News - Household of Faith

News From Burkina Faso

As reported by Rev. Jan Bosman
It feels like three weeks, but it is just over one here in Burkina. So much has happened, packing the days, it is hard to keep up with it all!

Evangelism and soul winning was our aim and went on continually. Even a delay like a flat tire turned into another opportunity for someone to come into the Kingdom of God.

Before the evening meetings we teamed up with local believers to go out inviting people to the service. Many were saved at the invitation.

One Muslim man was found on his prayer mat by the team who went on to lead him to Jesus. He picked up his mat and threw it away after giving his life to Jesus.

We received a copy of “The Hope” video just in time for our trip. What a wonderful tool for crusades and outreach. This is a powerful visual depiction of the Word from Genesis to Acts. Because we think in pictures, this is something that will stay with all who see it and can be used by the Holy Spirit to be recalled and renewed in their daily living. With this tool and the efforts of our team more than 1,200 people were added to the Body of Christ in our short stay. Hundreds were baptized in the Holy Ghost, many were healed, and dramatic deliverance took place making these new believers free and whole in Christ.

One with a broken leg came and let us lay hands on him. While the leg was so sore it could not be touched without causing great pain, we saw God heal the leg, removing the pain, and setting our brother free to dance and shout in celebration of his healing.
Elizabeth, after giving birth 6 years ago, contracted an infection, became deaf, and could no longer walk. The team began to pray for her, to minister life to her, and she began to hear, to walk, and to give praise to God. She was a picture to behold as she raised her hand and shouted “Hallelujah!” with the biggest smile on her face. Imagine the impact her healing will have on the lives of her six year old son and Muslim husband.

Many of those who came to Christ during the invitations were children. In mass these precious little ones came to have us lay hands on them. They were so hungry for the Father’s presence and anointing. This was a life changing encounter for so many.

Whether it was ministry in villages, on the streets, in homes, or in services, this trip was destined to change the lives of many individuals and the very culture of some of the villages we visited. Many of the Muslim fathers beat their children for trying to come to our meetings, some Muslim men sought to prevent their wives from being part of what was going on, but women and children would sneak away to be in the presence of God and experience the power of His anointing as we prayed. The Word of God was going forth and villages were coming alive with joy.

In a country where becoming a Christian is at the risk of one’s life, we saw people come over and over again. While ministering with Pastor Pegd Wendy we saw 60 more come to Christ, 16 were publicly baptized and the Lord reached across barriers of culture, religion, and prejudice to bring the power and promise of Heaven to bear on the lives of men, women, boys, and girls across Burkina Faso.

This ministry will go on. Please pray for those who have come to Christ as they go on to change Burkina!
----------------------------------
From the account of Maria Waters, her first missions trip.

It is always exciting to see a first-timer go to the mission field. It is even more inspiring to hear their heart when they return energized by the experience. Maria came home and shared with us the awesome impact of this trip. She got the opportunity to do so much and to see things that she could not have imagined.

“We were at this village and a mother tugged on my sleeve asking me to pray for her baby who was sick. I couldn’t believe she would trust me to be able to bring healing to her child. Even though we didn’t speak the same language, we had a connection. The baby was in pain and was obviously suffering. I was able to pray for the baby and a little while later it was running and playing with the other children, completely healed.”

Later another member of the team asked Maria if she spoke Moore, the woman’s native language. He told her she had been speaking it perfectly to the young mother. What a miracle, just like living the Book of Acts!

Maria shared personal accounts of the stories Pastor Jan has shared in his account, but it takes on deeper significance and richer meaning when shared by one who has just experienced the power and heart of the Father for the first time on the field.

“Pastor Pegd Wendy had cut his foot. I took out my first aid kit and cleaned it, bandaged it, and prayed for him.”

Here is a teen who went to Africa and humbly served in a way that showed the heart and character of the Father in serving others.

I noticed Maria now lists her occupation as “Missionary” on her myspace page! Maria is currently making plans to return to Burkina. She knows there is more there for her to do. After graduation she is planning to once again take flight and land in Burkina. A missionary is born! Glory to God.