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20 hours in Kenya.
Written by Peter Youngren on March 24, 2009March 24, 2009
The days go by quickly, and much happens in a short time. Here is a 20 hour segment that I just got to enjoy.
11 AM: After a five hour journey by car we arrive at the outskirts of Kisumu. About 20 bishops and pastors are waiting to greet us; Pentecostals, Anglicans, Baptists and others. There is palpable joy and expectancy. Our Festival Director, Marius Nikolaisen, and several of our missionaries are also present. Mark Enos, one of our recent Bible College graduates, is running by, so busy in keeping everything running smoothly that he doesn’t see my wave. I love our missionaries.
11.15 AM: Now we are entering the city itself in a parade arranged to notify the city that the Gospel Festival is about to begin; singers, cars, and excited believers are in our parade route. People along the roadside are waving and greeting us. We go by the beautiful Hindu temple and large mosque in the center of the city, while announcements of the Gospel Festival are being read from loudspeakers. There is no hostility, just friendly faces everywhere.
12.10 PM: Finally, we get to the guest-house where we are staying for the week and I have a few minutes to unpack and freshen up.
12.35 PM: It’s off to the press-conference. The room is packed with journalists, including a secular film production team doing a documentary. I also see some of our missionaries in the room, including Serge and Beth Leger. I make a 20 minute statement about our purpose in Kenya, emphasizing two areas. One is our friendship approach to Muslims and Hindus; they are warmly invited to receive Jesus without discrimination! Then I spend considerable time talking about the post-election killings that swept Kenya last year, with Christians killing Christians along tribal lines, emphasizing that the cross of Jesus Christ is the answer; His death has torn down the walls that divide people. Of course, if we who are the carriers of this message don’t preach it, how will the broad masses know and believe? I really enjoy press-conferences and the give and take of the journalists’ questions. Again, they have lots of questions and try to trip me up by getting me to take sides among the political parties, but Jesus always lets His wisdom come through. I stick to my theme. I think they are all a bit shocked at my insistence that the killings prove that Kenya has not heard the Gospel, even with all the churches around. Many use the word Gospel as a “code-word” for whatever they want to say, instead of presenting the taking away of sins by Jesus at the cross.
2 PM: We head back to the guest-house. The afternoon hours before the Gospel Festival starts are precious to me. I spend that time meditating and thanking God for the meeting tonight, and the team knows not to disturb me.
5.30 PM: I leave for the Gospel Festival held on the enormous Hospital Grounds. The meeting has been in full swing for over an hour and a great crowd has gathered.
6 PM: My preaching starts exactly at 6, because we want to use the day-light hours as much as possible. The sun is still shining as I tell the people that we have come to give witness that the unlimited God has come in limited human flesh in the person of Jesus. By His death He “once for all” put away our sins, giving us the opportunity to repent of our self-reliance and self-righteousness and receive the free gift of Jesus’ righteousness. I ask the people, “how much are you worth?” and state: “Your value is whatever someone is willing to pay for you, and God paid the ultimate price for you by the sacrifice of Jesus.” People are openly weeping; God’s love is melting hearts.
6.40 PM: The entire audience responds to the salvation call, followed by a parade of healing testimonies. Already the first night, blind, deaf and many others are healed.
7.40 PM: Our testimony service is over and counselors are distributing follow-up material as I head back to the guest-house for a quick shower; our next meeting is in 20 minutes.
8 PM: Time for our “Friendship Dinner,” where I get to teach the Gospel to politicians and Hindu and Muslim leaders in the city. A number of pastors are present and are surprised; they have never seen anything like this. I use traditions within the various cultures, and when I get to the point that Jesus took away the world’s sins and that all can receive Him, the head of the Hindu temple leads in applause. The message is hitting home loud and clear.
11 PM: Finally, the dinner is over and I get to go to my room. I’m exhausted but rejoicing at all that happened. We’ve got an early morning appointment.
5.30 AM: Time to get up. I have a 7AM breakfast at the private home of the Prime Minister of Kenya, Mr. Raila Odinga, who is the man believed to have been cheated out of the Presidency, and Nathan Thurber is accompanying me. The election fraud triggered the wave of killing and looting last year, leaving 1300 dead. The prime minister’s home is very nice but humble; the calendar on the wall features a photo of Mr. Odinga and British PM, Gordon Brown. We hit it off very well. I’m told he is very selective about who he meets, but the message of the cross of Jesus also touches the heart of the PM. I liked him instantly, and I’m impressed that he forfeited the Presidency of Kenya to stop the violence. We decide to try to meet again so I can interview him for our television program.
Every step of the way the focus is on Jesus, His cross, His resurrection and what it means in the current situation; politically, personally and for society at large. I don’t have several messages, but one: “we preach Christ crucified”. Those who think that we need to look beyond this message have not understood the depth and width of what happened at the “once for all” sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Once understood, the message of the cross affects every area; spiritual, financial, relational, and even the way we conduct business affairs of a nation. Let me hear from you. -Peter
Patrick Worobetz
~ Prince Albert, SK
Pastor Peter, I am amazed at the work being accomplished through you. My wish is to be a part of your work someday. God bless and strengthen you.
