Open Heavens 2000        Port Harcourt, Nigeria 2000      The Schools of Ireland 2000   Recent Trips to Nigeria

Open Heavens
There are not words to express the power of a gathering of over 8,000,000 (eight million) people. When they shout "Hallelujah" or "Praise the Lord" the ground shakes. Pastor Sharon and I had the privilege of participating in the 3rd annual Holy Ghost Festival of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Lagos, Nigeria, December 14, 15 & 16, 2000. The R.C.C.G. is the fastest growing denomination in the world today under the leadership of the General Overseer Enoch A. Adeboye. He is one of the most profoundly spiritual and humble men I have had the privilege of meeting. Our host, Pastor A. Akinkoye is Pastor of the R.C.C.G. parish "Heaven's Glorious Embassy" in Dallas, TX. He also is the area Overseer to six other parishes.

 TOP OF PAGE     MISSIONS PAGE    HOME

Port Harcourt and Ahoada

Plane flights are just plain flights. There's nothing glamorous about them. You find your seat and in no time your whole body begins to strain against the dictates of the often times broken down seats who's sole purpose is to slid you out onto the floor. Inflatable seat cushions are quickly set in place and make being seated comfortably, a possibility otherwise unattainable. It's the only way to survive coach class.

The three hour flight to Houston and subsequent nine and one half hour flight to Charles De Gaul airport in Paris France is only broken by the three and one half hour lay over in Texas. I comfort myself by considering how it must have been to fly when there were no jets traveling at four hundred miles per hour or even how it would have been to set sail and stay at sea for over a month or two.

But, then was then and now is now. After twelve hours in Charles De Gaul airport Juanita Williams and I had one more six and one half hour leg of our journey to arrive at Port Harcourt, Nigeria where we were met by a very excited group of folks from Rhema Glory Church. Pastor Boma Lawson and his wife O.P. were leading the welcoming committee that turned out to greet us at four a.m. (We didn't land until five) in the morning. We were quickly escorted through customs and baggage claim, placed in an air conditioned car borrowed for the occasion and taken to the church where we met each and every one of the excited group of believers who had turned out so early in the morning. We were exhausted but home; well, almost.

After quite a time of formal greetings and waiting we were driven out to Ahoada where the crusade was to take place; checked in to the Sam Royal Hotel at 10:00 AM, April 26th and were informed that we had a meeting with the Chiefs of the area at 2:00 PM. We missed seeing them as they were expecting us at 11:00 AM and had all gone their way by 1:30 PM. Not to be discouraged, our hosts (by then several area pastors) took us to see the local river. Thanking all our hosts, we begged to be excused and headed for our rooms for a nap at 3:00 PM. The Crusade which was scheduled for 6:00 PM got under way about 8:30 PM which gave us more time to pray, read, and rest.

The Crusade was well attended by 250 to 300 people this and each of the next two nights. We saw approximately 150 people saved and many healed and/or delivered. What a wonderful time it was! During the days we taught an assembly of pastors and leaders from various back grounds. Each meeting was a precious time of impartation. We also had the opportunity to meet with the local police chief and his personal staff to share Jesus. He was quite receptive.

Friday, April 28th found us traveling back to Port Harcourt where we ministered in Rhema Glory Church to the congregation and an assembly of several pastors from the area. We preached, danced, sang and had a wonderful time encouraging and ministering to those present. God wrought a good work in their midst each morning and evening.

It was there, in Port Harcourt, that I found out why the Lord had sent me to Nigeria. He spoke a prophetic word in, and though, me to the Nation. It’s force will forever change the spiritual climate of that wonderfully blessed Country. Monday, May 1st we drove two and one half hours to Warri in Delta State where we held a meeting with Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Okorhi. He has a church of around 400 people and over a dozen  pastors and their wives were also present. God moved mightily and we saw at least 50 people saved and many more healed by the powerful name of Jesus. The next morning we left early to return to Port Harcourt. We were flagged down by a passing motorist and warned to not go through the next city as they were having severe riots. We turned around and followed him only to be accosted by seven young men who declared themselves to be tax collectors. It was a tense time as they jumped in and on the car and forced us to a stop. The whole incident, we found later, had been covered in prayer by one of the ladies in Wellspring and no harm nor loss was incurred. After about a half an hour and much talk we were allowed to continue on our way. The young man we were following had graciously waited and now led us around the troubled area to the main highway. God is good!

About half way to our destination we had the opportunity to fix a flat in the middle of the Nigerian jungle. It is pretty much the same as anywhere else except you have to keep your feet moving to stop the ants from climbing your legs. The extreme humidity and hot equatorial sun added to the discomfort of the moment but we were soon on our way, praising the Lord that the borrowed car we had was equipped with spare and a jack. Glory! This, indeed, was a day of miracles.

We had another wonderful meeting with the Rhema Glory people and a going away party at the church the following day. We were soon on our way to the airport to catch the 10:00 PM flight to Paris with many new friends and memories. Our hearts have ever been knit with the Nigerian people and I know in my heart that I will be returning soon.

Thank you so very much for your loving, kind support in finance and prayer. Without you, many would yet be lost in darkness with out hope. Many more would still be oppressed, afflicted or diseased. Without you, the nation of Nigeria would never have received her prophetic visitation. Because of you, Rhema Bible College is now affiliated with Wellspring Bible Institute as an extension campus and is much encouraged. Because you cared enough to send me, fine young Nigerian pastors are coming to the States this July to join the Full Gospel Fellowship of Churches and Ministers, International. They will be a great strength to the Fellowship as well as the Church in America. They will return to their Country with new vigor, faith and vision. Because of you many Nigerian pastors and leaders will receive much needed teaching materials through Wellspring Bible Institute's Correspondence program.

Your reward will be great in heaven!
 

Your servant in Christ Jesus,
 
 

George

 TOP OF PAGE    MISSIONS PAGE   HOME

What a thrill to travel with Marty and Sharon Tharp to the schools of Ireland! We saw hundreds of children respond to the gospel message delivered in song and word. Below is just a sampling of the pictures taken. They will give you a feel for the the children of Ireland. Cope Primary School is right on the border of Northern and Southern Ireland and there have been gun battles in the street in front of the school. Both Protestant and Catholic children attend here.

 TOP OF PAGE