hair. We would waste our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor for his pleasure without a fleeting thought of their preservation. We would suffer the loss of all things, and count them but dung to win Him. It is so unnatural, yet we cannot imagine feeling any other way. It is so unbelievable, yet we don't understand how anyone could doubt. It is so intangible, yet we feel it with every fiber of our beings. Though Kingdoms have fallen and entire empires have turned to dust somehow He still rules our hearts...the unchallenged King of love. How anyone could resist Him is a mystery and a tragedy, but in the end all will declare with Rome's dying emperor, "Thou Hast Conquered, O Galilean!"

Blazing Witnesses

Tonight's meeting went out live over an internet broadcast. We are in a place where no one has electricity, and there are no television stations at all. Yet our incredible team was able to air this highly sophisticated broadcast from this extremely remote location...it is amazing. The broadcast will air again today on the website (www.CfaN.org) for the final time. Don't miss it!

Written by Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke

Dear Mission-Partners,

Today the Fire fell. The revival did not tarry! It is right here in Bali/Nigeria! Preachers often make up sermons hunting for new reasons to explain “why revival tarries”. Rules and strictures are put in place to get power and revival – rules which we sadly never fulfill. The first disciples had no such rules. All Jesus said was “Wait till the Holy Spirit comes, and don’t do any preaching till he comes” (see Acts 1:4). Our concern is not a “nice atmosphere” or “sweet influence”, but God’s fire. Pentecost is the intended norm in Christianity – people glowing like live coals and churches like bonfires. Bible religion is always red-blooded, out of the sanctuary and in the market place. The picture is of a bustling, out-reaching, blazing witness. And this happened today at the Fire Conference in the morning with 30,000 church-workers present – glory to God.

In the evening meeting we again witnessed the glorious effects of the power of the Gospel. Vast numbers of people received salvation and very many their miracle of Divine healing. We heard testimonies of blind eyes opened and crippled legs healed along with many other various ailments. The testimonies are too many to count let alone hear, but one thing is sure...Bali will never be the same!

Yours together in the Harvest,
Evangelists Daniel Kolenda and Reinhard Bonnke,
Together with the whole CfaN Team

Pictures by Oleksandr Volyk

LIVE BROADCAST TODAY!

The meetings today and tomorrow will be broadcast live via the CfaN website (www.CfaN.org). For those that live in the eastern time zone, the broadcast will begin at 1:00 pm. Other times zones are listed below and also on the CfaN website.

High Profie Healings

Every night is an adventure here in Bali. Our drive to the crusade site is like stepping into ancient times. We turn off the paved road and drive on the dirt through a small village where mud huts are capped by thatched roofs. Scrawny chickens scamper away from our SUV as we come close and mostly naked people peer out of their doorways to see what the commotion is all about. It's hard not to wonder what kind of an event could possibly be held in such an obscure place...and then the view widens. The ground has obviously been cleared by earth moving vehicles, and in the distance you can see it: thousands upon thousands of people have gathered in the middle of this vast wilderness. The dust, stirred by the sandal clad feet of a great multitude, rises like a thick cloud above the crowd, and through the fog the familiar CfaN crusade lights shine like a beacon in the night to which the people swarm like insects...it is sureal.


My heart is moved when I see these people, many of whom have traveled great distances to be here. One lady testified tonight that she had suffered with a constant issue of blood for the past 15 years. This would be a torment for anyone, but how much worse for someone who lives in the primitive and unsanitary conditions of the third-world, where even running water is a luxury that none can afford. She had been to doctors and hospitals, but no one could help her. Then she heard that a Bonnke crusade had come to Bali. She said that her husband refused to go and even refused to give her any money to make the long journey. Determined to receive her healing, she persisted like the woman in the Bible who also had an issue of blood. She sold her skirt to pay for the transportation and traveled all the way alone. On the first night of the Crusade (Wednesday) at midnight the menstruation stopped flowing. From that moment on, she was healed and came tonight (two days later) to testify of her healing.

A man came with two of his children. His son had been crippled for 9 years, and his daughter had been deaf for 18 years...both were instantly healed.

Another man who was a cripple was also healed. The interesting thing about this man is that he was a local teacher and very well known to the people. I asked the crowed, "Do you know this man?" They shouted back, "Yes." I could see that some of the singers in the choir were pointing and smiling and talking amongst themselves about this man. I called one over and said, "Do you know this man?" he said "Yes, he is a teacher." "What was wrong with him?" I asked. "He was a cripple." When I told the teacher to demonstrate his healing, he began to stomp around the platform, and the crowd went wild!

