Out Of Africa - October 2004

A few nights ago I awoke to the most hideous but very distinct vision. I clearly saw a large tree that had been felled by a chain saw. The distinguishing fact of this felled tree was that the chain saw and not cut through the tree but had ripped up and down it in vertical cuts that were jagged and torn but nevertheless, distinctly in an arrow head shape grooved fashion. This pattern was not only around the entire girth of the tree but also in the middle of the trunk. Lengths of bark and torn wood hung from the grooves in haphazardly. Though I saw no figure and no chain aw, I was acutely aware of the enemy lurking in the shadows with an enormous chain saw. The Devil had done this deed and I knew that the tree as my life. It was so real, so exceptionally real that I was left somewhat gasping as this vision tried to enter into my very being from my mouth and go down into my belly. I knew that I could not allow this to happen. I fought a strong battle right there and then. It seemed just so easy to allow that vision to INTERNALIZE but I knew that if I did I would ace some physical disaster from the enemy. I fought hard using the shield f defense to stand and resist that vision from internalizing. In my upper hest area, the vision hit a solid wall of my word working through my will. I then began to drive out that vision. I pushed it back and pushed it back until I clearly drove it from me and it departed out from my mouth. I could feel as that vision lingered around for a while seeking to gain access if I let down my guard but I did not. Then, just as suddenly as it had come, so it went with great speed. It was not simply a vision but clearly a spirit and that spirit was the TERROR BY NIGHT that had come not only to torment me but to attempt to take up residence in me so as to do his wicked deed whatever that might have been. As soon as he was driven off, there was a feeling of tremendous relief and release and peace descended on me and all about me. The problem with most believers is that they too easily submit to that terror and ALLOW it to internalize where it begins to work and work to steal, kill and destroy. The terror comes in the form of visions, dreams and thoughts that are simply accepted and internalized. Before long, the believer is plagued by some sickness or disease or some torment that they have personally accepted through the terror by night. How many believers succumb to cancer because they did not resist the terror by night that came with his fear of that sickness? How many believers fear being left destitute and end up with nothing or falling sick in their old age and they become sick. The terror by night will invade the individual given the slightest chance. The terror by night usually invades through the gate of the mind. Beware of the thoughts of the mind. We are literally bombarded with material and material that terrorizes us. The medical profession is now declaring that every male will get prostate cancer sooner or later. It is just a matter of time. Such garbage is in every magazine and newspaper and books are written that literally assail us with information that seems quite logical and beyond most people to intelligently argue or debate. The consequence is that we allow this terror to take up residence in our minds from where it invades our whole being and soon manifests itself in the very thing that we have come to fear. So many people are told about sicknesses and diseases that are “hereditary.” Before long we are visited with the sins and curses of the fathers for we even subliminally submit to the lie that we are going to be plagued “because both dad and grand dad suffered from….and it runs in the family.” It is time to take a strong stand against such thinking and not to simply surrender in submission. This is not a matter of wishful thinking but of knowing and learning to stand upon my authority in Christ to deal with every attack of the enemy and break the generational curses that we so easily ALLOW to plague us. In the same way that the terror comes by night, so the arrow flies by day. There are arrows of gossip and slander and viscous attacks that bombard us like arrows out of seemingly nowhere. Offended people are an arrow by day and often, one is totally unaware even why another is offended. Then, our response is often a wrong one and the arrow does its work and brings destruction.

In Christ we must stand against both the arrow by day and the terror by night. We have been given the authority over all the works of the enemy and nothing shall in any wise harm us. It is time to stand solidly upon His Word and not worldly information and “facts” no matter which expert has declared such. This is a matter of the natural laws of the world submitting to the higher supernatural laws of the Lord. Beloved, come against those things that you have simply accepted as fact because the natural world must have an explanation that utterly denies the operation of the supernatural especially a DEVIL. But, we are not ignorant of his DEVICES or in the Greek, noema or MIND SET!

