We got a taste of the future last weekend.
About 300 zealous believers gathered for the weekend. Their lives have been and are being transformed from indescribably painful situations, and now they want others to share in their blessings. This conference, unlike many we’ve attended, was completely organized by locals.
This was a historic or watershed meeting to me like things were one way up until this conference, and then they change. Significantly better. We have grown incrementally to this point, but we are on the verge of an explosion. It feels like it to me. We’ll see.
Edna called up several people who have Discovery Groups to share how it is working out for them. Those who are bringing outsiders into the Kingdom were honored!
“When we focus on bringing the gospel to outsiders, the rest of the stuff falls into place. Media people, ushers, conferences, meeting places, theatre, worship, offerings, and more will all happen if a movement is growing rapidly with new believers.” Edna explains to the group, “If you aren’t reproducing, you are not worth much.” It might be a bit strong, but it sends a message. The heroes are the ones doing the hidden work outside the main group. When you are traveling to remote places, it costs time and money. The recipients may think you’re suspect, especially at first. And while you are out there, you are not eating with or hanging out with the in-group, your people at church. The zeal and passion were palpable as the Holy Spirit flowed through this conference.
Only a short time ago, these churches were struggling for survival. One of the two churches in Porto de Moz closed its doors for a year or two. The other shrank to a few struggling members. There is a new feeling now. 205 people came six hours and more by boats from Souzel, Gurupá, Almeirim, Vila Nova, Anapú, and Marabá to participate in the gathering that was hosted and prepared by the two (and a third on the way) churches in Porto de Moz.
Several people committed their lives to God during the conference, including this mother and her daughter.
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