Hall of Hope:

Some may recall that a year ago we prayed over the foundations in a rural village that God would provide the funds for the first IVCM church building or as it's called here .. a Prayer Hall..!

The funds came in November and the work began in earnest to raise the walls and have this work complete with the strong possibility of being able to dedicate this building on this trip.

The earlier pictures shows us doing some practical stuff before hand and a few days later we have the privilege of dedicating and opening the hall. As we arrive the small crowds had gathered and we were given garlands and welcomed once more. This process for us presents us with mixed feelings knowing how poor they are and that we are made so special. Training at BMS on 'cross cultures' comes in as a useful reminder as we must respect this culture and embrace their customs.

We were then requested to unveil the commemoration plaque and receive more public attention!!

  

Amazing experience with such joy and worship and prayer! I then led everyone thru the act of dedication, and then we anointed with oil each of the 4 corners of the building and thedoor and threshold, reading out a different scripture and short prayer! The final moment was to cut a ribbon and let the people go inside. There was no stopping them !!!!

Once everyone was settled we blessed the builder and his workers with gifts and had an amazing time of worship.

The Holy Spirit was filling this temple! Awesome to take the very first service in this new Prayer Hall! The atmosphere was electric and we sensed God's presence amoungst us. Towards the end I had this thought that wouldn't it be awesome if just somebody gave their heart to Christ. What a blessing if that should happen... could it...?

I prayed to the Lord that He would grant my wish and began preaching the Gospel and made a deliberate outreach hoping that somebody from within the village would be here and to be saved. I invited any to come forward after the end of the service rather than a public alter call and said where I would be waiting. While Kym and Peter prayed for individual believers one person cam forward,... then another! In total 5 people including a husband and wife came to know Jesus that night! ..Praise God

I am excited about evangelism and the power of the gospel... Thank you Jesus! Amen. Believers had invited friends to come and some where simply curious! The gospel was proclaimed and the Lord gave granted my
wish and the fellowship has now increased. PTL

Please pray for these people and in particular for one lady who was partially paralyzed and her brain also affected as a result of her last childbirth! I noticed Kym in particular praying fervently with her and was pleading to the Lord on her behalf for healing and restoration. If you could pray also for her then maybe we might here a wonderful testimony in time to come! Come Holy Spirit come.