Articles from PEN Newsletter -- September 2003

ALBANIA CHURCH GROWS BY MORE THAN 3,000

A team of evangelists shares the Good News through 100 events in 11 cities

PORTLAND, Oregon (July 15, 2003) -- Nine evangelists in Luis Palau's Next Generation Alliance® (NGA) recently returned from a 10-day, 11-city mission of nearly 100 events in Albania; an effort the General Director of the Albanian Evangelical Alliance (VUSH) is calling the "biggest in Albania," one that "stimulated us to take responsibility and [has] given us confidence that we can carry on with creative evangelism in the future."

"Creative evangelism" is a necessary component in a country that, in 1967, became the world's first officially atheistic state. When the ban on religion was lifted in 1991, Albania quickly became reverted to its Muslim past. In Tirana, Albania's capital of 700,000, Christians account for only 5,000. The Albanian Evangelical Alliance, an association of more than 100 churches, invited NGA to help them tell their country about Jesus Christ. In June 2003, nine partner evangelists of the Luis Palau Association spoke at events throughout Albania. More than 4,000 people made first-time commitments or rededications to Jesus Christ.

Events ranged from coffee for Gypsies, teachers, and seniors to dinner for police officers, taxi drivers, businesspeople, and sports people. Larger events drew people of all ages and walks of life. For the first time, evangelistic events reached into Albanian slums and prisons.

"Dan Owens [evangelist to Tirana] was able to preach the perfect message to reach [each] particular group," said Pastor Paulin Vilajeti of Tirana Church. "His message to the politicians was perfect! They think the savior of our country is wealth. Dan told them the only hope for our country is Jesus Christ. One of the government leaders at my table said, 'I am now convinced that Jesus is the answer for Albania.'"

In Tirana alone, 22 politicians, 36 businessmen, 25 teachers, and 17 senior personnel from the prison service accepted Christ as Lord.

"It was like stepping into the book of Acts," said Jose Zayas, evangelist to Lac, Lushnja, and Shkoder. "Most Christians in Albania have been followers for less than 10 years. The churches are small, but full of young and energetic believers."

Evangelists involved in the mission to Albania include Dan Owens, Jose Zayas, Paul and Fiona Hendley, Richard Gibbons, Stuart Cripps, Will Stileman, Mike Parker, and Reid Saunders.

For more information on Next Generation Alliance®, visit www.nextgenerationalliance.org

BERLIN, OHIO, Thursday, July 24, 2003 - The final night of Holmes County Encounter 2003 was a blessed time of praise, patriotism, preaching and partnership. The praise (and worship) was delivered by Sam Van Horn leading the Encounter Praise Band and choir. The Southern gospel stylings of the Columbus-based Freedom Voice contributed an inspiring presence to the evening as well. The up and coming trio featuring Sam and his friends, Jimmy and Ron, "wowed" the audience with a half dozen songs throughout the program. The highlight was their signature song "This Piece Of Cloth", a stirring and patriotic tribute to the durability of our foremost symbol of freedom - Old Glory, the flag of the United States of America.

After Rev. David Carrick from Millersburg Christian Church prayed for open and hungry hearts for the evening and Freedom Voice sang two songs that caused the audience to clap hands and tap their toes, Encounter Director Luke Weaver and General Chair Chad Stutzman gave a heartfelt "thank you" to the hundreds of volunteers who gave of their time, talents and treasures to make this event a great success.

Steve Wingfield presented a tough message about the reality of hell imploring everyone to examine their hearts and, if necessary, make the most important decision of their lives on this final night of Encounter. Steve cited numerous Bible passages, which emphasized the teachings about eternal destiny. He noted that 13% of Christ's teachings were about that critical topic. For one last time here in this special community, Steve beseeched everyone to awaken to the urgency of the hour and accept the Lord's gift of salvation or recommit their lives.

This week, between the main Encounter and the children's and prison ministries, at least 175 people have come forward making life-changing decisions. As Ross Miller from Walnut Creek Mennonite noted during his benediction, this has been a blessed week. People's lives have been challenged, comforted and changed.

