Never the Same [November Newsletter]
Dear Friends and Family,
As expected, I can definitely say this past month changed my life forever. I arrived back from Nigeria in the middle of October, where I had the wonderful privilege to serve with Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke. It was one of the most amazing weeks of ministry I have ever seen or had the opportunity to be a part of.
When we arrived in the region where the crusade would be held, it was a real “Bible moment.” Being a part of this trip was like seeing the Bible in action. So many things happened that could parallel with the way it occured in the Bible. This arrival was comparable to Samuel’s arrival in Bethlehem.
When he arrived at Bethlehem, the elders of the town trembled when they met him. They asked, "Do you come in peace?"
First Samuel 16:4
When we landed at the airport in the region the crusade would be held, Reinhard Bonnke was met by a large delegation of reporters, political leaders, and pastors. They asked him what the Lord said to him for that region. The reporters were asking him all kind of questions about the country, the Bible, and areas of controversy. It was something I had preached about many times, but had never actually seen. It is the will of God to put a mantel on His people so strong that the city will take notice when His anointed shows up. It was awesome!
After our arrival, we left the airport and began to drive to Nsukka, the city where the crusade would take place. The scene was amazing as we entered the city. Thousand upon thousands were there waiting for our arrival. The city was so excited that Reinhard Bonnke had come. They were waving, jumping, singing, and praising the Lord. The whole city was in great joy. For me personally, this was one of the most powerful moments of the trip. The power of God came upon me and I just wept at what I saw. I felt the Lord speak to me, “If I can use Reinhard Bonnke to do this, I can use you to shake cities, as well.” It reminded me of something I had ministered many times and believed that I could one day walk in.
So there was great joy in that city.
Acts 8: 8
Acts Chapter 8 is a clear comparison of what can happen when an evangelist comes to a city charged in Holy Ghost fire. It can change the atmosphere of the whole city. Seeing this was as if I were a part of the Bible in action. Not only did it seem like it, it was the Bible in action. This should not be the occurrence of God’s elite, but is available for all who walk in the Holy Ghost fire. The Bible teaches us that God is not a respecter of person, but willing that all should move in great authority and power. Brother Reinhard told me before I left that he does not like people to simply come and esteem the work, but now go and see it happen themselves. By the grace of God, I WILL!
Our first stop after entering into the city was a banquet for Reinhard Bonnke and his team. There were several kings in attendance. This was yet another aspect of the trip where the Bible came to life, and was happening in front of me. All throughout the Word, God would bring His servants before kings. Paul, Elijah, Elisha, Samuel, and may more just to name a few. They all listened to what Brother Bonnke said. God literally used him to speak the Gospel to the rulers of the land. It was powerful!!
The crusade began the following day. On the first night, there were 125,000 people in attendance. Reinhard preached the Word with great power and authority. Thousands were saved. He then began to pray for the sick with divine unction. He rebuked all kinds of diseases and sicknesses. When he rebuked blind eyes, a woman fell to the ground and started to shake. She also had three children who went blind at different ages after birth. After he rebuked blindness, they were all healed at the same time. This was another instance of the Bible in action.
As you go, preach this message: "The kingdom of heaven is near." Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
Matthew 10: 7, 8
In order to get to Nigeria, we had to get up and go! The message of Christ was preached, and then the sick were healed. It is a very Biblical principal that is not difficult to understand. We simply have to follow these instructions, and God will do what He said He would do. It was amazing.
Reinhard Bonnke’s Associate Evangelist Daniel Kolenda spoke the next three nights of the crusade, and did a tremendous job. There were so many miracles I cannot even remember them all. The blind saw, the deaf heard, the lame stood up, and the dumb spoke. It was amazing! God will do what He said He would do!
On Thursday through Saturday, the ministry held a Fire Conference for church leaders and pastors. There were 40,000 people in attendance. On the last day of the conference, the place was electric. Leaders were encouraged that they could be mightily used in the Kingdom of God.
The crowds grew each night of the crusade. From 125,000 the first night to 425,000 the last night. Reinhard told me the total number of people there during the entire crusade was 1.5 million. He thought there were around 1 million decisions made during the crusade.
God has done something very special in my life and ministry. I truly believe I will see the power of God like never before. This ministry will be teaming up with Reinhard Bonnke’s Co-Evangelist Daniel Kolenda to do a crusade in Venezuela next year.
I am writing this newsletter at the end of October, and will be leading an outreach into one of the largest homosexual communities in America tonight. We are going to confront hell on Halloween. This area is like going to the very gates of hell to preach the incorruptible Word of God. Last week we were there ministering to tens of thousands of homosexuals, and we will strike again tonight. For most of the team who joined me last week, it was a life-changing experience. It is not the time to sleep and slumber because all of hell is roaring when we shut our doors at night.
In the coming weeks I will be in Dallas, TX, Mississippi, Georgia, and Alabama. We will be mobilizing the Church and going after souls full steam. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Let us labor like we never have before.
I want to thank you for all of your prayer and support. I also want to send a special thanks to all who sowed into the Nigeria trip through prayer and finances. I could not have gone without you, and I truly appreciate every prayer and financial gift. You are a blessing in my life, and I love you all very much.
Together in the harvest,
Joe Oden