February 5 - 12, Bangkok, Thailand
It was a two day turn around from the Czech Republic to Thailand and a temperature change from the single digits to the mid-90's.
We had a great class dealing with "Mentoring in Leadership." I had American missionaries serving in Thailand, Cambodia, and Burma. Pastors of Thai churches, an international church pastor, and university campus pastor. These choice servants of God have an arduous, but doable task of reaching people who have been steeped in Buddhism for thousands of years. Thailand has a prevalence of Buddhism that ranks among the highest in the world. The national religion is Theravada Buddhism which is practiced by more than 94.7% of all Thais. Muslims make up 4.6% of the population and 0.7% belong to other religions Thai culture and traditions are mainly influenced by Chinese, and to a lesser degree, by Indian culture, along with Burma, Laos and Cambodia.
Christians make up less the 1/2 of 1 percent of the population of 65 million people. Please pray for the church and its leaders for God's anointing to reach a culture in need of the message of Jesus Christ and His love.
Jan 24 - 30 , Kolin, Czech Republic
It was a cold week with the temperatures mostly in the single digits and with plenty of snow. The 32 pastors and other leaders came prepared for a great week of interaction. I had the privilege of teaching Christian Counseling and doing a faculty seminar on church-based theological training, facilitation, and andragogy (how adults learns). Additionally, I preached at the local Apostolic Church (much like the Assemblies of God) in Kolin on Sunday.
The majority of the 10.3 million inhabitants of the Czech Republic are ethnically and linguistically Czech (94%). Other ethnic groups include Germans, Roma, Japanese, and Poles. Laws establishing religious freedom were passed shortly after the revolution of 1989, lifting oppressive regulations enacted by the former communist regime. Major denominations and their estimated percentage populations are Roman Catholic (39%) and Protestant (3%). A large percentage of the Czech population claim to be atheists 56%.
Please pray for the Christan Church and its leadership as they attempt to reach a nation that for decades were taught Atheism by the communist regime that ruled the country.
October 5 -16, Georgetown, Guyana
I had a great two weeks in Guyana teaching the graduate course Pastoral Theology. I was privileged to have several national denominational leaders from the Guyana Assemblies of God in the class. We emphasized the importance of the “divine call” and rediscovering the Biblical metaphor of “shepherd” for identifying and understanding the role of the pastor. Additionally, we had the opportunity to preach at Central Assembly of God and The Peoples Church which are both in Georgetown.
September 6 – 11, Mbabane, Swaziland
I had the tremendous pleasure of preaching the first mission conference for Pastor David Chaliyumba at Christian Life Center. We had a great week of services as we preached Missio Dei (Mission of God). The very large congregation eagerly embraced the idea that “All people matter to God” and that it is the responsibility of the Church to reach them. Excerpts from the services as available in the media tab our website.
Swaziland is a country that has 40 percent unemployment, 69 percent live below the poverty line, life expectancy is about 32 years, 26.1 percent have HIV/AIDS. The nation has one of the world’s highest incidences of tuberculosis with 26 percent of teens and young adults infected. Approximately 150,000 orphans are among the nation’s 1.1 million people. Please pray for Swaziland.
2009 SUMMER UPATE - BELIZE, BAHAMAS, and SOUTH ARFICA
May 4-16, Belize City, Belize - I taught a graduate course on preaching in Belize for the Caribbean School of Theology. We had a great time of discovering the principles and concepts that make for great preaching as we walked through the exegetical process of preparation. Each of the students is presently involved in active ministry. The course was very challenging for them and reinforced the importance of one’s preparation for preaching. Additionally, it introduced (for them) new ideas and concepts in discovering the exegetical process of preparation. They were thrilled to be taught these changeless great principles of preparation for expository preaching. They will be better communicators of the timeless truth of God’s Holy Word. Thank you for helping make this possible.
May 19-22, Nassau, Bahamas – I had the distinct honor of being one of the keynote speakers for the Bahamas, Turks, and Caicos Islands 58th biennial General Council of the Assemblies of God. I was ask to speak of the subjects of “Being a Modern Church To Reach A Modern Culture” and “Christians in the Marketplace.” Anita and I had a wonderful time participating in their biennial event. Superintendent Patrick and Mrs. Paul was gracious host. It was good to connect with some of my previous students that I had the pleasure of teaching in the region. I pray my preaching had an impact on the fellowship to proclaim a first century message to a twenty-first century culture.