James Cannon
~ west virginia
God bless you and your ministry, I pray for you and all your workers in Christ. Wow , i love your teaching on grace. So true, so simple. My son Daniel lost his vision last year, I pray, and believe by his stripes we are healed. Please pray to the lord for his healing. Thank You, and God Bless you and yours
Babu Ninan
~ Toronto, Ontario
Dear loving Pastor,
Thank God for His love & care on you. Ps.34:19 & 20. Jesus Christ be glorified.
We are praying for you. Sincerely,
BN
Prins Jeyendran
Keep up the God given command to reach out to the fallen world.
May God richly bless your work
He delights in your work
May the wisdom of the Holy Spirit guide you
May the blood of Jesus protect you
May the name of Our Heavenly Father be glorified by all nations all tribes and all tongues
Vivian
~ Regina, SK
Hi Peter
It is So true….that “Jesus on the cross” is simply The message! I found this out, o, about 5 yrs. ago. I was working at Superstore, cleaning the check out stands, 5 am.-9 a.m., real humbling work. I was upset, It was Easter time, once again trouble with my family, and myself, a single parent, and my two kids, by now moved out on their own, were Not invited to my parent’s family Easter Sunday supper! Each time it broke my heart afresh. After all I had been through…leaving my physically abusive husband, taking him back so many X, to give him another chance, esp. seeing what it was like to be a single mother with 2 little ones, living in low income housing. Each time he would hit me I would kick him out again…finally got the divorce in ‘91… This particular Easter Sun. I was feeling so hurt my family had discluded me again, and I was alone, I can’t even remember if I had something planned with my kids… Cleaning the stands, I suddenly got a vision ... Jesus suffering on the cross, saying “Father forgive them, they know not what they do” It Really HEALED MY HEART THEN AND THERE , I WAS CRYING, AND THEN NO LONGER HURTING, YES, JESUS, YOU DO TAKE THE PAIN AWAY! AMEN! Vivian
Chinedu Chinweokwu
~ Nigeria
This is what life is all about. Jesus centered. Thanks pastor Peter for being a blessing. When are you coming back to Nigeria? I missed your earlier visits. I wont anymore. love.
Donald MacLean
~ New Brunswick
I am so thrilled as I read of the many miracles and the tremendous blessing that is taking place under your ministery. To God be the glory great things He has done. I so enjoy your daily comments. Looking forward to the services in Moncton NB shortly. What a blessing to be involved is some little way with you. Keeping you in prayer.
Brandi Michielsen
~ London, Ontario - Canada
I think of you, Roxanne, and God’s devoted team of followers helping, in making this Kenya visit / event / celebration / ministry one of success and glorification unto our Heavenly Father / Christ Jesus, daily.
I am also enjoying your updated journal reports of how our Creator’s love, mercy, and grace is being poured out to the countless souls who flock to the event. So many make enormous sacrifices / effort to travel the distance to attend - in anticipation of receiving the gift of salvation / baptizm of Christ Jesus Holy Spirit / physical healing / answered prayers, as they listen to you speaking His gospel. It is / can be a very humbling sight for those who fuss over minor quirks / inconviences of attending Church, because it might interfere with their belief of not needing to receive a weekly message / fellowship with other believers.
When watching some of your video testimonies / taped events, and witnessing the ‘Book of Acts’ being lived out in the hours / days / months / years before the return of our Messiah, it is breathtaking / awesome within my spirit. I tire of telling others what He has done / doing in my life, and the many physical / emotional / spiritual / mental healings He has blessed me [and loved ones] with, when applying the teachings of His gospel [Bible - Living Word] to my life / when converstation opportunities pop up. As my Pastor said ‘You can lead the horse to the waters edge, but you can’t force it to drink.’ I now tell the doubters [in my life] to spend some time watching your televised program, or a few other Evangelist who are on the right track of being in the group of Leaders of the saints / followers of Jesus who will walk through the gates of heaven, while walking / dancing / singing their way into eternity. What a celebration that will be! Revelation 21: 1 - 8. Dictionary meaning of ‘testimony’ is one of sharing and empowering others with our / their experiences, and so many who say they don’t want to hear about ‘Jesus’ are yet walking around this great land we live in are yet feeling hopeless…so sad.
Henry and I send our love and prayers, via this note. Thank you Peter for your prayers for us / our family, and all your faithfulness in going into distant lands to minister ‘God’s Living Word’ to the hungry and thirsty souls who are seeking the truth [Christ Jesus] in a chaotic world of so many distractions / establishments / Governments / Religions that have shut Him out. You are / have been places where angels have feared to thread, yet you pressed forward / presevered in Jesus, to go forth / persevere, in God’s calling on your life. I now invision them [God’s army of angels] standing as a firewall, encamped about you and all of God’s servants / messengers / children around the globe, and the four corners of the earth.
