October 2004 - Hatcliffe, Zimbabwe Crusade UpdateDear Friends and Partners,Tonight we had the first of our crusades here in Zimbabwe. Although attendance was not what we expected the power and the presence of God was heavy on the crusade ground. The crusade team had to deal with many problems. For example the electricity and the sound system were pulling from the same source and this caused the fuses to blow. They came up with a plan to shut off most of the lights during the praise and worship and divert the power to the sound system, then when I would get up to speak they would cut power from the sound system to divert to the lights. It wasn't exactly the opening night I has envisioned but it worked. I was able to minister the full gospel message in a very smooth and easy to understand fashion. As I ministered, the anointing and the expectation grew. Finally, we reached a point in the service where faith was high enough to offer salvation. I was quite surprised when the hands went up. It seemed that nearly all the hands in the crowd were raised. Thinking they had misunderstood the question, I asked them to put their hands down. At this point I took several minutes to explain that receiving Jesus meant making Him the Lord of their lives. I said that simply means that Jesus must become your master. When I had made this plain to them, I again asked them to indicate by raising their hands who would want to receive Jesus. This time it seemed as if more hands went up. We prayed a wonderful, meaningful dedicated prayer. And thousands received Jesus into their hearts. After the salvation prayer we prayed for healing. You know, leading somebody to receive healing is just as easy as leading somebody to receive salvation. However, getting somebody to realize that their bodies have been healed is altogether something else. I've noticed that God's healing touch is so subtle; many could pass by the moment and not acknowledge the gift. It's not that the people are ungrateful. It seems that the manifestation is so soft, so subtle, so divine that the change in their body isn't recognized. I think this is because many expect such a powerful dramatic manifestation they miss the reality of the healing. If the healing isn't recognized or confessed I believe it can be easily lost. As I worked with the people in realizing what God had done by testing their bodies there was a new excitement that began to break over the crowd. When I asked those who had received a healing or a miracle to raise their hands hundreds raised their hands. So many raised their hands that once again I asked them to put their hands down. I spent several minutes explaining what I was looking for. I told them I wanted them to let us know if they had received a notable change in their bodies. Once I felt they understood clearly what we were asking, I inquired again. The same hands went up and this time we gave a great shout of praise unto the Lord. After some coaxing the people began to come forward to testify and tell about what had happened to them. The first on the platform was a wonderful lady who had been deaf for 10 years. She wept as she shared with the people what God had done. I requestioned her to be sure I understood her testimony correctly and I had. Then after testing her ears, by having her repeat words I spoke behind her, we all gave a shout of praise to the Lord. One young man told how he had been to the doctors several times for his heart. They told him his heart was weak and that they couldn't help him. He hadn't been able to do any type of strenuous activity but tonight he ran back and forth across the platform. When he stopped he finally understood the full impact of his healing and began to weep just like the first lady. One lady came forward that had been to the doctor because her kidney was inflamed. She explained that when she came tonight she was in such pain that to touch her side caused her excruciating pain. Now all the pain was gone. We verified it by having Winnie Murefue poke her up and down her side. The crowd watched as Winnie poked, pushed, and prodded. When there was no sign of pain the lady's hands went up into the air and a big African smile broke across her face. The crowd joined her in her praise. Although there were several waiting to testify it was getting late, nearly 10:00 pm, we could only take one more testimony. The last lady shared that she had been ill for some time and could barely walk. When I asked her how she used to walk she demonstrated a slow deliberate shuffle. I said if God has really healed you then you can do this. I walked across the platform raising my knees up very high in an exaggerated style. She did exactly what I had demonstrated. Then I said, "If God has really healed you then you could run back and forth across this platform. She looked at me like I was crazy, but then nodded her head. She took off a little slow but when she realized the extent of her miracle she ran back and forth and then began to jump up and down twisting and turning her body in the air. The crowd erupted with an equivalent amount of joy. After a brief time of exhortation and a prayer we dismissed on this high note. Tonight we witnessed God save thousands of souls! We witnessed hundreds of miracles! Praise God! We have three nights left with the crusade here in Harare and plenty of work left to do in the Pastors and Leadership Conference. Tonight we broke through to a level in the realm of spiritual things that usually takes many days of tough plowing. We are very enthusiastic about the upcoming days. God is going to do great things here in Zimbabwe. God's goodness manifests in many ways, but in these open-air meetings God's love is demonstrated to the people through signs, wonders and miracles! God's unsearchable love never ceases to amaze me. When I look at the faces of those that come forward and testify of their miracles and healings I see a light of joy that I long to see throughout the world. This joy that springs from a hope restored brings great faith and strength. A new sense of vitality emanates from these precious people. And what is the result? Salvation! We are commanded to go into all the world to preach and disciple. Maybe you can't go to Africa or India but you can go through us. Together we are fulfilling the call to the nations! Remember, Together We Can! Your missionary evangelists, 
Kenney & Neja Linhart |