June 1 – 22, Cape Town, South Arica– I spent three weeks in Cape Town, South Africa teaching two graduate level courses for Cape Theological Seminary; “The Biblical Theology Missions” and “Foundations for Christian Leadership.” I had students (leaders) from seven Southern African nations: Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, Mozambique, Swaziland, Tanzania, and South Africa. Their ministry range from pastors, missionaries, educators, worship leaders, language translators, and church planters. What a God-given opportunity to help train leaders throughout Southern Africa. It has been a rewarding and fulfilling time to pour into these anointed leaders, and help them understand the central theme of God’s Word; Missio Dei and to discover leadership principles that will assist them in fulfilling God’s call and will for their lives.
Sensitive Middle Eastern Countries – September 2008
Occasionally, opportunities come into our lives which enable us to make an incredible impact in spite of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. A sensitive Middle Eastern Country Bible College is one of those. The name of the cooperating university and the middle east country is not being named in this article for a variety of reasons.What an unbelievable and unforgettable trip Anita and I was privileged to be a part of with ++++ University. We joined a team of fourteen that traveled to the middle east to meet with believers from sensitive countries to encourage them and announce to them the forming of the ++++ Bible College. To hear their stories of conversion from Islam to Christianity, and the consequences that followed, caused us to rejoice and shed tears. They were ostracized from their families; one young mother’s daughter was taken away from her because she converted to Christianity, and another lady saw her brother-in-law killed because of his commitment to Christ. It was life changing, to say the least, to interact with these believers.
The reason for the trip was the founding of the +++ Bible College. +++ Bible College will be a school within ++++ University. ++++ Bible College will not be your typical Bible college with dorms, a dining hall, etc. Instead, it will be a small facility located in neighboring ++++ where students who can travel will attend short training seminars, lasting from 2 to 12 weeks. They will have face-to-face and heart-to-heart interaction with teachers. ++++ Bible College will help meet the needs for evangelism, discipleship, and training for +++ and the rest of the ++++ speaking world. However, the majority of our instruction will be based on ++++ University courses from the secure online programs, which were created especially for students who are faced with situations such as those in ++++, where evangelism is illegal and is punishable by death. I am so honored and privileged to be one of those teachers.
After the meetings in ++++, I joined a team of seven that journeyed into three major cities of ++++ to gain a better understanding of the culture and climate of the country. Our journey reassured us that our strategy is right.
Additionally, we discovered there is a strong interest in having a Graduate Study Center in ++++. The graduate courses, which I will be privileged to teach, will be taught in English. ++++, President of ++++ University has determined we can begin right away.
Recently, the ++++ parliament approved a bill that stipulates the death penalty for apostasy from Islam. The following day, two Christians in ++++ were arrested and officially charged with apostasy. Two weeks later, a house church pastor and his wife, were beaten to death by the police. Many have been tortured by the ++++ government and held without charge. A new wave of persecution against the church in ++++ seems to have begun – but the ferocity of these attacks against believers is unrivalled in recent history. Some house church leaders and other believers have been forced to leave the country despite their desire to stay and do the work of the Lord there.
But despite all of this “bad news”, the kingdom of God continues to grow, as do the number of converts from Islam in ++++. Many have turned their back on the harsh religion that this government represents and have opened their hearts to the Lord.
One believer in ++++ said, “The greatest threat to our church is not the secret police, prison or a death sentence; it is false teaching. Proper training in the Bible is our greatest need.” One ++++ pastor said, “Today, ++++ is ready.” ++++ is ready for the gospel which will be preached by young ++++ preachers trained at the ++++ Bible College.
But they need your help. Will you pray for the many converts in +++ who continue to meet in homes? They don’t know when the next knock on the door might be the secret police, there to break up the meeting. But they serve a God bigger than their problems and fears. Will you pray for the leaders and house church planters who have committed their lives to the cause of Christ and will not turn their back on the task before them? Will you join ++++ University, Richard L. Hamm Ministries, Lakeview Church and many others who are making the +++ Bible College possible? Will you help make an incredible impact against insurmountable obstacles?
