Crusades

Letter from a Pastor who traveled to Pakistan to conduct a crusade:

Greetings in the name of Jesus!

I am writing you this letter while I’m still abroad, returning to the USA from THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF PAKISTAN.

The government had banned all political and religious meetings of more than 5 people in attendance.   Religious leaders from across the country were amazed that somehow our meetings were permitted.   They were reportedly the only meetings allowed in the whole country!

I have never experienced the kind of security we were required to have in Pakistan.  In addition to about 10 policemen, 6 army officers and our own security, the local Christians organized 12 gunmen who walked around bearing their arms openly.(see gentleman at right) This is very common in Pakistan, because of the danger that is ever lurking in the country.   All leaders, hotel managers, business owners etc, carry guns.

The meetings were extremely powerful, especially the Spirit of Praise and Worship in the place.   My crusade coordinator, Pastor Jonathan Rehmat told me that they had never seen such a breakthrough in praise.   I have the praise on video and  you will be blessed if you watch God’s persecuted people praise Him with this much joy.   Joy with dancing and smiling and happy faces.   Jonathan told me that he had NEVER seen women dance like this and that their dancing was truly a breakthrough.   It was a manifestation of the freedom they found in Christ.

Jonathan reported to me that 25,000 people made a decision for Jesus.   The government would not allow open air meetings like we have in other countries.   Permission to conduct the meetings were granted contingent on the meetings being held “under a roof”.   We stitched 84 tents together, and built a giant 165′ x 100′ tent, which covered an area of nearly 17,000 square feet.   On the final night the back wall of the tent was opened so those who were unable to sit inside the jam packed tent could be part of the service.   The crowds grew every night.

I have seen a hunger for God before, but the hunger for God was truly phenomenal in Pakistan.  it actually became overwhelming to me.   However, I PREFER THIS TO THE COLD, INDIFFERENT ATTITUDE we all know is so prevalent in western societies these days.   I’m normally able to keep the people in control, but this time I couldn’t!   And I didn’t mind!   They pressed in for prayer so fervently, that I abandoned all hope to keep the meetings orderly.   My photographer and videographer were barely able to capture the miracles and interviews, because of the pressing of the people.

We didn’t have one negative incident and the Pakistanis I met were very kind.

The miracle were also wonderful.   I stood in awe as the LORD healed many people on the spot, instantly.   Some with demonic spirits manifested, and were set free.  Our Lord Jesus is truly compassionate and wonderfully able to heal the sick and deliver the captives.

Yours in Christ,

Joel, Heidi, Anthony and Rebekah Hitchcock.