The results of this Encounter will continue to be revealed over time just as happened here in 1991. The tireless efforts of the volunteers from over 35 churches and 50 businesses will enjoy a changed community, renewed unity, and an awakened appreciation for evangelism and discipleship.

Wingfield Ministries now marches forward revealing God's truth to the people of the Elkin, North Carolina area; Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia; and Ocean City, Maryland. The goal of Steve and his Encounter team is to reclaim and strengthen the notion of "one nation under God" in Spirit and in Truth. Thank you Holmes County for your faithfulness and partnership in reaching people for Christ. God bless you everyone. © Wingfield Ministries, 2003

Proclamation in the Midst of Stone Throwing and Gun Shots

DANAO, PHILIPPINES, Aug 21, 2003 -- An outreach event featuring Evangelist Wesley Paul was hosted by an Assemblies of God church in Danao, Philippines, a city of 80,000 residents, only 7,000 of whom are believers. Danao is a city about 20 miles outside Cebu. It is a rural or provincial city steeped in Catholicism and traditional religions. It was a small event in a community of a potential church plant. The first night Wesley preached, it was "stone cold." Only three stepped forward publicly. Toward the end, Trifon Brady, the LPEA regional coordinator, asked the 40-some trained counselors to go and talk to the people standing by. This yielded a greater harvest, more than 20 gave their hearts to Christ in this approach. Praise the Lord!

On Sunday after preaching at the church twice (God did his usual thing, almost all of the members came forward to recommit, renew their passion for God and missions), Wesley went to preach at a little fishing village. Instead of preaching at the usual preaching point, the pastor organized the event to be in the center of the village. After the organizers walked around the streets and homes of the village inviting people to come, the band from the church sang and ministered. A couple of men shared their testimony and then Wesley began to speak. God gave him great favor before the people. Living by the seashore, many of them were tanned like Wesley and they thought he was one of them. At the invitation to trust Christ, more than 30 came in front of the platform to give their hearts to Christ. It was a difficult decision to make in front of their neighbors and friends. Among those that came there were several drunks. God once again moved upon the people here. Public proclamation of the gospel continues to produce a great harvest.

At the evening gospel meeting, a couple of local men again shared their testimony. When one of them shared his testimony, stones began to fly. Whoever was throwing the stones was throwing them in protest of the one testifying. You see the testifier had been the town's worst sinner. Everyone knew him and knew his ways; naturally they were surprised and in awe of the transformation they observed in this man. However, it didn't set well with one of his old cronies, who resorted to throwing rocks at the gathering.

A policeman in a nearby house gave assistance. He rushed out with his AK 47 and fired it in the air. Several shots were fired and the culprit ran into hiding. The events caused a quite a commotion, and for a moment it looked as though the crowd would disperse. All worked out to advantage, however, because Wesley began with what they were witnessing - living in the sound of gun shots. Danao, coincidentally, is the unofficial gun capitol of the Philippines. They manufacture and sell guns, both legal and illegal. About 50 yards from the meeting grounds is a gun-manufacturing warehouse.

Fortunately, no one was hurt or injured. The stones landed on the ceiling of the platform and on some nearby houses. It is only by the grace of God that the whole crowd didn't turn into a mob. In similar settings in the Middle East, one rabble-rouser can ignite major civil unrest. The stone-thrower was chased away by the policeman who acted quickly. The team's prayer covering led the hand of God to protect the participants.

As Wesley offered the invitation, again it brought a big wall-like resisting force. Just two brave souls stepped forward. And again, Brady asked the counselors to reach into the crowd to find lost souls. With that effort, another 15 or so gave their hearts to Christ. The citizens of Danao were extremely resistant to the gospel. The crowd just sat and watched as if it were a spectator event. Danao is an illustration of the reality that not every place is going to warmly receive the gospel. But plowing and sowing time will prepare for another to come and reap a great harvest. The pastor reported that they have enough to plant a church. Praise the Lord! Another church planted.

The Danao evangelistic event was co-sponsored with the AOG church pastor Bhel, Life Foundations Ministry, and Adoration Band. These faithful followers of Christ willingly shared their time and resources as partners to reach the lost of Danao. (Courtesy of Wesley Paul International Ministries)