If you would like to make a contribution to the ++++ Bible College, make your check payable to RLH Ministries and designate it to ++++ Bible College. As always, your gift is 100% tax deductible. We thank you for your continued pray and support of the RLH Ministries.
Jamaica – August 2008
When you say Jamaica, everyone immediately thinks the Caribbean; sandy beaches and pristine aqua water. True. However, I was teaching in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica that is over 6,000 ft above sea level. One of my students, Desmond, a wild, but good driver, drove me several miles out of capital city of Kingston to a narrow, pothole, vegetation grown, single lane road, that to say the least, is in very poor condition. In fact, the driver whose horn blows the loudest has the right away around the sharp one way curves. For many miles on this narrow road, we climbed the mountains to this beautiful place; The City of Refuge (an Assemblies of God orphanage). The location is surrounded with picturesque mountains and the clouds literally rest upon your shoulders as you look down on the capital city. It is gorgeous, quite, and secluded; a perfect setting for learning.
I had the privilege of teaching a graduate course Preaching To Change Lives for the Caribbean School of Theology. What an enjoyable and rewarding two weeks as we discussed and taught the dynamics of preaching. We had a class of great students, which included pastors, church workers and the general superintendent of the Assemblies of God of Jamaica. They were well prepared and eager to become more effective communicators of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As always, I pray that I helped them on their journey of fulfilling the will of God for their lives.
Christians make up 65% of Jamaica's population, with the majority being Protestant. In spite of resistance by some initially, the Christian faith spread rapidly. Today, the five largest denominations in Jamaica are: Church of God (non-Pentecostal), Seventh-day Adventist, Baptist, Pentecostal and Anglican. However, as in every country theological training is always needed.
Some areas of Jamaica experience high levels of violent crime. Jamaica has had one of the highest murder rates in the world for many years, usually ranking third after Colombia and South Africa, according to UN estimates. Some attribute the high crime to drugs and poverty. The per capita income has increased considerably over the past decade and presently stands at approximately $2,400 (USD) annually.
Jamaica is a great country, filled with spirit-filled believers who want to take their country for God. Would you join with them in intercessory prayer for the power and presence of God to be made known to the lost? Let’s pray, Jamaica for Christ!
Fiji – July 2008
Fiji Video
Fiji is a gorgeous chain of islands located in the in the middle of the Pacific Ocean about five hours by air from Australia, six hours from Hawaii, and three from New Zealand. It has a population of 826,000. About 70% of the population lives on the main island of Viti Levu. Another 17% lives on the island of Vanua Levu, and the remainder on some 100 islands of the 300 or so that comprise Fiji. A former colony of Great Britain, Fiji became independent in 1970 and chose a parliamentary system of government. Yet three military coups and a fourth led by terrorists have established this nation as one of the most politically unstable countries in the Pacific region. The population of Fiji is almost evenly divided between descendants of Melanesians (who arrived about one thousand years ago) and descendants of indentured laborers brought from India between 1879 and 1916 to work the plantations. The nation is still divided between the conflicting demands of the traditional mode of production ( tribalism) and capitalism. The people are very kind and gracious. Most of the people live in very rural villages and have so many basic needs that go unmet every day. The economy is very weak and sugar is their primary export. The average Fijian family earns less than $8,000 USD annually.
The Assemblies of God has been active throughout the chain of Fiji Islands for many years. Presently, there are over 430 churches. However, the early pioneers and first generation leaders are passing away and there is a tremendous need for new leaders to emerge. I taught a pastor’s seminar on Leadership Development that was sponsored by the general council and was held at the general secretary’s church of the Assemblies of God of Fiji. It is the goal of the Fijian General Council to make sure the second generation of leaders will be very deliberate about training the third generation of leaders.
It was a privilege to teach the graduate course Mentoring in Leadership for Asia Pacific Theology Seminar on the beautiful campus of South Pacific Bible College. We had a great two week block class that taught the importance, and the components of effective mentoring. I had students from three different countries. Some were seasoned pastors continuing their education and others were young in ministry and desiring to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior.”
Additionally, I had the pleasure of preaching to over 1,000 adults at the great Calvary Temple in the capital city of Suva. Their praise and worship, especially the 100 voice choir with their great harmony was a special blessing. I preached on the subject of “Hearing the Voice of God.” Several received Christ and the body of believers was strengthened in their resolve for Christ. To “God be the Glory.”
