Goma continues

August 7, 2008

We are now in day three of the institute. Yesterday, I was able to send out an emergency email. There is a cultural and spiritual resistance to renouncing the idolatry in Africa. There was quite a stir. We will see how things go today.

A huge thunder storm came through last night. Lots of thunder, lightning, and heavy rain. I was warm and dry, but I had to wonder how the residents living in shacks and lean-tos faired.

I will teach on the Holy Spirit and angels & satan (hopefully). Besides the doctrines themselves (deity, work in believer’s lives, gifting, etc.), I want to apply the truths themselves. I will record later how it goes. (Later) The lessons went very well. I was able to discuss at length the concept of begin filled with the Spirit. There are quite a few questions about sanctification and when a believer sins. They understood how we cannot live the life on our own. We need the Spirit to live the life. I also covered angels and demons and how to be aware of satan’s schemes.

We are challenging them to formally renounce practices of the old life. We actually burned some cult books that some of the leaders were involved with. The pride among the leadership is thick, so it means much for them to take a stand. What will others think? Sounds just like home! It seems like this resistance is cracking though.

Hope you all are well.

Pastor Joe