Minister's Conference

This year's conference, held in Lusaka, Zambia in an area called Misisi was so beautiful. It's hard to imagine that God packed that much into just 3 days worth of meetings.  There were times of teaching and instruction, times where the Lord was dealing with hearts and minds by pulling out old roots and traditions and then, there were times when we just got lost in the Lord!  We jumped, shouted, danced and claimed the victory for our lives!

All of the messages flowed together and built upon each other. Our brothers and sisters in Zambia are on the brink of a great move of God and each speaker built on the common themes that God is calling his people to change their mind set, to do something with what they have, and to "only believe" for God to cover the rest.

The last meeting was so powerful, as the Holy Spirit came down and pleaded for the people of Zambia. People cried out to God with all their hearts for nearly an hour. Many fell flat on their faces, some were on their backs, some stood and prophesied as the preacher had ministered, while others just knelt and wept. There is a determination in the people of God that they are going to make a difference in their communities for Jesus Christ. 

Really, that last meeting summed up our entire trip. The ministry here is filled with men and women who are battling odds that would seem insurmountable by all accounts. How can you teach 560 students with only 6 teachers and limited supplies? How can you build a permanent church when you're surrounded by needs and there seems to be no money? The Bible says that with man it is impossible, but with God, all things are possible! This week, we've seen this scripture in action.  560 children, who cannot pay, are receiving an education every day.  A village in need of a church is digging mud out of the river bed and baking it to make bricks. Right now, on the ground in Chongwe lies a pile of bricks that are prepared and a Pastor believes that God will supply the money to purchase cement so that he can mason them together. But he's not just waiting - - Somehow, the wall is already waist high!

That's where this whole work in Zambia seems right now.  Many are being fed, educated, clothed, and receiving salvation every day. But there are still bricks on the ground.  With just a little more mortar, hundreds, even thousands more could be reached.  This week, the men and women of these wonderful churches claimed God's promises for their lives and we know that God is going to supply.

Thank you so much for praying, thank you so much for sending, thank you so much for doing! You are a part of what God is doing here in Zambia.  And the best part....it's only the beginning!

-Ben Satagaj

Men's Meeting

What a wonderful time of fellowship we had this afternoon! The plan was to talk to the men in an informal teaching format and take some time breaking down Matthew 6, with a focus regarding trust in God and motives. This was a perfect follow up to Rev. Sanchez's morning meeting on "When things don't get better/There is oil in the house." He talked about how we are naturally trusting when we're born, but mistrust quickly creeps in because experiences and hurts in life cause us to build walls. If we're not careful, this mistrust extends to God and we subconsciously group him in with everything around us, and this translates to a lack of faith.

We took some time to review prophecies of the Bible that illustrate the infallibility of God's Word. There are specific Messianic prophecies that could never be predicted by natural man because the circumstances around them were not in place at the time they were written. However, God revealed it to the prophets and they wrote down the words that would one day be fulfilled, once everything else fell into place.  From there, we really dug into the portion of scripture that says, "Thy father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly."

We began to discuss the motive behind our ministries and who is being glorified. There is a difference between someone who is consumed with the kingdom vision and a person whose desire is to promote himself. The difference is the anointing and without it you can entertain, but you can't break yokes.  At this point, the Holy Spirit started revealing dreams and desires in the men and a few began to weep. One man tried to take notes even though tears were welling up in his eyes.  Within a few minutes, it was impossible to go further. God was refreshing the vision in men's lives and telling them that they could trust Him, for He would bring it to pass. God is not a respecter of persons and He could move on whosoever let him. 

We lifted our hands and began praying together as God took over.  One man put his head on his desk and just poured out his whole heart to God.  When we prayed with him, you could feel discouragement breaking away and an assurance that God would do exactly what he said he would do. God was bringing him to another level. Another man rocked back and forth with tears streaming down his face proclaiming God's promises.  Men were standing with hands raised, prophesying God's Word for their lives and corporately we spoke to the mountain…it shall be moved, and Misisi is going to change! It was awesome! 

