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Matt 2:15 "And [Jesus and His parents were] there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt [Africa] have I called my son."

The above Scripture was a repeated theme to me, from the Lord, I believe, while we were in Africa. A few nights ago, Derene and I and Lisa Cook returned from Port Harcourt, Nigeria where many of you have been covering us in prayer. My many and grateful thanks to all who prayed for us. "Lord, I ask you to bless every person on this list who even breathed the shortest prayer for us while on this trip to Africa."

"OUT OF AFRICA"

Just as the Scripture speaks of Egypt (in Africa) as being a place of slavery, so does it also speak of Egypt as the place where the SON OF GOD was protected, so that at the right time Jesus could emerge and give His life for the world that He loved.

The irony is, that often, the very places where the most slavery is found, are the same places the Lord chooses to protect "His Son" and the knowledge of the Son. God began to speak to me on this trip to Nigeria, (where leaders from all over the continent of Africa were gathered), that for such a time as this, He had preserved the knowledge of HIS SON in a special way--to emerge from "OUT OF AFRICA" and to spread THE MESSAGE OF THE SON throughout the world.

We, at the ELIJAH LIST, are among those seeing the first fruits of Africa's calling. Just recently, in another "port,"-- Port Lavaca, TX--- three of the four ELIJAH LIST speakers were from Africa. God is calling OUT OF AFRICA, the knowledge of the Son of God.

NO LONGER THE DARK CONTINENT

God is highlighting Africa to the world. For long enough, Africa has been cursed as being the "Dark Continent," but at this time, the Lord is wanting to change both their image and their destiny in the earth. This will take some time, but the Lord had me paraphrase this special scripture and read it to the nearly 6,000 leaders I addressed on Thursday morning of the conference, "AFRICA 2001"--Hosted by Mosy and Gloria Madugba:

The paraphrased Scripture comes from: Isa 9:1-3 Note that I have substituted the "Lands of Zebulun and Naphtali" with the Country of Africa ---as I felt the Lord led me to do---->

A PARAPHRASED PROPHETIC WORD GIVEN TO AFRICA--FROM THE SPIRIT OF ISAIAH 9:

Isa 9:1-3 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of [AFRICA], but in the future he will honor AFRICA, by the way of the sea, ---- THE PEOPLE WALKING IN DARKNESS HAVE SEEN A GREAT LIGHT; on those living in the land of the shadow of death A LIGHT HAS DAWNED. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder.

AN UNPRECEDENTED ZEAL FOR THE LORD IN AFRICA

Like most of the readers on the ELIJAH LIST, I've been to a number of stadium sports events where the crowd "went wild," filling city blocks with the roar of the crowd. I was outside this roofed, but open-air conference center (that held up to 16,000 conference participants) -- and I heard "the wild roar of the crowd" from that perspective. When this crowd came "unglued" (which it did probably almost 100 times during this conference) it wasn't for sport. . . but instead each and every time, it was the ear-piercing PRAYERS AND INTERCESSIONS OF THE SAINTS, praying to God that one heard coming from this place.

Never in my life have I heard prayer like this. For the first time in my life, I began to understand the Scripture that says,

THE VIOLENT TAKE IT BY FORCE

Matt 11:12 "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force.

I have not known, nor have I witnessed at any conference, anything close to this level of violence by 16,000 people at one time. It was, to put it mildly--EXTREMELY VIOLENT.

I went to minister TO THEM, but I certainly was ministered to by the love and zeal of African Believers. Ladies and Gentlemen, America has much to learn from the African Church. May the Lord send many more Africans to America. [We may, even as the Elijah List, set up a tour of churches to have a preacher from Africa come over here to impart this violent spirit to us.]

POVERTY BEYOND OUR UNDERSTANDING -- YET RICH IN THE SPIRIT

I was not prepared to see the level of poverty over there. I was asked to speak at an open-air church in Port Harcourt, Nigeria just prior to the conference. We were driven through the poorest area---the poorest area I've ever seen---no running water in these poor houses. These houses or structures were previously occupied by the military forces which controlled Nigeria until the first democratically elected and now-Christian President -- took power in 1999.

We drove past these houses where people were gathered at certain locations to fill buckets with water. On the buildings next to the water faucet, it was spray painted, "Do not urinate here."

Yet, as we came into this little church--set right in the middle of all these structures--the richness of Spirit was obvious and immediate. Men and women alike were dressed very nicely, not a speck of dirt on any man, woman or child. These people dress as those having hope. They lived in great poverty but they dressed better than many dress for church in America.