Another high profile healing was the mother of the former governor of Teraba state (where this crusade is being held). She had suffered for years with chronic and intense pain in her stomach. She had been to some of the best doctors in Nigeria, but nothing was able to help her. During the crusade last night, while she sat next to the present governor, she felt the power of God come on her, and she was instantly healed. She testified that for the last 24 hours she had not felt another ounce of pain. It was an absolute miracle attested to by many of the most powerful people in this state. It is no exaggeration to say that Bali will never be the same again!

I wish that I could tell all of their stories, but there are too many even to count. It's hard to imagine the impact that an event like this has on a region, especially one as remote as this. The only comparison that I can think of for the western mind is "Woodstock". But actually, in relative terms, Woodstock would pale in comparison. Suffice it to say that the people in Bali will be talking about this event for generations to come.

Pictures by Oleksandr Volyk

BREAKING BALI'S CURSES

Tonight I preached about the blood of Jesus and then broke the curses over the land. We asked for a list of the curses that the people knew by name such as DANBEKI which they believe brings blindness upon a person if they fail to offer a human sacrifice or like JUNBI which causes mysterious diseases, madness and epilepsy. We collected a list of 17 such curses. These are names that hold these local tribal people in great fear. Some of them are so intimidated they will not even mention these names aloud. Tonight, with boldness, I called out each curse by name and broke its power in the mighty name of Jesus, to which the people erupted in joyful shouts after each one. The sense of freedom was palpable and the people were rejoicing. Surely the blood of Jesus breaks every fetter.


The healings were incredible again and too many to mention. One lady even testified that she received a second healing...one last night and another tonight. I asked her what she will be healed from tomorrow night. She said, "It's someone else's turn for a miracle." It seems that Jesus has plenty of power to spare.


One beautiful lady with fascinating tribal markings all over her face, pigtails and a pink hat came to testify. She said that she had come to the meeting unable to walk, but suddenly a power came over her, and she discovered that she was completely healed. She seemed surprised and a little confused by what had happened to her, so I asked, "Do you know who has healed you?" She seemed embarrassed, "No...I don't know your name." I turned to the people..."Do you know who has healed this woman?" I asked. The crowd thundered back "J E S U S !" The willingness of Jesus to heal is so amazing to me. He is not looking for the most pious Christian with the most impressive qualifications. This woman, with markings from pagan rituals, without a clue about Jesus was touched by His merciful hand and instantly healed. What a wonderful Savior.

Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were a present far too small
Love so amazing so so Divine
Demands my soul my life my all
- Sir Isaac Watts



WEBCAST STARTS ON SATURDAY NIGHT
Our team has already begun setting up the equipment for the live webcast that will air on Saturday and Sunday evening March 14 & 15 from 5:00 - 8:00 PM (GMT). ***CLICK HERE*** for more details.


Pictures by Oleksandr Volyk













A group of friends pose for a picture at the crusade grounds














A man who has just been healed walks forward to testify















A man fills out a "Decision Card" after praying the prayer for salvation









Local living conditions











The worship team made of local talent leads us in energetic praise

Healed in Her Home!

Tonight was the first night of the Gospel crusade here in Bali, and Jesus showed up in a wonderful way. The miracles were amazing. One lady was healed over about a quarter mile away from the crusade field...in her home. She was dying from cancer, she had a paralyzed arm, and she was bedridden in her house. But from her bed she could hear me preaching the Gospel. Then I began to pray for the sick, and I said, "If you are lying on a bed right now get up in Jesus name!" She said that she received it by faith and tried to stand to her feet. At that moment, she said she felt as though hands lifted her to her feet, and suddenly she was healed. Her cancer was gone and her paralyzed arm healed. She didn't even bother to get dressed. She threw a blanket around her waist and came the crusade ground right away. This woman who was bedridden, walked all the way to the crusade ground and right up to the platform to give her testimony. We saw such a variety of miracles tonight. The cripples walked, the blind received sight, and the deaf heard. Praise the Lord!

Visit With the Governor

I have been on the road for more then 60 hours so far...and still traveling. We are now in the middle of a long road trip to Bali where the crusade will start tomorrow.

We stopped to spent the night in Jalingo (the capital of Teraba state), and were invited to stay at the governor's lodge. We had a hearty reception by the city elders even though we are still several hours from the crusade city.

At about 9pm I heard a knock at my door. Though I was very tired from the long trip, I crawled out of bed to see who it might be. The governor of Teraba state, Danbaba D. Suntai had showed up at my room to welcome me.  He is a true Christian and a humble man. He told me that he holds prayer meetings at the government house three times per day and asked me to come in the morning and speak.  I showed up at 8am this morning to find a packed house. Hungry for the Word of God...the governor was sitting on the front row.

Afterwards he asked me to come with him to his office and pray for him. We rode together in his government vehicle listening to Hillsong worship all the way.  In his office I felt led to pray for him to be lifted to the Presidency. 

Now we make an official state courtesy call in one hour. From there we will continue by road to Bali and visit the King before arriving at our lodge sometime this evening.