Join us in prayer for a great team of second generation leaders to reach the people of Fiji!
Ministry in Mongolia April 16 – May 10, 2008
Mongolia is situated between Russia and China on a high altitude plateau, some of which is comprised of the Gobi Desert. Ulaanbaatar, the capital, is the coldest national capital in the world. It has one-quarter of the nation's people. Alcoholism is a major problem with one bar for every 882 persons in the city. Buddhism is the predominant religion in Mongolia, although it was suppressed by the Communist regime which was ousted in 1990. There are very few roads in Mongolia and almost none are paved. Outside Ulaanbaatar, medical facilities are few and far between, if available at all. The average annual income for the population is $350 US dollars.
The Assemblies of God began in Mongolia in 1993. The church there is young, vital, energetic, and growing. Churches have been established in various provincial areas and have a constituency of 2,000 members. Recently the Fire Bible was translated into Mongolian. This is the only biblical study help in the language that covers the major details and issues of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. The new Bible is a valuable training tool and will help national pastors and believers more effectively reach the lost.
I was privileged to teach the Book of Acts at the Mongolia Assemblies of God Bible School. Because there are no books on Acts translated into the Mongolian language, the Full Life Study Bible was our only guide. We had a great two weeks of class. Through the grace of God and the anointing of the Holy Spirit, I was given the opportunity to help shape these young Christian leaders understanding of the acts of the Holy Spirit in the emerging early church and the Holy Spirits continued involvement in these last days.
Additionally, Glad Tidings A/G in Wewahitchka, Florida purchased a laptop that I presented to the school to assist them in the overwhelming task of translation. Thank you Pastor Smith and the world impact team for your generous gift. It is a great blessing.
Please continue to pray for the church in Mongolia. The believers face opposition from the Buddhist as well as the overall culture that is deeply steeped in Buddhism. In spite of the opposition the church is growing. Thank you for our continue prayers and financial support of the ministry.
Bucharest, Romania October 2007
What a splendid time I had on the campus of the Bible University in Bucharest, Romania. It was a delight to be with our dear friends, missionaries Reverend Mark and Sue Guest. The Guest's also serve as board members of RLH Ministries. I taught an exciting course, entitled "Themes of the Major Prophets." The course deals with the life, times, and ministries of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, who were great prophets that were used mightily by God.
Romania has been controlled by communism for many decades. In December of 1989, the people's revolution overthrew one of the cruelest dictators in history, Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife, Elena. The Romanian Orthodox Church had, and continues to have strong influence over the people. Approximately 85% of the citizens identify with the Orthodox Church. However, since the revolution seventeen years ago, many spiritual gains have been made, including the formation of the Assemblies of God of Romania. With the planting of Protestant/Pentecostal churches and schools, like the Bible University of Romania, people are realizing the importance of having a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
I had the honor of providing a week of training and teaching to the present and future pastors and educators that will take the "good news" of Jesus and his love to this country that is in great spiritual need. What a privilege God had blessed me with.
Continue to pray for Romania that they will experience a sovereign move of God that will bring a glorious revival to the country. Pray that the training of pastors and Christian leaders will be expedited to minister to the present Christians and the new converts that are being reached.
San Martin, El Salvador 2007
San Martin Video
In July, it was back to El Salvador for a follow-up crusade from our February 2006 event. This was an event that three churches participated in and provided a team of 40 workers to impact San Martin for God. Pastor Rich Hamm (our son) from Highway Tabernacle in Youngstown, Ohio, Pastor Joseph Smith from Glad Tidings in Wewahitchka, FL and my own Lakeview Church in Charlotte, NC teamed together for a great week of ministry. The street ministry team did an out standing job of distributing over 20,000 pieces of evangelism literature. In fact, several people were lead to the Lord on the streets. The children's team (Soldiers for Christ) did a phenomenal job of ministry. Our daughter Lindsay, served as a clown and touched the hearts of the children as they were touching her heart in return. We had over 1,400 children in total attendance for the services. The evening services were a great time of ministry around the altars. People committed their lives to Christ, bodies were healed. During the Tuesday evening service there was a great move of inner healing that took place and you could see the transformation that was taking place. By the end of the week there were over 250 people who committed their life to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. It was a great week of ministry. The highlight of the trip was an 82 year old lady from my church who made her first missions trip. On Thursday afternoon, the sixth day of our trip she asked, "Pastor, have I been a bother?" I replied, "Louise, absolutely not." She said, "are you sure?" I said, "yes." She responded, "good, I am coming back next year." Praise God! A special thanks to our son Brandon who serves as our webmaster.