I personally felt such a bond to these men and a burden for the struggles they face. It's easy to talk of faith when you're comfortable and life is easy, but these men live next to children who know they won't eat that day. Many children are sick because they live, play, and sleep surrounded by trash on every side. This is a place where it's easy for dreams to be swallowed up in circumstance and hope can seem fleeting. God has placed an answer in Misisi, and it is the church.  Today, I experienced a part of the burden they face, and then I experienced the burden-bearer come on the scene and say, "I can make a way where there seems to be no way. I can open a door, no man can shut." I know God is about to do even greater things in their lives.

Thank you and God bless!
-Ben Satagaj

Women's Meeting

The fellowship with the ladies was a great experience for me. I did not feel like I was ministering to strangers but to family that I have known all my life. The ladies laughed and cried as I shared about Ruth and Naomi's journey.
 
After the message, we gathered in a circle and began to pray. The Lord was faithful to move upon these beautiful women of God!
After prayer, all the ladies began to ask Sis. Nicole and I about our lives and families. We all laughed and just had a great time, as we shared stories about our families.

It was a beautiful service and these women have gotten in my heart. The ladies call me ‘mom’ and just shower me with love. Even though they have great needs, they also have great faith in a great God that is able to meet their every need. It is so difficult to put into words what is in my heart but I am so grateful to be a part of this team.

-Bishop Gallaher

Report from Bishop Gallaher

Bishop Gallaher reports:

Let me start by giving honor to God, to Bishop Joy Misika and to the executive board for holding this beautiful annual conference.  I would also like to give honor to Minister Benjamin Satagaj and his wife Nicole.  Last but not least, I’d like to give honor to Rev. Melvin L. Sanchez and World-Wide Lighthouse Missions, Inc. who thought it not robbery to bring an 80-year-old lady to Lusaka, Zambia so she could preach the gospel!

Everything here has been so beautiful…the children, the people and the singing. It's hard to put into words, but God's people here in Zambia are a precious people – they are a strong people and they are mighty in their faith toward God.

While here in Zambia, God spoke to my heart to preach a message entitled – Just Believe.  In the middle of my message, I also shared a personal testimony of how God raised up one of my children for His glory. When all others had given up hope, God told me to, just believe.
I know the message challenged people and stirred their faith because many lives came to the altar crying and seeking the face of God. They began to believe that God was able to meet each and every need. The entire U.S. and Zambia team worked together at the altars of God, ministering to the young and the old. God was faithful, so very faithful, to move on his people with the power of the Holy Ghost!  It was just precious!  At times, all I could do was lift my hands and glorify God, with tears running down my cheeks as I watched God work in the mist of his children.

In closing, I’d like to say how very evident it is to see the many needs that our friends here in Zambia have.  They need churches to be built, and children fed and educated – some may think it takes a lot to help change a life, however, the Lord spoke to me years ago and said, “Use what you have and do what you can.” So today, I want to encourage you to use what you have and do what you can, and God will do the rest!

First Day of Conference

Today was the first day of conference and there was such an excitement in the air!  Preparations were made, grounds were cleaned, and water buckets had been filled.  People were singing and everyone was getting ready for the members of all the church branches to arrive for the annual conference.
It wasn’t long until the members started arriving - the atmosphere was filled with great joy!  People hugged, embraced and cried because they hadn’t seen one another since last year, while others came in singing songs.

As people entered the church grounds, they brought potatoes, rice, chickens, and goats, for all the meals that were going to be served this week!
The worship service was amazing, listening to everyone lift up their voices to Glorify God…and I absolutely loved the handmade instruments they use.  You don't even miss the guitars, drums or trumpets that we are used to back home because when people begin to open up their mouths, they create something that sounds like a heavenly symphony – it truly is captivating.

After song service, every choir wanted to sing, but there was not enough time. So, they gave each choir a chance to sing throughout the week. As the songs were sung, people clapped their hands and praised God. One Pastor said to me, "We owe God all the praise because we made it through another year…in the mist of poverty and hunger, unemployment, discouragements, deaths and sickness, God through His love and mercy, chose to keep us alive. God has kept us safe, He has provided and we just had to give Him the glory!"

When it was time to preach, I preached the first message on the Divine Destination! This message was embraced with great joy and faith.  God was so faithful to remind His people in the message that they're on a journey and He is walking with them.  He has a divine purpose and call on the lives of each and every one of them and the Holy Spirit has come to empower His people to accomplish the call.

