GROWING IN CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

“Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.” Acts 2:44-45

A team of four from SHILOH Apostolic Company has spent two and a half weeks living in a Christian community in a nation where the population are nearly all Muslim and the three percent Christian minority are mostly nominal Christians belonging to a traditional denomination. All the ‘Christian’ cults are present in this nation, as well as cults we have not heard of before. In the midst of such an environment God is raising a last days church, Pentecostals, who have been preaching the gospel and effectively planting some few churches. However now there are a band of younger leaders among the Pentecostals who have a heart for the full apostolic restoration and reformation of the church. Already their work on the ground is uniquely effective as they come out of a community base where other family members and relatives are fully committed to the work of the ministry that these pastors are doing. We had the privilege of living in this community!

 

EVERY MEMBER CONTRIBUTING

We stayed in a Christian compound of an extended family including married sons and their families and other close relatives. This extended family are all fully committed to the establishment of the kingdom of God: some go out to work, one of the brothers is a successful businessman, and all contribute financially to the work of the ministry. The son who is a pastor is honoured by the whole family as the man of God and all are involved in the work of the ministry. As well, other co-workers, who do not live in the particular compound, are fully involved in the ministry. This Christian compound is in the midst of a Muslim district but this family are well regarded. They find favour in business with Muslim businessmen often coming to the home to consult. As well neighbours came with prayer needs and came back to testify that God had answered the prayers. Through Muslim business contacts we were provided with transport and on one occasion hosted in a restaurant for a lovely meal.

 

THE CHURCH IN THE HOUSE

This extended family with so many of them living together and working together for the extension of ministry, was obviously ready to become the church in the house, and the core of an emerging apostolic company. On the second Sunday afternoon, relatives and others supporting our brother’s ministry, gathered with the household and we had the most wonderful ‘house church’ meeting, with over 60 sitting on the floor of the compound courtyard. This was a new experience for these brethren as they had formerly associated ‘church’ with a set meeting in a dedicated building, even though their church plants are in house compounds. One of the highlights of the house church was the Breaking of Bread and including the whole family in this celebration with our Lord Jesus Christ. In many ways this house meeting was the highlight as it demonstrated the restoration of the apostolic church, reforming to meet in the house.

 

PLANTING THE CHURCH

A number of young pastors who went through Bible College together, have maintained strong links. They work in unison even if based in different cities or separate ministries. Our host was called to a poor village area 18 months ago and began to walk the streets praying. Within a few weeks he was approached by a Christian family who realised he was a pastor. He began prayer meetings in their home and now there is a thriving church plant in this village. A house with a large court-yard has been rented and it is used everyday for the work of the ministry. A day school operates for approximately 60 students [there is a high level of illiteracy in this nation]. Some of the students are teenagers but this is their first opportunity to attend school. In the evenings an adult education school operates. The goal is to have the adults reading the Bible in six months. On Saturday afternoons a sewing class is held for young women to give them skills to earn a living as up until now they have had to take very menial jobs in Muslim homes. Church meetings are held on Sundays and at other times. There are over 100 regularly but at an outreach meeting that we ministered in over 300 crowded into the compound, sitting up the stairs and standing on the flat roof, with some not being able to come inside the gate. This was a very exciting meeting. Our brother is now ready to plant a church in another area where there is a nominal Christian community with the same needs as in the village. Already capable leadership has been trained so the present church will continue successfully.

 

EMERGENCE OF THE APOSTOLIC COMPANY

We were wonderfully received according to Matt.10:40. A three day Pastors and Leaders Conference went well in the city. Those who gathered gladly received the word. The conference was very much a seed sowing and prophetic alert to the leaders who gathered. The formation of an apostolic company is happening through the ministry team who hosted us and their support base. An apostolic company is a body of saints who have been called together in commitment to see the kingdom of God established on earth among the nations. These saints are being called out of institutions and organisations to become a working demonstration of the New Testament church in action. In the apostolic company, all the ministries and gifts that God has given in the New Testament will find their place and full expression. These companies stretch across nations; are lead by an apostle; are characterised by all of the company members having a clear understanding of the call of God and a powerful revelation of sonship. God is raising apostolic companies today and preparing them for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that will release the last days revival prior to the Lord’s return “and this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Matt.24:14.

 

THE APOSTOLIC MESSAGE SPREADS IN TWO STATES IN INDIA

Leaders gathered in Chennai for an Apostolic Conference from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. A highlight of the Conference was the presentation of Paul’s book ‘Walking in our Inheritance’ in Telegu language. A dear brother from Rajamundry had translated and printed the book at his own expense. All delegates at the Conference received a copy. Senior leaders attended the Conference from Chennai and from four major centres in Andhra Pradesh. A wide and effective door has opened for the apostolic message through these leaders. We have received testimony of changed lives from some of the ministers.

 

ZEAL FOR THE HOUSE OF GOD

During the last week of the trip away, the Lord encouraged and exhorted me strongly to press on with the work of the ministry, to fulfil the apostolic calling, going to the nations as He directs, to raise apostles in those nations, to see the formation of apostolic companies and to encourage the practice of New Testament church: the full reformation of the church in doctrine and practice as it is written. It does not matter how ‘big’ our ministry is! It does not matter if we have money available! What matters is obedience to the call of God!

Jesus has chosen and appointed us! Jn.15:16.

 

“Zeal for Your house has consumed me” Jn.2:17.

“For the Lord has chosen you to build a house; be strong, and do it” 1 Chron.28:10.

 

CALENDAR

 

Oct. Fri. 21^st evening to Sun. 23^rd lunch-time – Apostolic Conference at Dorrigo, contact Fely Young, 0266572450

 

Oct. 25^th to Nov. 17^th – MYANMAR TRIP – Ps Arend Tibben & Donald Truss, a preaching and teaching trip, with some business contacts as well.

 

Oct. 28^th – apostle Paul and team visiting Tamworth house church,

contact Leiza Hoffman: Ph. 0267609498        

 

Cessnock visit, contact Wayne Kembrey, mob. 0433125291

Oct. 29th evening - Combined church meeting in Cessnock

Oct. Sun. 30^th – morning and evening services in Cessnock City Church.

 

Nov. Sat. 5^th  Rev Christine Wren, prophetic ministry, seminar at SHILOH [see info. below]

 

Nov. Fri. 25^th Pastors and leaders 9.30 – 1.30 at SHILOH, lunch included, for those interested in apostolic restoration and reformation of the church

Nov. Sat. 26^th Training Day 10 – 4.30pm at SHILOH for all leaders and disciples to be built up in our most holy faith.

 

TRAINING SCHOOLS 2006

Revival Ministries is hosting an International Training School from April 12^th to June 17^th. Already a number of ministers from overseas countries are registering for the school. Leaders in Australia are invited to be part of this school. As with all RMA activities there are no fees. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of an apostolic training school that is going to effect the future of nations. For more information check our website under ‘Training Schools’ and then contact us.

 

The International Training School is followed immediately by the

mid-year two-week training school [Mon.19^th June to Sat. July 1^st]

the International students will also be part of that.

In light of this three month school,

there will be no January training school in 2006

 

APOSTOLIC/PROPHETIC SUMMIT in Toowoomba,

Thursday 6^th January to Saturday 8^th January, 2006.

At SHILOH, 19 Russell St.,

Various ministries will be invited to speak in this very special forum that will minister

into the life of the church of Jesus Christ in Australia at this strategic time

 

 

Ph. 46130633     email: rma@revivalministries.org.au