Gaborone, Botswana
Botswana Video
Anita and Lindsay joined me on the trip to the continent of Africa. It was a flight that totaled over 22 hours. I was invited by Dr. Charles Wilson, President of Assembly Bible College to teach Pneumatology. I had a class of five, third year students who were preparing for pastoral ministry. One student has a call to reach the bush tribes of the Kalahari Desert. My teaching on the work of the Holy Spirit also provided instruction on the Holy Spirit in pastoral ministry. I was also privileged to preach in the morning chapel services and to participate in the spiritual emphasis week that took place in the evenings during the second week of our stay. It was a great two weeks of ministry. I feel very strongly that God used me to help the students, who are soon to be pastors to have a proper understanding of the Holy Spirit
The Republic of Botswana is in the southern region of Africa. It is a land locked country that sits right on top of the country of South Africa. It is also bordered by Namibia (west), Zambia (north), and Zimbabwe (east).
Botswana was a colony of Great Britain until 1966. They gained their independence in 1966-67 and have been maturing as a country ever since. The country is democratically ruled, boasts a growing economy and a stable political environment. Botswana has some of Africa's last great wildernesses including the famous Okavango Swamps and the Kalahari Desert. Botswana is the largest exporter of gemstone diamonds in the world as well as a large beef exporter to the European Economic Community.
Botswana also has one of the highest HIV/AIDS rates per capital in the world. Because of the epidemic portions of this devastating disease the average life span has dropped from 66 years old to 34 years of age in the last 10 years. Many infants are infected with HIV at birth and parentless as a toddler. There is a sense of hopelessness and despair in the eyes of those infected and affected by AIDS. But we know God is bigger than all of this and can fill the greatest void. We believe the Son of God is going to rise over the land of Botswana with healing in His wings
Moscow, Russia
Who would have thought thirty years ago that we would have an Assemblies of God Bible/Theological school in Moscow, the heart of communism. My last trip to Russia was in 1993. I was amazed at the many positive changes that have taken place since that time.
I was invited by Moscow Theological Institute to teach the books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Moscow Theological Institute has over 500 students with 11 extension sights across Russia. I provided a thorough exegesis of these two books that give significant teaching on the rapture of the church and the second coming of Jesus Christ. Most of the students had been taught that the church would go through the "great tribulation." I was able to help the students properly understand the rapture and the second coming and the promise of the Father that believers would be "spared His great wrath" that is yet to come. There were 25 students in the class and most of the students were from Russia and the Ukraine.
San Francisco, Honduras Crusade
Honduras Crusade Video
What a great week of ministry we enjoyed April 2-7, 2007 in the remote town of San Francisco in the state of Olancho. We took a team of five from the United States and had a group of 43 young people from El Salvador that joined us to provide the children's ministry. Additionally, Dr. Herrera from El Salvador provided medical care for the children. During the week of ministry we passed out evangelism material, distributed hundreds of pounds of clothes, fed scores of children, and medically treated several hundred children and provided them with a month's supply of vitamins. We had 39 adults and over 400 children receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. To God be the glory! We will return in 2008 with a follow up crusade.
Republic Of Georgia
The trip to the Republic Of Georgia to teach Old Testament Theology at the Georgian Christian Theological Institute (A/G) was a great success. I was privileged to teach a special group of ten pastors that were selected to be trained, so they could take over the major teaching responsibility of the pastors and churches throughout the country. Also, twenty undergraduate students joined the class. It was an honor for me to participate in such an event. While we were there, Anita and I attended the largest Protestant/Pentecostal gathering in the history of that country. Over 1600 believers gathered in the civic center to celebrate "Pentecost Sunday." We had anticipated a protest and possible violence from the Orthodox Church. However, God did not allow any interruptions to the service. We truly celebrated "Pentecost" Thank you for helping make this historic event possible. Your financial gifts provided the tranportation, lodging, and food for the pastors. Be sure and check out the photos on our gallery page!