Thursday, Nov. 12th

Day 9

The day started as normal – getting up – going over to the restaurant for the same breakfast we have now had for 9 days in a row – it is getting just a bit old – what we would all give for a Burger King cini-mini! We have found a place called Crown Bakery that is not bad – not quite like a bakery at home but for here it is good. We stopped there this morning and it does our heart good to see John Kabul our protocol and our driver Azul eat – they get a club sandwich – this would not be food they would buy as it would be more than they could afford – they would normally eat rice and they would try to eat two meals a day if they could. They work so hard for us and we have grown to love them as dear friends.

As we were on our way to the Crown Bakery John Kabul started asking questions – you could see in his eyes a concern – a change was taking place – eyes that were seeking the Truth – eyes that carried the thoughts of repentance – even though he thought he was right with the Lord. Question after question he asked – Jim would answer a question – John would answer a question – Steve would answer a question – more questions – even when we were at the Crown Bakery – questions from a man with heart that is seeking as it hears more about the unperverted gospel.

Questions and answers – that again started the day. Many questions on some miracles – some on just one church – some on baptism – the Sierra Leones in our studies are not a dumb group – they are unlearned in the Scriptures and want to know more – they have heard and are set in some of the perverted teachings of men from denominations and Catholics. Some are really coming around – some are getting it and they are asking questions which show they are getting it. Private studies during our breaks are going on among the group and then with us as we are asked questions in private.

John started us off with a great and powerful lesson on “What If I Haven’t Been Baptized?” John taught this lesson as forcefully as I have ever heard him teach. In fact he preached and preached – I could only imagine how hard it was for him to bring forth this energy but he found the strength to do so. He has taught some great lessons and preached some great lessons during this trip – it would be hard for me to imagine how he could ever top the lesson he gave today – yep ole Possum who is known over here as “The Big Boss” really preached today!
Jim changed his lesson during John’s lesson. He entitled it “IN” and he preached about being in Christ – in the body – in the church – in the kingdom. We are getting accustomed to Jimmy getting among the folks and he did it again today. Sweat rolled – words of the unperverted gospel flowed from his mouth – scriptures were quoted – hearts were listening – in fact he taught this lesson which just complimented John’s . You could see the people stirring and during the break folks were opening their Bibles and studying. Again, John and Jim did a masterful job of teaching.

I was going to continue with the final lesson on the qualifications of elders. The day of course was again difficult and John told me to take the day off because of my emotions concerning my dear mother in law. However, I could not do so because I was not raised this way by my parents and I knew my mother in law would not want me to miss teaching if there was an opportunity. For any of you that do not know my wife let me just say – she is a true helpmeet and support – I am to stay and teach - I changed my lesson and spoke on “True Conversion”. I tried to compliment the two lessons by John and Jim by challenging the folks if they were truly converted into the body of Christ.

The audience was stirred today – it was a pivotal day in our teaching – the Lord wore us out in His service today and now we know why. Hearts are changing – false doctrines are being exposed – traditions of men that are of darkness are being overcome by the Light of the Word. Get ready for the increase because God is going to bring it and when He does it will not be small!

Our protocol John Kabul that I mentioned earlier preaches at a church called “Light of the World”. He knows this name needs to change. They do not use instruments and he knew this was not right. He was confused about baptism but sees the light on this. I believe he will be baptized in the next 48 hours. He asked us to write up some instructions for him on how he is to tell the congregation – we did better than that we told him that we would come and be at the services on Sunday – he was so pleased. We have told our waiter that we will have to make other arrangements because of this. Our feelings are that this could very well b e the second group the change the name and have a man preaching for them that has repented and been baptized for the remission of his sins. Remember the church where Joseph preaches has already done that and has about 9 others in the congregation who has done this.

Friends, this work is just starting – now the questions are coming by those looking to change – how do we answer all the questions after you go home? Notice they did not say for us to stay – they have been taught their duty is to carry on – however, get ready – there are going to be quite a few phone calls for a long period of time when we get home.

Pray for us as we are physically tired – emotionally drained – yet spiritually renewed. We were looking forward to a day of rest on Saturday but that is changing to where we will be busy – our rest will come we pray back in the states. Thanks for all you prayers and support!