Coconut Apostles: Principle #7
Updated: Sep 15, 2022
On Thursday 27 July 2001 I was in the midst of a revival in Port Vila. Testimonies were pouring forth from the Presbyterians (a miracle in itself) yet that day and night we witnessed miraculous healings (like the Bear, who was permanently bent over, prayed and then stood up straight for the first time in years).
People simply prayed for themselves in the name of Jesus Christ and asked God to help them. (We were careful to not lay hands on people as we wanted them to ask God and receive from God and not be fooled into thinking we had any power ourselves). More than 50 people repented and committed their lives to following Jesus Christ that night.
Photograph courtesy of Jeremy Yap on Unsplash.
Meanwhile, back in Sydney, my wife had one of the toughest days she has experienced. I know this as very recently I discovered a journal she kept in July 2001 while I was in Vanuatu, and on that day, the events were unbelievable. I will post a small, tame sample here and will show you the rest (quite extraordinary) another time.
‘All I can say is what happened the rest of today was bad. Love you very much but have to be honest and say that I didn't think very nice thoughts about you for a small time last night - have repented now. I believe I was under spiritual attack - I was annoyed that you get involved in this front line stuff for God and it makes things hard for me. That is wrong, what you are doing is great and I want to support you 100% whatever the cost.’
My point is that when evangelists proclaim good news to dying people and, as a result, people are set free from bondage, the evangelists’ families at the very same time often experience great hardship and frustration. (John, my fellow coconut apostle, knew this and was reluctant to call his wife during the mission. When he did she reported that rats had eaten through the electrical system in their house.)