I have been deeply exercised by the blessed Holy Spirit of the Russian invasion that is currently underway in Finland and reaching into Europe. Vladimir Putin will systematically take Russia back to totalitarianism, not necessarily communism that even he cannot deny, failed. The Russian bear is arising from her winter hibernation. It will not be long before Russia goes on to a full war economy that will jump start the nation and lift her out of her pitiful poverty. The problem, however, is that a war economy must eventually have a war to fight and win at all costs. Russia will invade Europe. At present, she already has invaded Finland. The thing that Finland has most feared is a Russian invasion. This has already come to pass but not in the way Finns expected. The Russian mafia has invaded the nation with corrupt money, gambling, prostitution, and serious drugs and alcohol. The explosion of drug and alcohol addiction in Finland is frighteningly alarming to say the least. What is even more frightening is that most of the nation is totally unaware of the danger and those who are informed for the most part do not even care probably because they are a part of the problem in receiving bribes and pay offs. This nation that was once of the highest incorruptible integrity has slipped into the moral and ethical decline of the west at large and corruption has crept in at the highest levels to erode the fabric of the whole society. This is prelude to a military invasion that will undoubtedly come and for which the nation is ill prepared. Some politicians in Finland are even declaring Putin to be a good and reasonable man. This is far from the truth. Finland, like most of the former East bloc countries joined Europe in the hope of protection from the intentions of Russia.

What deception! Europe will no ore protect Finland than she will protect the Baltic States. No, Finland and the Baltic states were accepted into Europe as bargaining chips in the predicted show down with Russia. Europe will throw the Russian bear these nations to get Russia off the back of Europe. Compromise will not work as it did not work with Germany. The ONLY answer to the Russian invasion is the Church but the church is torn apart with rivalry, jealousy, dead tradition and intrigue. What a pitiful picture of what is declared to be the “glorious” body of Christ. Only prayer will turn around what has become a critical situation and the vast majority of the Church has no vision to pray and worse, does not even know how to effectively pray. To the rescue must come WATCHMEN ON THE WALLS who will shout the alarm and it is past time for the Finnish nation to be an alarm. The Lord is speaking loudly and clearly and the choice is either to ignore it or do something about it. When the enemy comes in, like a FLOOD the STANDARD of the Lord is to be raised against him. Russia WILL rise up of that there is no doubt. The Lord is giving advance warning of this incredible impending danger. It is foolish to pray against it happening for the Word clearly speaks of God coming down against Israel. Intercession is required to stop Russia carving up Finland and doing damage in other countries. More importantly is for there to be continued freedom to preach the glorious Gospel without hindrance. It is time for the church to wake up and intercede!

Some of the Pastors here in Mozambique have been chosen to receive monthly support. The pastors which have been with the ministry for many years, even during the war years are being helped by these gifts. They come to the Bible School here in Morrumbala for months during the year, leaving their wives and children at home. The local church looks out for the family when the pastor is away, but because he is not there for important times of garden preparation, planting or sometimes harvest, this puts further hardship on the family at home. With the monthly gift the pastor is able to pay laborers for his garden, keep the family with the needed foodstuffs and buy other things. Pastor Manuel Caminho has pastored for many years and the fruits of his labor are many. We traveled to a new branch which he opened last year. What a refreshing and pleasant congregation he has. The large mud church was tidy, the people orderly and the church services were timely. The people were so hungry for God’s Word and their worship was like stepping into heaven. We were so touched to see such fruit and the lives of so many being changed by this man of God. He lives near a Jehovah Witness church and has had many opportunities to share God’s word with the leaders there. When we stopped at his house before the meeting I saw his wife wearing a nice jacket (not a common sight). When I asked about it I was told,

In America $30 doesn’t do very much, you may be able to buy a good restaurant meal, but here in Africa it has a lot of power to provide basic living items. In a place where $1 can buy a good shirt, several items of children’s clothing or pay a day’s wage just think what $30 can do. Pastor Mike and his Out of Africa ministry in Finland as well as Shekinah Ministries in the United States and England are blessing thousands with his preaching and books. What a blessing it is for those who have so much to be a help to someone with so little. Thanks to our friends who give so faithfully and freely to the people here. Your gifts make a huge difference in their lives.