As the Word went forth, people were dancing, shouting and running around the church because they knew that they had purpose!  They knew God's hand was still on their lives. They knew that nothing they went through this past year was without purpose. Even what they are facing right now, God was working it out for their good!It wasn't just a meeting, it was a celebration!  It was a revival!  It was like God had come down and empowered His people to keep moving forward!  No matter what happens, don't stop!  Keep moving forward!

When the altar call was given, many people were blessed by God and filled with the Holy Ghost. Older people were at the altar thanking God for his faithfulness, younger people were at the altar thanking God for their future. We even had sinners at the altar thanking God for destroying the past.

As the altar call went on, people were falling out under the power of God. Elders were praying for one another and families were gathered together calling on the mighty name of Jesus. It was a beautiful, beautiful service.  Thank you for all your prayers!

Please forgive the poor quality of the following video, but we wanted our viewers to catch even a small glimpse of what God did during these meetings!

Linda Church Visit Report

Benjamin Satagaj reports:

These first few days in Zambia have been so beautiful.  I have felt so at home, so welcomed, and so loved. I have also been challenged like never before.  My heart has been stretched until it felt it might break and then I have been encouraged and strengthened by the men and women who have a vision to meet the needs.  There is a hope and it's in the church.

Today was such a beautiful experience!  When we pulled up to the church, the entire congregation came outside to greet us.  They lined both sides of the walkway into the church singing and praising God like only the Zambian people can. This is the branch church that our youth choir visited a few years ago and helped raise support to put a new metal roof on the building. The church is still in great shape and the house was full, even though it was a special weekday service.

The people were excited to see us and couldn't wait to hear from all of the team members. They shouted and praised God as we greeted them and when it was time for the Word, they were all anxious to see what God was going to say.  I preached on the 4 lepers. God never called us to sit still and die, but he has empowered us to launch out by faith and move forward.  He always makes a way.  

The altar call was awesome!  It started with people calling out to God in their seats, and we went through the aisles to pray with them, but it didn't stop there. Soon after, they flooded the altar, proclaiming the promises of God by faith. The Holy Spirit was falling! 

One lady was crying out with a loud voice and when Sis. Nicole went over to pray with her, she broke through and became free. Soon, she was praying along with us for the other souls at the altar. Bishop Misika was a man on fire!  He was praying for everyone at the altar, shouting in prayer and leading them to victory.

 It has been so beautiful to watch Bishop Gallaher in action. At every location we've gone to, she's found someone who just needed the love of God and she pours out her heart to reach them.  Every time I see her, she has her arms wrapped around some young lady or some elderly mama. There are tears running down their faces as they feel God's heartbeat and know that He sent her to love on them.  Plus, she's a powerhouse every time she touches the microphone!  She has a beautiful ministry.

We left tired, but full of joy and gratitude toward God for his faithfulness.  Personally, I am so blessed that he chose me. I don't think there are adequate words to describe the satisfaction that comes when you obey God's will for your life and he allows you to be the instrument that changes another person's destiny. This is God's desire for each and every one of us no matter where we go every day.  I'm in Zambia, you're at the grocery store, or at work, or in a convalescent home.  In every place, God is glorified and lives can be changed because of the great hope that lies within us.

Let us go and see!

One of the greatest messages that I have ever heard is about those wise men that left their homes and followed a star. They knew that a king was born and they brought gifts to lay before him.

The shepherds had a different experience because as they were tending to their flocks by night, the angel of the Lord appeared and the glory of the Lord shone round about.  This angel came with a message that would change the world forever.  In Luke 2:10-12 “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”

Wow, what an awesome message that was and if that was the only thing that happened it would be enough to rejoice about!  But there’s more, the Bible goes on to say in Luke 2: 13-14 “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men”  Heaven got so excited about the good news that the angelic choir had to break out in song!

Why did they get excited?  Because the One who would save humankind from sin, the One who would heal the sick, deliver the captives, break bondages and chains off of peoples lives, He was born!  The answer to every problem, the remedy was here!  Jesus, the Christ, the Son of the Living God was born!  Born for you and I; born that we may live and have life more abundantly; born to bring us into the presence of God!  The greatest Gift to man had taken His first breath! 

In Luke 2:15 it says “And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.” Once the shepherds found out He was here they said ‘Lets go now! We have got to see this for ourselves, the Saviour is born!’

