There are 25 major cities in the Northeast where sixty-million Americans desperately need a community-changing church. His team has taken on the challenge. He communicated that vision in practical powerful ministry to these pastors. Rev Barnabas Mtokambali, General Superintendent of the Tanzania Assemblies of God. invited us to minister. I was honored to join him to share the word and music with hundreds of pastors at the Singida District Conference. What an honor to minister to these powerful pioneers.

Singida is located below the equator in the center of the Tanzania with a population in excess of one million people. Facing a significant drought for 4 years, it is one of the poorest regions in Africa with 346 villages and 10 indigenous tribes. The pioneering bishop right, (name withheld) came to Singida in 1975 to plant the first AG church. God used him to plant 75 churches. In the last 6 years, these churches planted 200 more.

Tanzania has a diverse religious and tribal demographic, 38% Muslim, 35% Catholic, 20% animist. Over 40,000 towns in Tanzania have no believing church. The Tanzania Assembly of God (TAG) has 6,200 churches and has planted more than 4,000 churches in the last 5 years. Dois Rosser and International Cooperating Ministries, a Hampton based ministry has partnered in the construction of 468 churches.

ON EARTH AS
IT IS IN HEAVEN

 “In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:9,10

Why did Jesus have such an impact on unbelievers and common people? One simple answer is that He walked in compassion, heard people's deepest need and solved the problems that faced the people He met. He heard Father’s voice and brought heaven to every situation He encountered.

When Jesus met Peter, He solved his fishing problem. A simple command, let out your nets for a catch... not logical, not predictable but in the end It was more than the size of the catch, it was the size of the call that followed. Though many theologians question the wisdom of Jesus healing Peter’s mother-in law, it was likely because they had never tasted her matzoth balls and goat.

When faced with 5,000 hungry people in a desolate place, he supernaturally anointed his disciples so that five loaves and two fish became a feast for the multitude with 12 baskets of leftovers for the recycle bin.

When there was no way for the blind man to find his way out of the darkness, simply some spit and mud in the hands of Jesus, on the face of the blind man and suddenly the light has comes and sight is restored.

If we want to influence lives and culture, we need to listen closely enough to identify the needs, see clearly enough to recognize the problem, and walk powerfully enough to make a difference. Culture does not care who solves their problem, they as just seeking real solutions. If you are the source of solutions, you will gain influence through your love and action.

When Pharaoh had no answers, Joseph interpreted his dream and pointed the way. He had an answer when no one else knew where to turn. When Babylon languished in confusion, Daniel and the three Hebrew children became the most valued counselors in the courts. 

When his ship was going down, the Apostle Paul prayers, heard and took a stand. He testified, there will be no loss of life, gave the instructions, and  though they lost their cargo, every single life was spared.

I know folks say, "people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care," but compassion without impact is empty sentiment. Do you want to make a difference? Do you want to change the culture?  

Watch, listen, and with God’s help, solve a problem. Begin to work out your spiritual muscles so that when the opportunity comes, when a critical need comes, you are prepared. Walk poised to see hear the need, see the solution and act with God power. If you allow heaven to touch earth in all you do, you will see how God can use you to change the world.

RETURN TO TOP

Imagine our surprise as our small single engine plane, taxiing into a private field in Dar es Salaam Tanzania, saw that President Obama had left Air Force One for us to keep an eye on.

It turns out that the president has a bigger airplane than we have, but we abide confident in our God ... He is bigger than all of the combined air forces of this earth ... in His love, compassion and power. I Love JESUS! #angelsROCK!