I had expected a letter from Mike sometime back. In regards to our side, this is what is going on. Things are not going well as there is big conflict between the Dinka tribe and the Equatorians. It looks like a civil war will break out soon. Some Equatorians have made threats of expelling the Dinkas from Equatoria (a province of Southern Sudan). A letter was delivered to Commander Salva Kir, who took the matter very seriously. There has now been an arrest of some Equatorian boys and the tension is very high between the two sides and this might explode at anytime.

Today I was told that the Chairman has to cut short his visit to Europe and come back urgently to handle the matter himself. Let us wait and see what happens. Non Government Organizations are being harassed. Computers had been confiscated from all NGO's. I will keep you informed of any new development.

(Ed Note) It has been of great concern that now the peace treaty has been signed and there is no longer a “common enemy” (Khartoum and the Arabs) a civil war will break out amongst the different tribes. Please pray along with us and those men we have trained that this will not happen and that the doors will continue to be open for the Gospel to be preached in all areas of Southern Sudan.

The following is an adapted testimony from a young couple who now show the “Jesus” Film in Zimbabwe. For those who donated the films all those years ago the ministry is still using them with the same dynamic results as when we first began to use it fifteen to twenty years ago.

“About three years ago a couple generously gave me the use of their Jesus film in Shona. This has created huge openings to tell more people about Jesus. Soon after acquiring the film we showed it on the farm on which we were living. Three of the people who made a commitment have become the foundation of my evangelistic team. We go out into the rural areas and show the four reel film. Our team discusses the events with the congregation while the reels are being changed and at the end of the film everyone is invited to stay while a call for salvation is given. Public meeting places, preferably nearby a busy road or beer hall are chosen and since films are “foreign” to most rural peoples this is always a tremendous draw card. The scenery and culture of the film are wonderfully similar to life in rural Zimbabwe so people can identify.

Localized parables always help with illustrations and humor helps get people relaxed. I found it is important not to come across as a preacher and just let the film do what it was made to do. After the film is over genuine repentance is explained and people are sent home with the evangelistic message on paper with relevant Bible references. Our technical problems in showing the film vary and include power cuts and blown bulbs. A couple of strong windstorms have caused our screen to go flying (a bed sheet tied, pinned or nailed to whatever is available). Sometimes the film has become snarled up which entails a 30 minute repair job.

One night there was some confusion over the meeting place. When I arrived at the school there was already a political meeting going on. I set up to show the film outside and a crowd began to gather. A short message was sent out from the Chairman of the political meeting inside the school. “Switch off that projector!” I walked into the political meeting and invited anyone present to join us once they were free. The answer from the Chairman surprised me, “That is why we asked you to switch off the projector… we all want to watch the film.” They adjourned the meeting, came out and silently watched the film.

Many doors have now been opened for us. Schools have asked us to come and show it in their school halls to their entire staff and student body. Scripture Union bodies have asked us to come to their camps and show it there and always there is an excellent response.

This film has proven to be an excellent tool for evangelism no matter in which country we use it. Thanks to those who donated these films for Mozambique, Rwanda, New Sudan, Malawi and Zimbabwe. What a mighty harvest you have reaped.

BIBLE COLLEGE.

Despite all the rumors, we have not as yet found any place that we really feel is either appropriate or adequate for a Bible College and are still earnestly looking. We need facilities that will house 200 students preferably in single rooms as well as staff accommodation, library facility, laundry, large meeting hall or chapel for 300-400 and a separate dining room and kitchen to cater for nearly 400 as well. We certainly do not want to undertake any renovation work and we do not want build in the immediate future. We are looking at schools, hospitals, hotels and institutions. It is very evident that everybody seems to want a Bible College in their area. I am not concerned where the site is just as long as the Holy Spirit approves it.

