Gospel Crusade

in Hyderabad, Pakistan

 

March 20-24, 1996

 

"Divine Visitation Turns Impossible Into Possible!"

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Situated about 164km(102miles) northeast of Karachi, and divided by the Indus Rive, Hyderabad was the capital of Sindh in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today it is the fifth largest city in Pakistan with a population of two million. It is the home of many colorful handicraft industries such as glass bangles, glazed tiles, lacquered wood furniture and numerous other artistic and household products.

PIONEERING OUTREACH TO AN ISLAM PREDOMINANT TERRITORY

When I first considered this complex city, with all its beauties and charms, I wondered if I could go there and minister effectively and safely.

My strong determination made up from long prayer sessions and preparedness faded away. A tinge of uneasiness seized me when I stepped onto a mission field in hostile and Islam country.

There were mosques everywhere, and on the streets were most women dressed in Muslim costumes. All this made a strong impression on me that Islam is indeed the national religion for 97% of the population.

The strong wall of Islam, which up to now had been known to me only by hearsay, as now a reality. It presented an impossible barrier for Christianity and comprised only 1.7% of the population-a definite religious minority.

Added to this difficult situation, existing persecutions, threats, and physical and spiritual restrictions from dominant Muslims placed Christians in a hard position to retain their faith.

As I reflect on all of these, I become more appreciative of the religious freedom that we enjoy and am more resolved to support these persecuted Christians in prayer.

PREPARATION FOR A GOAL

In preparation for our program, I found some potential problems that had to be solved. Foreign evangelists are prohibited by law from using posters, tracts, newspapers and broadcasting, etc.. Even the Islamic government disapproves of any open-air crusade. But our evangelistic campaign was approved on the condition we would be restricted to the church courtyard.

Implementation of the Sharia Laws that carry a mandatory death sentence for "disrespect to the Prophet" has become the means for Muslims to bring false charges against Christians.

To add further to the complications, non-uniformed police, for security reasons, intermingle with the crowd, while armed police guard the entrance to the meeting place.

As the committees were well aware of the tense atmosphere, they provided comforting and supportive prayer and made every preparation for any unfavorable situation.

GOD'S CHALLENGES

IEGM, with whom I am working, has committed itself to the proclamation of the end time message to the world and desires to awaken the body of Christ to prepare for the forthcoming great tribulation and pave the way for the second coming of Jesus.

To win the degenerating world with the Everlasting Gospel, we have gone to front line missions with a passion despite heavy burdens. Even with financial deficiency, outreach ministry has been made possible by the Lord providing us with hosts from the third world.

To God Almighty be the praise! He has enabled us to overcome difficulties and meet overwhelming challenges. We faced diseases in Africa and threats from idolatrous principalities, escaping dangerous situations by only a hair's breath.

We know we are a select generation with tremendous tasks for a final globla scale harvest prior to Jesus' return. We pray that many other Christians will participate in the mission work and help expand the Kingdom of God through sharing the end time message with more people in more countries.

LEADERSHIP SEMINAR: Raising Mighty Warriors

The campaign, from March 20th through the 24th of 1996, consisted of two categories: The first was a spiritual leadership seminar, which was conducted in the main church hall from 11am to 2pm. The seminar offered intensive training sessions to about five hundred participants.

At the final session, about two hundred people rededicated their lives and ministries to the Lord. They made voluntary vows to be faithful unto death. They prayed with tears when consecrated and they received the end time message with the laying on of hands.

Their love and faith in response to the Gospel, despite dangerous circumstances of threats and opposition,have greatly challenged me.

HEALING CRUSADE: For Both Body and Soul

There was also a healing crusade held at the church courtyard every evening at 7:30pm. An estimated total of 4.500 people heard faith building messages, prayed and received the laying on of hands for divine healing.

The power of the Holy Spirit graciously ministered to each heart and all were strengthened in their faith in Christ. People were healed from diseases and weaknesses such as disk problems, asthma, neurotic disorders, headaches, pneumonia, alimentary problems, etc..

Pastor Zahir Uddin(director of the Pakistan Campus Crusade for Christ) served as an Urdu interpreter for the crusade. He was one of those who was miraculously healed of chronic backache after receiving the laying on of hands by Rev. Kim. The name of the Lord was highly exalted by his testimony.

BREAKING DENOMINATIONAL LINES

This campaign was held under the auspices of the Church of Pakistan that is the largest Christian group in the country. It is composed of Anglicans, Pentecostals, Baptists, Methodists and other independent ministries.

Pastor Daniel Piaz, chairman of the campaign committee, said, "This is the first and largest united evangelistic campaign held in the history of this city, even though it cannot be compared to the crowd of 100,000 that Rev. Kim had in Africa. It gives an important meaning to the church of Hyderabad. It has served as a milestone in breaking down the denominational lines as well as uniting Christian powers for ongoing evangelism".

UNIFIED SPIRIT DOES THE JOB

Large numbers of influential ministers and active ministry groups throughout the country voluntarily participated in this event. Many foreign missionaries also joined forces and willingly bore all sorts of heavy responsibilities for the program. The Christians desire for spiritual things of God was faithful and unquestionable. They had put their lives in jeopardy in a land dominated by Islamic power.

Many thanks to the Lord for His overflowing loving kindness that he poured on the people who were drawn nearer to Him through this blessed ministry. This dispelled all memories of fatigue and anxiety that preoccupied my heart at the first stage of the event.

GOD IS GREATER THAN THE OBSTACLES

Through their united efforts and earnest prayers God's faithful servants and saints played an important role. This resulted in His divine intervention to manifest His power in opening the hearts of the crowd.

With heads bowed to receive the laying on of hands and faces expressing heavenly peace, many Muslims, who made up about 30% of the congregation, and even security people accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.

Surely, this is the work of God. He is greater than all the restrictions and handicaps and He deserves to receive all the glory and praise!

Daniel Kim's anointing of the pastors during the daily seminars

Rededicating lives and making vows to the Lord

Thousands hear the Word of God at the evening crusades