October 2007
My Special Friend,
Well, here we go again! Try to tell the untellable. Attempt to report the incredible. (At least in Israel, life is a bit more predictable as we are preparing now for an important November journey). In Israel, it’s sharing God’s love one on one. It’s ministering to small congregations and groups. Sometimes, it’s God’s moment to comfort and tell of Messiah’s love and care during t crisis situations such as bombings or stoning. But at least I can usually report those events with a clear and direct mind.
But the untellable? The incredible? That is Argentina! I just returned with Walter and Christopher, two of God’s modern Joshuas. This time the door opened in the north. Two thousand pastors were to gather at this great congress. Plus one or two thousand other Christian leaders – many young and eager to learn how to fight spiritual warfare and go deeper into the Word and will of God.
Now this Congress is so major that those invited to minister are offered one opportunity. We told them “No Way!” – too much time, energy and expense to go that far unless God told them to let us teach each day and vie the main message each evening. (The distance between New York and Buenos Aires is greater than New York to Moscow!) I admit I thought that our requirement would close the door.
But wait! Word came “We want you here. We need you. Please come!” Each of the most important nights (and days) would be ours.
Christopher had never been with me in Argentina. He also never saw (neither did I) such a gigantic tent that seemed to cover a small city block. Chris’ eyes were popping and he literally sat on the edge of his chair the first night. It was a sea of expectant humanity. Some 2000 pastors and hundreds more – packing the place and extending beyond.
My challenge centered on waging successful spiritual warfare in an age of deception. To follow the Apostle Paul in his challenge to be radical in our obedience to Jesus. To be an example for others to follow in every area of life – love for Jesus, obedience to the Father, witnessing in the power of the Holy Spirit. Marriages needed to be healed. Secret sins had to be confessed. God’s moment of decision was now.
Then they came – by the hundreds and hundreds. Tears. No pride. Brokenness. Intense hunger for God. It is what makes Argentina so special. So difficult to describe. Because it is a revolution and revival that is God-breathed and sustained.
So many of these Shepherds have so little. A mere $50 gift of love brings tears and hugs. Couples made apologies and renewed their vows. Parents and children were reunited in heart and pledged to help each other grow strong in the Lord. And God gave us the goal of sending 5000 missionaries from Argentina to the world – all the way to Jerusalem.