Editor’s note: For security reasons, only first names are used in this story.
“You have left your fingerprint upon our hearts,” were the tearful words of one pastor’s wife as she said goodbye. That sentiment is echoed by the 21 South Carolinians who recently partnered with their Christian brothers and sisters in North Africa. Most of the diverse group of pastors and laymen agree on two things: Their lives were changed forever, and they were surprised by God’s call.
Christians in North Africa worship in a revival service where pastors from South Carolina preached.Pastor Larry heard about the urgent need for volunteers in North Africa and the uncertain window of opportunity associated with it. He prayed, “Lord help those people – but don’t send me.” God spoke to his heart, substituting determination for his former reluctance.
Carole, a pastor’s wife, experienced great hesitation at the invitation. Her husband, Paul, immediately felt God’s calling to go, but North Africa was not even on her radar as a destination of choice. “I spent a lot of time in prayer,” she said. “I realized that I needed to put wheels to my faith. I’m not afraid of death,” she added with a smile, “but the part leading up to it concerns me.” Several other team members felt the call but could not see how God would overcome the obstacles.
The ministry locations of the teams were as diverse as the volunteers. Some worked in established churches with a building, many ministered in house churches with changing locations, and some even ministered in garbage cities where the very beds people slept on were constructed out of garbage. Gene and Louie worked with a church whose brand new building had been closed down. The pastor and believers were warned never to return to the building or their families would suffer severe consequences. “We felt as if we stepped into the Book of Acts, living in the same conditions and culture as the early church,” Gene said. “Despite the fear and uncertainty of their situation, the faith and resolve of the church is strong. They desire to start more house churches or even build another new church in a different location and start all over again. God’s church is still moving forward, and the gates of hell are not prevailing against it,” Gene said.
The power of God’s presence among the churches, the warmth of the people, and the passion for the lost were experienced by the teams all over the region. “They are the most joyful people you will ever see,” Paul said. “The depth and passion they have is impactful.” Despite these qualities, the team members agreed that one of the greatest accomplishments of the week was encouragement. Christians in the region have experienced very real persecution, which has affected the churches and pastors. “We sensed that the pastor and believers have been beaten down due to the persecution. I felt led to bring a message on hope rather than what I had prepared before going to Egypt,” Steve said. “I believe that our greatest contribution was in encouraging the pastor and the people.”
The teams found themselves in situations unlike any they had experienced before. Pastors Rob and Larry spoke in many house churches. “We shared the gospel in one house, and 15 hands go up,” Larry said. “The enemy was placing doubts in my mind, so I asked the interpreter to make sure they understood.” The issue was not their lack of understanding, but the Spirit of God moving with such power, that it was overwhelming. “We went to another house where more people responded to the gospel but were told to go back to the first house because a man there was bound by a demon.” Armed with a Scripture passage that God laid on their hearts, Larry and Rob returned to the house and a situation they had never before encountered. God moved in such a way that the man was transformed and proclaimed the name of Jesus Christ with tears in his eyes and obvious joy on his face. The end result of that day’s ministry was that at least 31 people professed faith in Jesus Christ.
As one of only two women, Carole found herself with a unique ministry opportunity. She was invited to spend some time just with the women. “In a country where women are not routinely held in high esteem, I led in a study affirming that as a woman, each has value and purpose.” They responded with a hunger to know how to serve God better in their respective roles.
Christians in North Africa respond at the conclusion of a revival service.Tony was impressed with the large numbers of young people and families in the church. In the airport before his return, he struck up a conversation with a young woman who was the clerk in a souvenir shop. He asked her if he could give her a little booklet about what it means to be a Christian. She seemed to accept it gladly. A short time later, Tony saw a security guard approaching him with the gospel tract in his hand. His fear melted away when the guard told him that the young lady wanted him to sign the tract and to deliver a gift to Tony. “Young people are searching,” observed Marie (name changed), an International Mission Board employee. “They are open right now but could easily be led the other way.”
One pastor who is the only minister in a community of 120,000 people has made a heartfelt request. “We need more people to come to our country and help serve because there is much work here that has been given by God and only one person to do it alone. We need much prayer and fasting because we believe that nothing can be done except by God’s help.”
The teams observed a level of prayer, fasting and zeal among the believers in North Africa that one rarely sees. “They are very passionate about calling out for God to save the Muslims and save their country,” Paul recalled. Strong relationships have developed from this common faith and love for the Lord, leaving the team members changed. “My preaching has been different, and my dealings with other people have been different,” Larry said. “We are challenged to live and have a more tangible and genuine faith ourselves,” Carole said.
The team members from South Carolina have returned home, but the partnership mission is just beginning. Each church now has a greater vision for the need and a greater desire to make a difference. The fingerprint that was left upon the hearts of the North African believers was undoubtedly God’s, and it is shared by those who experienced His power as they worked hand in hand to reach many who had never heard the life-changing message of salvation. – SCBC