Blood covenant. That was the topic for this years Easter celebration at World Changers Mission in Cote D'Ivoire. The really cool thing about celebrating here, was that it was a 3 day passover celebration. I have never really been a part of something like that. I recognize passover, but I normally just celebrate Easter. So... to celebrate the weekend was amazing to say the least.
Before I tell you how things went, I need to tell you the set up. There were 3 speakers for this 3 day seminar/celebration. Representing Cote D'Ivoire was Pastor Charles Toakesse( the minister we are here serving). Representing France was a Prophet named Frederik from Marseilles. And... representing the good ol' US of A was me(Andrew Conley)! There were flyers all over town with our names and countries we were representing. Talk about feeling a little intimidated. These great men of God and then a former janitor of Destiny Church. However, God had a plan, and His plan was in full swing for that weekend.
So, Friday night we kicked everything off with the Prophet Federik. Between traffic being insane that evening and the dry cleaning place forgetting to give Him his jacket and having to return to get it, he was about an hour and a half late. I know back home that would not fly and we would have asked someone else to speak. However in African time no one even flinched. We simply praised and worshipped until his arrival. When he arrived, he had a few minutes of prep time and then he was on stage. It was an amazing time. The Word was preached and people were touched. I learned a lot from him that night in regards to handling the pressures of walking into a preaching engagement and depending on the Holy Spirit to guide you in the midst of being rushed.
Saturday was a much longer event. We started everything at 2-3 and we weren't finished until 9. A long but awesome day. I was first in the line up for that day. I was given an hour and I used every bit of it and then a little more. My message was titled The Great Exchange. I talked about how this covenant is an exchange that we make with God. All of me for all of Him. Everything I have for everything He has. When it was all said and done, God showed up, the people were touched, and I was amazed at the ways God had used me. I can't wait for the day I am able to be in full time ministry. I could get used to doing this on a permanent basis. We moved right along with some praise and worship and then next on the list was Frederik again. His message was amazing. He talked about when Jacob put on a different skin to deceive His father into thinking he was Esau. His father made the statement, you sound like Jacob but you look like Esau. In this new covenant we are to be like Christ. What does that mean? That when you hear me, you say 'that is Andrew". But when you see me(my actions, character, etc) you should say "That's Jesus". It was a great message where we realized we are His representatives and that means we should do everything we can to look like Him.
On Sunday morning P. Charles finished us off with an amazing message. He picked up where I left off with my message. He gave in great detail, the things that God exchanges with us when we enter into this Blood Covenant with Him. It was awesome! Afterwards Frederik came up and began a time of deliverance. People came forward and were delivered of spirits, etc. How amazing! What a celebration! What a shot to the devil. The very day we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, God shows up and delivers people from the oppression of the enemy as well. It was so amazing. As service came to a close, I went to the pulpit and gave the Word and a prayer for Communion. We broke bread together, poured the wine and shared the Lord's Supper together.
After service, we went outside where a tent was set up and we had a meal together. The entire church body and even the visitors were were invited to share a meal that was free of charge. We had sheep, chicken, veggies, etc. It was a great time of fellowship, food and fun. Needless to say, that night we slept well. Between the preparation of the seminar, the preaching at the seminar, and the nice big meal to finish it off, we were all very tired.
So at the end of it all, God showed up and showed off. Not that we should have been surprised. People were encouraged, delivered, healed, etc., and it was all to His glory. Thank you God!! Thank you for sending your son to die for us. Thank you for raising Him from the dead. We truly do serve the Risen Savior!!!
I can't wait to hear these stories in person! God is so good and it's wonderful to be apart of these amazing stories, even here in the US. Stay encouraged and now that you guys are greatly loved and missed! Love you guys!
Posted by: Stacy | April 16, 2009 at 02:37 PM
I absolutely cannot wait til we can sit down and you can tell us the stories again. I'm thrilled at the reception you are receiving. Most of all I'm excited that you are experiencing God work up close and personal. I know you will never be quite the same. What an awesome God we serve. Love you both so much. G'ma S
Posted by: Grandma S | April 18, 2009 at 07:26 PM