We are also opening a BIBLE COLLEGE FUND into which people may invest. If each person receiving the Out of Africa newsletter committed to 250 euros over the next year, there would be a healthy sum of money to at least secure a facility. These finances are for FINLAND and I am asking that, as I seek to invest my own life into your nation that you too invest some of your material substance into not only your own nation but all of Europe. The young men and women who attend this Bible College are going to be thoroughly equipped to turn Finland, at least, upside down for Christ. This will be the finest of investments you will ever want to make and your return will be eternal. Out of Africa will set the fund rolling by investing 10,000 euros and trust that others will meet this challenge.

CLEAR MESSAGE FOR FINLAND:

“Set your house in order O Finland for judgment begins in the house of the Lord. Whilst you play religious games, the enemy devours the nation. The prophets speak vain imaginations of their own mind and not the piercing accuracy of My Word. The shepherds do not lead my flock to rich pastures and living waters but have beaten and bruised the sheep for their own purposes and satisfaction. There is no clear voice in the nation. The watchmen publicize profane visions that have no significance and the greed for money and position and fame have left all who are seeking such vanities disillusioned for I will in no wise endorse that which I have not authorized.

Either the church will rise up and be the church triumphant with the clear message of repentance to the nation or the nation will legislate against the church and enslave her. My Spirit has been quenched in the land and there is hypocrisy on every hand for my leaders speak one thing with their lips but their hearts are far from me. The elders of my flock neither enter the Kingdom nor allow those who will to enter. Repent and return to your first love and works or I shall surely smite you with a famine. I hate the divisions and squabbling that has torn apart MY BODY and caused the world to mock and ridicule. My Spirit is come to convince of sin, righteousness and judgment. He will begin with you. Buy of me eye salve that you may anoint your eyes and see. Open your ears to hear what My Spirit saith unto the church of Finland in this hour.” I have recently had cause to visit your parliament in Helsinki. I was shocked to hear a clear message coming from the political leaders of the nation. It went like this and I paraphrase. “We are waiting and wanting the Church to clearly speak out to the nation in uncompromising manner. We are continually disappointed by the reluctance of men of God to speak the truth and speak it clearly. Of course there will be some splinter groups that will shout loudly but the vast majority of Finns want to hear the Church speak and would respect the voice of the Church.”

What a mandate and what a responsibility! (Ed) It is very important and a must for every reader to obtain a copy of the message, "KUOPIO LISTEN" and give the same to the spiritual leaders in your community. Until and unless there is unity that respects DIFFERENCES but overcomes DIVISIONS, there will be no mighty move of the Lord. Spiritual arrogance in many areas and even denominations must be swept away with love and humility that is the nature of Christ. This message may be obtained from Out of Africa. It will be mailed free!

PRAISE & WORSHIP:

It takes very little discernment to clearly see and understand that there is a passionate desire amongst Finnish believers for true praise and worship. This passion amongst believers is really the passion of the blessed Holy Spirit who knows the mind and will of the Father and transmitting the same to the church. It is not sufficient to have a few songs or hymns and then the preaching of often, canned sermons and call the same "worship."

We had a most wonderful and powerful Praise and Worship seminar in Arkkiat Jarvenpaa. The seminar was designed specifically for musicians and leaders with Praise Factory providing the most excellent ministry of music. This is prelude to a three day seminar to be held in March next year. You positively must not miss this seminar if you are a musician or praise and worship leader. At the same time, it is imperative that you read my book "Praise and Worship." If you do not have it, please order it from Out of Africa.

BOOKS:

Tales of an African Intercessor continues to sell wherever we go. Recently, a bookshop owner rather ironically said, "Oh, you people have saturated the market with that book. You will not sell anymore!" At that very conference, we sold another two boxes. Please get this book. It will be a Holy Ghost classic book. It is also very important for people to get my latest book, "To Save A Nation." A pastor from Lithuania who read the book rejoiced over the fact that I had clearly spelled out the truth and intentions of Islam of which she was ignorant. She went on to say that I would be on the hit list of the Moslems for being so bold. Please write, call or e mail Out of Africa and order your copy of these books. I cannot impress upon you the need to keep updated with both current events and what the Lord is saying. Order the books through Out of Africa and we will ship free to you. You will pay no more than the bookshop and conference price. At the same time, you will greatly help the ministry work.