Meru, Kenya Report

The goal of the campaign in Meru was to see the whole region impacted with the gospel. World Impact Ministries held a festival in Meru in 2001, but a lot has happened since that has shook Kenya. Superstition and deception has spread like a pest in the country. The cult in southeastern Kenya has made worldwide news; “The Shakahola Massacre”. This sect gathered to fast until they “saw Jesus before the end of the world”. The adherents were locked up in warm huts and most died due to starvation. Those who gave up were murdered.

It was time for a Gospel-Revolution. World Impact Ministries bible school-students worked hard to invite Meru and the surrounding areas. When they came to a village far away from Meru they met a man who attended our campaign 22 years ago. He shared the story of how he did not have a job at that time since he was deaf. But he beamed with joy as he explained how Jesus healed him. He joined our team and helped to hand out the handbills.

The Gospel Revolution Seminar started first. Bus loads of pastors came from every direction. The venue was packed. And many pastors and ministries were forever changed. Pastors are the same all over the world. Many are good at teaching about prayer, leadership, worship, the prophetic, the anointing, etc. But the gospel has been neglected. Pastor Peter taught on the New Covenant of God’s grace from the epistles to the Corinthians, Galatians and Ephesians. “I have heard about the grace-message, but now I’ve been awakened and I know Jesus even better now than before. Now I want to share this message with the unreached,” said Pastor Johnson. The revelation of God’s grace grew in the hearts of the pastors.

I will never forget Bishop Julius. His church sacrificed goats and sheep according to the old testament. But he learned about Christ's finished work and put a stop to the sacrifices in his church. With the help of Peter Youngren’s books he’s now teaching the New Covenant. The gospel was brought back front and center for the 1300 pastors who attended.

Then the Friendship Festival started with a bang. News about the campaign spread across the country. The First Lady, Governor, Commissioner, Hindus, Muslims, all kinds of people came to see for themselves what Jesus was doing. The stadium was packed with people and thousands heard the gospel for the first time. In light of the recent events in Kenya where trickery and manipulation in the name of religion have come to light, Pastor Peter commented to the press:

“I reject these fake prophets and fake healers, while I affirm the reality of God’s love for all people. I have seen thousands receive supernatural healing and help from God, but this has not come through elaborate schemes, coercion or manipulation, but by a clear presentation of God’s love. The event in Meru is not about what people must do for God, but about God’s willingness to give good gifts to people.”

Peter Youngren preached a crystal clear gospel of Jesus’ death, His victory over satan, hell, sin and death, and His resurrection; how God in Christ reconciled the world to Himself. And Jesus confirmed the word, as it is written, “by the signs that followed.” We counted hundreds of miracles. Patrick's story touched me the most. He was attacked by a gang of robbers ten years ago. They struck him unconscious with an iron rod. It injured him so severely that he could not use his leg. But Jesus healed him and he was jumping and running overwhelmed by joy on the stage. It was demonstrated in Meru, that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation!