I wanted to tell you all an amazing story that happened a few nights ago in Medina with a Bissa Chief.  We arrived in Medina after a very hectic time traveling there.  We had previously arranged to show the Jesus film at the Medina Bissa Chief’s house with those who we had been able to invite at 7pm that night.  It was already after 7pm but we were there and ready to start the film with many of the bissa elders as well as family members patiently waiting for the movie.  They had decided instead to watch “The Passion of Christ.”  Now if any of you have seen this movie, you know the graphic details that it shows of man’s suffering in the form of Jesus.  For anyone who has seen and heard the message of Christ, you know what is coming.   But for the bissa chief and his people it was quite a different occurence.  In the portion of the movie where Jesus begins receiving the 39 lashings from the cat of nine tails, I glanced over the room of bissa people.  Every one of them gripping their chairs, hanging on the edge of what would happen to this man called Jesus whom they had not known to have come to be their salvation.  Their eyes were intently engaged in every motion, their mouths wide open in fear and disbelief as they watch Christ become a pulp for sins he hadn’t committed.  Every time I watch those scenes I am reminded of how God allowed for Christ to take the place for the punishment of all of my sins.  But I knew that they had never seen this form of grace in action. I caught a glimpse of these people overwhlemed of what was happening.  One of the councilmen stood and said to me, “This punishment was too much to bare.” with which I responded, “But my friend, it WAS THE PRICE PAID.  Christ paid that price for you and I.”  This once strong, firm councilmen was heavy….his heart burdened for what he knew He had found as truth.  I noticed only a few moments later that the Bissa Chief himself was crying.  Tears were being shed because He was hearing a word of life, truth, and grace that he had never known before.  The movie ended at a point when it was not supposed to but somehow God had arranged for it to cut off just before the actual cruxifiction and Pastor Jimmie rose to share that THIS was the good news of JESUS CHRIST.  There were some questions and interest, but we felt the spirit of God moving in a way we hadn’t yet felt.  The hearts of the bissa elders and chief were being softened and although we left with no new profession of faith, we knew that God would not allow them to rest that night without wrestling with him.

I am reminded, through this story, of how God allowed me to see His glory and adoration for me, even in the awful state I was in when He found me.  If you are reading this I want to encourage you to refresh your mind of that same moment for yourself….and WHEN was the last time that we actually wept because of what Christ did for us as sinners?  When was the last time that we wept because of the state of our own hearts?  or for the hearts of those around us who have never heard this message?

I will continue to keep you all posted of all that is going on.  Things have been extremely busy…we are always up early and out late….sometimes until 11pm or so which makes it very difficult for me to write to all of you.  Please continue to pray for all that is being done in Ghana!

For those of you who are wondering, I will be coming in VERY LATE on Sunday evening or early monday morning!  I love you all and can’t wait to share all that I have seen with you!