ON THE ROAD TO EMMAUS

I spoke a simple message of the Road to Emmaus and the story that Jesus told about his life and resurrection--while walking along that road. The pastor, Rev. Joshua Goodname, later got up and also preached. Then he simply led another 5-6 people to Christ--like they do every week. They, the unsaved--were the ones sitting on the front row. All new converts-to-be sit on the front row before being led to Christ. Not like America.

I could only watch in amazement how easy it was to lead people to Christ in Nigeria. Rev. Joshua explained to me that this is because of prayer. This is all because of prayer, he repeats to me. The people are constantly coming to Christ because the church constantly prays.

CONFRONTED BY THE MILITARY

Later in the week, on a tour of the city, we are confronted by military men. We'd taken some photos on a military location and foreigners can and are arrested for doing this--we found out too late. Joshua intervenes in perfect English (which most speak).

[The trouble is, it's NIGERIAN ENGLISH and most Americans can understand very little of it, unless they talk more slowly. The same is true when it's the other way around also. We have to speak slowly. When they put it in writing, we both read the same words on a page, or mostly the same words, with some grammatical differences].

Reverend Joshua is called into a little shack by these military men just before he whispers to us and the other Nigerian with us, -- "Pray, right now!"

Joshua is in this shack a total of 5-7 minutes. I prayed intensely that he would be safe. Especially after we heard a shout coming from Joshua. Was he hit? A bit of fear creeps in. Is he praying loudly? OR was he hit? We can't tell. Joshua emerges and we head for the car. He is looking pleased.

PRAYING WITH THE MILITARY

After paying off some men for watching the car, we get in and are informed that Joshua has just led three military officers to the Lord! Like a stunned American, I ask him, "Joshua, how did that happen?" He says again, “This is because people pray.! This is what happens when people pray."

"But what did they say?" I ask.

"They told me they wanted me to pray for them," says Joshua.

"So what did you do? Did you explain the Gospel, step by step?" I inquire.

"Not in this situation. You only have minutes. They don't want to be found out. I just said, 'PRAY THESE EXACT WORDS!'�

JUST LIKE JOSHUA CROSSING THE JORDAN

Joshua, a true warrior who has crossed the Jordan and taken territory today, explains how the prayer itself is the gospel, because he tells them to pray EXACTLY what they are told to pray. They are told to pray things like, "Jesus, come into my life. I need you. Save me. . . . etc."

Talk about the simplicity of the Gospel. The prayer IS the presentation of the Gospel. A novel idea.

Joshua goes on to tell us how this is a common occurrence--but I note that he is not taking it for granted either. He keeps whooping and hollering and shouting and rejoicing in the car. He’s flying in excitement. His day is made, once again. He lives for this--you can tell!

THE MUSLIM CONNECTION

Depending on who you ask, the country of Nigeria is now about 50% Muslim and 50% Christian. With people like Reinhard Bonnke doing the largest crusades in history in Nigeria, and with all the individual salvations happening throughout the country, the numbers will soon tip well in favor of Believers. Some have even suggested that within 10 years all of NIGERIA will be serving Jesus. All of them!

I asked our driver if the Muslims living around the local church (where I spoke) gave the Christians much problems? He tells me that last year, there were many fist fights. However, since most of the Muslims around that church have come to Christ, the fights have stopped. Talk about making peace with the enemy! Just get them saved!

It is explained to me that when the average Nigerian who is not religious comes to Christ, they have great zeal, such as I have been witnessing. However, the most zealous Christians are those who come from the Muslim religion.

WHY DO MUSLIMS MAKE THE MOST ZEALOUS FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST?

Why, you ask do Muslims make the best Christians?

Because, we are told--when a Muslim converts to Christ, he knows that he will be cast off and cut off from his family forever. Therefore, when he makes his decision, he does not do so lightly but with full understanding that this will cause him to be driven from his family. Therefore the only converts from the Muslim religion are the converts whose commitments are absolute. It may well typify the Lord's desire to save the best "wine" until last. If Muslims make the most zealous believers, then some of the most zealous Believers YET TO COME INTO THE CHURCH are --still in the Muslim camp--ALL OVER THE WORLD. I resolve to pray for the Muslim people, for whom Christ has died. They are among his BEST WINE!!