God Bless and keep you and your loved ones always, in His protective love, good health, and care, as you all have blessed countless others in serving our Lord Jesus. May His anticipated return to dwell amongst His people, forever, in His Kingdom on earth, be soon. Amen!
Brandi Michielsen
~ London, Ontario - Canada
What a time of celebration, with this Easter season being right around the corner. Thinking of the countless souls that you [Peter & your fantastic team of helpers] are reaching in Kenya, who will know / hear of the sacrifice Jesus made on that dark, horrid day at Calvary, for all people / sinners born into this world.
Then 3 days later, in His resurrection, to appear onto His chosen ones and let them know that He was returning to sit at the right hand of His [our] Heavenly Father, letting them know that they were to wait until the time of His gift of the Holy Spirit to fill and enable them to go forth in His name, doing Godly / mighty works / miracles / spreading the gospel, is still something to rejoice about, over 2,000 years later.
His forgiveness from the cross, for sins committed / and those yet to occur has been one of my most difficult nuggets of truth to comprehend and apply to my daily walk / relationship with our Messiah. It seems to get easier all the time though, when hearing of the suffering of God’s children in places around the globe, like Kenya. It makes the mole hills in my spiritual life disappear, feeling so blessed that I live in a land of ‘milk and honey’ in comparision.
The shock of reading that Christians were killing Christians was heartbreaking, as I didn’t know that fact until I read your journal notes. You all have truly walked where angels have previously feared to tread, now believing [vision I was blessed with a few years ago, when praying for your team one day] that they are your firewall of protection, where ever God leads you to go in His ministry of speaking / spreading His unconditional love - with those who take up their cross and follow Jesus. His ‘yoke’ is so much lighter, as we [God’s children] learn this fact over time.
He has opened doors to you [Government / Religious barriers], to glorify Him and it is a priviledge to be part of your prayer partner support team. God bless you and your loved ones, with His good health / perfect peace / love / safe keeping always, as you continue to bless countless others. Thank you for your past / prayers for me and my loved ones, Peter and your team of prayer warriors. Looking forward to a time where Henry and I can attend one of your events, here in Canada.
Nancy Coghill
~ Toronto
Pastor Peter, thank you so much for making the time to keep your family back home updated. Every festival and events surrounding it, are yet another testimony of God’s Grace working in you and your team. I am totally blown away by the results and one day soon hope to witness a part of it with you.
Love you Pastor Peter!
Lawrence Osodo Owino
~ mombasa kenya
Its just like a dripping honey the Word of the cross so sweet to hear i believe our commander in chief Jesus is up to something with kenyan people and i hope hell will be plundered in wholesale to make heaven be feeled.Only Jesus can make kenyan to rise above triballine and anything to do with unrighteousness.Glory!
Fabio
~ St. Catharines
Blessings pastor Peter!
I love your daily blogs… it’s like being there with you on the field and I appreciate you taking the time to write about you adventures. Luv ya.
Tammara Heaslip
~ Niagara
How wonderful! I get caught up in the greater work that is being accomplished through the ministry as I read this.
blessings!
t
Helga Berg
~ Kelowna BC.
I’m in awe at how God has opened the doors and hearts of people so ready to receive the Gospel of Jesus. It’s amazing! It’s wonderful! God is at work!
Praise the wonderful name of Jesus!
Thank you for keeping us connected.
God Bless!
H. Berg
benjamin ishiaka
~ Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Hello dear Peter Youngren, i am very pleased to hear from you and to hear of the great work God is doing through you. I am a young evangelist with zeal for the kingdom most important matter (souls). ever since your coming to zaria i had never remained the same and only eternity will reveil what Christ did through you for me. Please pray for me that i will understand more and more the love of Christ for myself and the world. I am having some difficulty in knowing how much of God’s word i am to preach per day. sometimes i feel confused not knowing wheather i have done enough or not. Pls i will be greatful if you can help me out due to your experience in the work of Christ. thanks and my greatest prayer is that we meet one day in heaven to part no more.
Henry
~ kenya
hello from kenya pastor peter
Mwandaka
~ kenya
Please come back to kenya as soon as you can
Bishop patrick
~ Kenya
Thank you for coming to Kenya
bob
~ israel
How wonderful! I get caught up in the greater work that is being accomplished through the ministry as I read this.
blessings!
robert
~ Tirunelveli India
Thankyou dr youngren for all you are doing around world
Adley
~ Islamabad, Pakistan
This article is truly a good read for me! Informative and very interesting! Cheers ;)
Tread
~ Zuid-Holland, Netherlands
Thanks for the work you put into these Blogs Peter
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Comments:
Dominic Cerisano
~ Just east of Eden
I can feel Jesus getting bigger inside me as I read your journals.
It is as though I am there in Kenya with you and He. His grace is overwhelming.
I dearly hope you will show us all some video of his works in Kenya upon your return.