We have just returned from another evangelistic campaign in Cd. Victoria, Mexico, where we partnered with Iglesia Gracia y Fe for three days of outreach, evangelism, and ministry. Although we faced some unexpected challenges with the weather, we are rejoicing over the lives that were touched, the souls saved, and the lasting work that God has begun in the local church.
The Harvest Continues!
More than 100 people responded to the gospel during our two nights of outdoor services. Many others received prayer and experienced healing from pain and injuries. We are grateful for every person who encountered the love and power of Jesus Christ. Our first night was wonderful, with more than 50 people responding to the invitation to receive Jesus as their Savior. Unfortunately, the following evening we were forced to cancel the service because of heavy rain and high winds. By the third night, the weather had turned unusually cold, and the crowd was much smaller than we had anticipated. Nevertheless, we preached the gospel, and once again more than 50 people responded to receive Christ. What a wonderful reminder that the power of the gospel is not dependent upon perfect circumstances! The Apostle Paul declared in Romans 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes."
Equipping The Church For A Lasting Harvest
One of the most important aspects of our ministry is something that may not always be visible in photographs or reflected in the numbers we report. Our vision is not simply to conduct evangelistic campaigns, but to equip and activate local believers to continue the work of evangelism long after we have departed. Before the campaign, we worked with the leadership of Iglesia Gracia y Fe to prepare three teams. The teams being: 1. An intercessory prayer team 2. A ministry of helps team 3. A ministry team trained to share the gospel, pray for the sick, and minister to people in need.
These church members were not simply spectators. They became active participants in the work of the ministry. This is something the Lord has increasingly impressed upon my heart. In Ephesians 4:11–12, Paul explains that Christ gave ministry gifts to the Church,"For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”I believe this is one of my primary responsibilities as an evangelist, tonot merely do the work of evangelism,but to equip God's people to do that work themselves. When a believer discovers that God can use them to lead someone to Christ, pray for the sick, or minister through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, something changes in their life. Faith rises, compassion grows, and a new confidence develops in their ability to be used by God. The evangelistic campaign may last only a few days, but the fruit of an equipped and activated church can continue for years to come.
Lives Touched By The Power Of God
Throughout the campaign, our ministry teams did a wonderful job praying for people. They shared with me how those who they ministered to were healed instantly from pain and injuries. One particularly powerful moment occurred when a member of our ministry team received a vision concerning a man who was being tormented by thoughts of suicide. When the situation was brought before the people, the man responded for ministry and experienced deliverance from the evil spirit that had been tormenting him. What a beautiful demonstration of the compassion of Jesus. God knows the hidden struggles of every heart and He is able to reach people in ways that we never could, through our own human ability. We were also encouraged to learn that several of those who had responded to the gospel during the campaign attended the church's Sunday service. This is especially meaningful because our desire is not simply to see people make a decision for Christ, but to see them become established in a local church where they can grow as disciples.
The Harvest Is Worth The Effort
I will admit that it was disappointing to have our plans disrupted by the weather. We had worked hard preparing for these meetings. Naturally, we had hoped to reach even more people. But as I reflect on what God accomplished, I am reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul. 1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." Our labor in the Lord is never in vain! Every person who hears the gospel matters. Every soul that comes to Christ is precious. Every sick person who experiences the healing touch of Jesus is a testimony of His goodness. Every believer who is equipped and inspired to reach others, represents the potential for a harvest far beyond what we can accomplish in a single campaign. Jesus said in John 15:16, that He chose and appointed us to go and bring forth fruit, "and that your fruit should remain.” That is our prayer and our vision, fruit that remains.
We believe that many of the church members who participated in this campaign have received a fresh passion for reaching the lost. They have experienced firsthand the joy of sharing the gospel and ministering to others. We trust that they will continue taking the love and power of Jesus into their neighborhoods, workplaces, families, and communities.The weather may have shortened our campaign, but it could not stop the work of the Holy Spirit!
Thank You For Making This Possible
We are tremendously grateful that you pray for us and faithfully support Soul Harvest Missions. Thank you, as you are an important part of every life touched through this ministry. Your generosity enables us to travel to these communities, proclaim the gospel, train believers, and strengthen local churches. We are believing that the greatest fruit from this campaign may still be ahead of us!
With our love and gratitude,
Charley & Julie
"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." — Galatians 6:9