Monrovia, Liberia Crusade Report
KLM International's crusade in the capitol city of Liberia was a tremendous success. After nearly two years of labor and planning, everything came together and greatly impacted the city and the nation. Liberia has suffered years of civil war and unrest. Inflation has caused prices of everyday commodities to skyrocket and there have been severe shortages of food. The people were hungry spiritually and physically. I don't think I've ever been to a nation so ready for change.
Our crusade team based out of Ghana, West Africa, had been working in the city for several months before my arrival. Our directors faced many trials and struggles in planning this event. There were several times it took everything within them to press forward to facilitate what God had planned for this country. After years of war, corruption had infiltrated every level of society. Nothing was exempt. Government, police, judges, churches, pastors, and even families had been infected. However, our staff stayed sharp and kept on. The results of their determination were phenomenal.
Despite the opposition and the many struggles, we continued to plan, schedule and promote the event. Having encountered many delays, we found ourselves right in the middle of the rainy season. The local pastors and leaders e-mailed and called our office in the United States many times recommending that we postpone the crusade until after the first of the year. During the rainy season, the rains come strong several times a day, most usually in the morning and in the evening. According to the local pastors we would be lucky to have one night in the whole week without rain. They went on to explain that most of the people walk and few would venture out, knowing they would be caught in the seasonal storms. The week before I left for Africa, reports were coming in daily of the torrential downpours occurring two to three times a day. With a faith in God and a bit of stubbornness we decided that nothing would postpone this event again.
As I left the Pastors Conference the second day, I looked into the sky from my car window. The clouds, black and heavy, were beginning to gather. As we passed the crusade grounds I whispered under my breath, "Clear skies in the Name of Jesus." Our first night crusade was scheduled to begin at 4:00 PM. When I reached my hotel to prepare, I looked out my window. About that time the sky was dark and ominous looking. Instead of worrying, I sat back down on my bed and continued my preparation for the meeting. At 7:00 PM the call came from the lobby to let us know our ride to the grounds had arrived. The pastor and the driver excitedly told us how the storm clouds had broken out in rain on every side of town except where the crusade field was. They further explained that a wind came across the capitol city and blew the rain bearing clouds out to the ocean. Night after night this happened. Our crusade went an entire week without one drop of rain on the crusade field!
On the last night of the crusade there were over 50,000 in attendance, many of which traveled by foot. We had a powerful night of miracles and salvations. Thousands gave their hearts and lives to Jesus! What a glorious night we had in the presence of God. There was dancing and praising as waves of God's refreshing presence came down from heaven. At the close of the night we publicly thanked the Lord for the miracle of keeping the rain at bay.
Nearly one hour after I dismissed the crowd, ample time for those who attended the crusade to reach their homes, our team was enjoying a meal and soft drinks. We were discussing all of the wonderful things God had done. Suddenly there was a mighty clap of thunder that shook the building. Rain began to pour from the sky. This was not just a shower but a seasonal downpour, the kind the pastors had warned us about. (By the way, it rained all night). We all just looked at each other in amazement. Soon smiles and laughter replaced the wonder. God had held the rain for an entire week. It stopped the day we arrived and began again one hour after our crusade had finished. With over 100,000 decisions reported during this event, it's evident that this sign and wonder along with the reported miracles has changed this nation forever!
Leadership Conference
In the Great Commission, Jesus instructed us to do two things. First, He commanded us to go (into all the world) and proclaim the Good News. Secondly, He commanded us to make disciples, teaching them to obey Jesus and His ways. I realize that I am an Evangelist, that's not just my calling but that is what I do. An evangelist proclaims the Gospel. We declare the Good News. We preach His substitution for us: Jesus' death, His burial and His resurrection! Now that's our focus, but for me to deny my commanded responsibility to teach and to make disciples would be ludicrous. That's why KLM International spends so much time and money to train the local leaders and pastors.
As a part of each major event, we endeavor to lift and inspire the leaders and pastors of each country we are called to. Many pastors come from the interior of the countries and some even from neighboring nations. The pastors come by faith and most come with no money for food or lodging. We arrange lodging with the local churches in the city and feed the pastors during the day. If the pastors come from out of the city we endeavor to give them travel fare for their way home. We do this because we believe in these pastors. Few have had the privilege of Bible College or Seminary and many of these pastors have never had any formal training. I have met several pastors who have taken on their responsibilities because they were the first one saved in their village or they were the only one who could read. The time that we spend sowing into their lives is vital to the future of the church and to the new believers that come to them as a result of the crusade.
We may not be able to stay months and years after each crusade to train the new believers, but these pastors will be there. Through these intense sessions we equip the pastors who live in the country to disciple the new converts from the soul winning event. I believe God's heart and desire is for the indigenous gospel worker to link arms with the new convert. To come along side them and help them find out how to live their new life in Jesus Christ. One of our keys to winning the nations to Jesus is by holding leadership conferences. As the pastors and leaders are enlightened and inspired, they in turn enlighten and inspire the people. When the people are enlightened and inspired they will carry the Gospel to the rest of their nation. Some will go farther and take the Gospel to the neighboring nations.
We not only spend time ministering the Word, but we also spend time praying over these precious laborers. Many of these men and women will never again have the opportunity to sit under somebody else's teaching. This time of training is special to them. During our prayers, gifts are activated and imparted. For some it is a time of sanctification. For others it is a time of rededication and infilling. During this particular leadership conference we had 1,342 pastors registered and over 8,000 in attendance. We were also honored to have three of Liberia's top Presidential candidates come to be taught. These pastors and leaders represent the Body of Christ in Liberia.
Thank you for sending us! Because of your prayers and financial gifts we were able to reach a nation and it's leaders. As you look at the faces in the picture below, I want you to hear these pastors say these words: "Thank you for coming to our nation!" "Thank you for ministering to us!" "Thank you for doing more than just preaching at the crusade!" "I'll never be the same!" These are the words I have heard countless times. They are words spoken not just to me, not just to my family and staff; they are spoken to you as well.
Your missionary evangelists,
Kenney & Neja Linhart