THE PROPHETIC WORD OVER AFRICA

I was able to read to these leaders several prophetic words over Africa, including the word by Dennis Cramer from his book, "Prophetic Power in the New Millennium" in which he says of Africa:

" . . .God will extract a people from out of a people a Godly minority. This process will be similar to the process used to extract olive oil from the olive. God will apply great pressure to this continent. This divine pressure will cause the earth to shake and quake, its crust to crack. These rumblings will cause His [African] Church to grow! All this pressure will bring out the best in His people, creating some of the purest, most anointed Christians in the kingdom. Africa will demonstrate true holiness to the world." [This prophetic e-book detailing prophecies over many countries is available on CD Rom from THE ELIJAH LIST 541-917-0484 $13.95 ]

When the African crowd hears this word, they are encouraged and a cheer and applause erupts from the people. I can see just how powerful the prophetic word is to build up, encourage and to create destiny in the hearts of even an entire people group.

AFRICA, WITH THE HEART OF THE SON, IS CALLED TO LOVE MERCY!

As I spoke one day, the Lord led me to tell the Church leaders in Africa what He showed me. Of all the continents on the globe, the one most shaped like the actual human heart is the continent of Africa. The Lord quickened to me that this was by no coincidence or accident, but that the Lord would take Africa, who like David, were a people after his own heart--and OUT OF AFRICA--the Lord would send missionaries throughout the earth to dispense the heart of the Son . . . for "Out of Egypt (Africa) I have called my Son." (Matt 2:15).

Just as David was truly a man after the Lord's own heart, so, Africa is truly the "home of the Brave" --warriors just like David--and warriors in worship, just like David. . . and with a humble heart of repentance, just like David. But David had to learn the lesson that there were selected things and people who belonged to another--whom David could not take by force. David was called not only to warfare but to show mercy.

WHAT DOES THE LORD REQUIRE OF AFRICA?

The Lord has many special children who are His throughout Africa, both in the church and outside of it. The Lord would encourage Africa (and I shared a word along this line) from the Scriptures of Micah 6:8,

Micah 6:8 "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to LOVE MERCY . . ."

Africa is being called, not only to show mercy. . . not only to act merciful, but She is being called to LOVE MERCY, as Her first priority.

THE JESUS "MERCY" FACTOR

Jesus, who was prophesied to sit on the throne of David, took seemingly every opportunity to find people caught in sin and THEN to restore them, showing them great mercy. While His own guidelines in the Scripture had prescribed specific punishments and judgments for those caught in certain sins, the writer of Hebrews puts it in this way. . .

Heb 1:1-3 "In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us BY HIS SON, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the EXACT REPRESENTATION of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven."

A PICTURE OF LOVE TO ALL THE WORLD

Africa is being called to LOVE MERCY for her people and to demonstrate Mercy, both in Africa and throughout the world. She will be a picture of love to all the world. Truly, Africa will take her place among the nations as a leader in the ministry of I Cor. 13. She will speak and yes, even prophesy to the heavenlies, over Herself and over the nations this Scriptures of I Corinthian 13:

1 Cor 13:1-3 "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing."

Africa will fulfill every bit of her calling. The Zeal of the Lord in Her will perform it.

"VERY GRATEFUL. . . VERY VERY GRATEFUL"

One of the theme songs for the week had a recurring verse and we sang this song in Nigeria with leaders from throughout Africa. The verse, repeated over and over was this, "Lord, we are grateful . . . we are very--VERY-- GRATEFUL" for what you have done.

The heart of gratitude is deep within the people of Africa. While in the west, we clamor for more and more, the African is praising God for all that He has given her. Much of the world should take special note.

WORSHIP IN THE LIGHT--EVEN THOUGH THE LIGHTS WENT OUT

Throughout the week, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, experienced perhaps over 100 power outages. On the last night, when worship was at its height, the lights and power in the entire Sports arena, with 16,000 in attendance, went out--for four or five minutes. Complete and total darkness. Worship never skipped a beat. It just continued as if nothing had happened. In total darkness. A few people turned on flashlights. But the praise simply continued. I couldn't help but compare it to a time or two in The U.S. when I'd seen this happen. In America, an event like the power going out was something to "phone home" about. Usually, in American, the worship is interrupted at a time like this.

But Africa has functioned for years with the lights going out, both literally and figuratively. They have learned to "walk in the light" and just keep going. They know destruction, wars, death, disease, and poverty. But Africa is a vibrant continent with much to teach the world Church. The church needs Africa and Africa needs the rest of the church.

AFRICA TO TAKE IT'S LEADERSHIP ROLE

It is at this very hour when we most need one another. The enemy has sought to divide the races in the Church. Africa is about to take its role of "Head and Heart" in the Church. She will lead. She will show compassion. She will be a peacemaker, to the same degree that she has suffered violence.

. . .Because the violent take the Kingdom by force and the Delta force in Africa has already been released.