That’s how I felt when I heard the good news that Jesus was born.  I said “Lets go now, I have to see this for myself.”  And the day I sought after Him, I found Him!  But He was no longer a baby in a manager.  He grew up and went about doing good; healing and delivering those that were oppressed of the devil.  He gave his life on Calvary and shed His blood for the remission of our sins and rose again with all power.  

This Gift has given me joy, health, strength and peace!  That precious new life that God had given to the world is now in my heart and I have this gift with me all the time.  And now everywhere I look I can see Jesus!

I see Him at the altar when a soul is being saved

I see Him in my Pastor when she preaches the word of God

I hear Him when the choir sings

I see Him in the tears of brothers and sisters who give to the mission fields

I see Him on the smiles of children that have food to eat in Africa

I hear Him in the laughter of boys and girls that are able to go to school

I feel him in the embrace of thankful Pastors in the jungles of Peru

I hear him in the sounds of the waters traveling down the Amazon River

This year, as you celebrate the birth of our Saviour, I want to encourage you to give generously to missions, for by doing so you will cause someone to experience the joy of Christmas each and everyday of their lives.  

On behalf of our Missions Ministry, Thank You & May you have Very Merry Christmas and most blessed New Year!

--Rev. Sanchez

FREE AT LAST!!

The word secret means to be hidden, to conceal knowledge, to keep inward and not to express, to operate in a confidential manner.  As we all know there are some secrets that are good, like when we are trying to surprise somebody for their birthday or bachelor party so we don’t tell what we are doing, that would be considered a good secret.  But there are also bad secrets.  Those secrets are from the times that something bad has happened to you or somebody else and you hide it and conceal it and you don’t tell anyone what has happened.  Sometimes we don’t tell out of fear and sometimes we don’t tell because of the shame of what has happened to us and we don’t what anyone to know.  Those types of secrets are bad secrets which can severely alter and destroy you or somebody elses' life.  The reason I am bringing this to your attention today is because at a church where I was invited to minister, I personally witnessed God uncover secrets that held people prisoners for years.  One lady, about 70 years old, came crying to the altar because as a young girl something horrible happened to her and she never told anyone; she just lived with it and carried the pain and the guilt of it.  As a result it affected her entire life.  But when the truth of God’s Word came to her telling her that she could be free, she got up out of her seat as fast as she could and came to the altar crying out to God.  She cried out in desperation and told the secret that held her captive for 62 years and God instantly set her free!

Another man came to the altar telling us how he was raped and abused throughout his childhood and all the anger and hatred that was built up in his heart had destroyed jobs and relationships and even caused him to be angry with God.  But now, 20 years later the secret is out and God reached into this man’s soul and took away the hurt, the guilt, the pain and the shame.  He was free!  He was loosed from the shackles that held him to a lie!  He said, “I am ready now to live life the way God intended for me to live. I am free from the pain of my past!”

There where others who where hurt by strangers, close family members and some that were physical abused and could no longer trust anyone at all.  These were all things hidden behind a door in their lives.  And because they survived the horrible event, it was easier to shut the door and move on than to deal with the reality of who did it and what happened.  They just left the issue behind a closed door and tried to forget.  But the door began to show up in every room of their lives.  It affected their attitudes, their relationships, and how they dealt with and treated others.  And even what they thought about God and themselves where all affected by this door called secrets.  It robs innocent people of living a full and complete life in God because it ties them to a past and never lets them go.  But the good news is that you don’t have to keep that secret anymore.  There is a God that loves you and He wants to help you.  He understands your hurt, He knows your pain and He is standing with His arms stretched out wide saying, "Whosoever will can come unto me."  Don’t allow yourself to be a prisoner to that secret any longer!  You don’t have to be the victim forever; you can be the victor!  Many people were set free from dark secrets that have held them captives for years.  You have to break the silence and tell the secret.  You may have to run to your counselor; you may have to tell the authorities, you may have to tell your pastor.  Whatever it takes, break the silence!  Let go of the secret and be free!  The Bible says that he that the Son of God sets free is free indeed!  The songwriter said, “I’m free from the fears of tomorrow.  I’m free from the guilt of the past.  I’ve traded my shackles for a glorious crown.  I AM FREE; PRAISE THE LORD, FREE AT LAST!

God bless you!
Rev. Melvin L. Sanchez