“Ask and ye shall receive, knock and it shall be opened unto you…” are more than isolated words from the Bible. For the 115 Nicaraguan men and women who were filled with the baptism of the Holy Ghost during the final Nicaraguan Regional Convention, it became a reality as they sought the Lord and found Him, as they called and found a door open that would change everything in their lives.

As is often the case, one closed door became the opportunity for another victory. Nicaragua was blessed in the year 2000 to have a large crusade, and a great number of people were saved as a result. In the midst of the excitment, guest ministers pledged financial support for another crusade for the year 2002. Due to several unforseen difficulties, the support never materialized from those ministers. A few weeks before the projected date, the crusade had to be called off. The dissappointment was very heavy, and the national board members sought for a way to salvage the situation. A sudden inspiration came to missionary supervisor Steve Nix. “Brethren, although the bulk of the funds did not come as we expected, we did receive a lesser amount from the International Evangelism Fund of the UPCI. What if I contact Bro. Howell and request permission to use these funds for a series of regional conventions? While it won’t be as big as a crusade, we can impact several areas of the nation and still see a good number of people receive the Holy Ghost!” This seemed good to everyone, and in short order the Foreign Missions Division approved the request.

The first convention was held in the north, and 24 people were filled witht the Holy Ghost. A month later, in the southeastern zone of Nueva Guinea the second convention was held and 35 received the infilling of the His Spirit. A few weeks later, the third convention was held in the Carribean costal town of Bluefields. There had never been a large evangelistic event, and it was well attended. 45 received the Holy Ghost in this convention.

These three conventions finished out the year 2002, and the final thrust was scheduled for January 19, 2003 in Managua. A great number of flyers and tracts were printed and distributed throughout Managua and surrounding areas. All of the local churches began an evangelistic thrust to invite as many visitors as possible. Some 17 busses were rented to bring in the people. From the beginning there was a beautiful presence of worship in the LaSalle auditorium we rented. As some 2,500 people lifted their voices in worship, the place reverberated with the sounds of Pentecost all over again. Bro. Nix brought the message from the Word of God in the first service. This was followed by two hours of worship in a festival of song. Then the final evening service began and the worship continued to build. Various board members danced before the Lord on the platform. Our national president, Bro. Eduardo García brought the final message, and once again, the altars were filled with those seeking the power of God in their lives.

The Lord was not slack concerning His promise! The total number of people filled with the Holy Ghost that Sunday was 115. Combined with the other conventions, the grand total was 219 baptized with the Holy Ghost! Countless others were greatly encouraged and renewed in the Spirit. Out of a seeming defeat, the Lord allowed us to reach out to 4 areas of the country and He granted a great victory! Praise the Lord!

My wife and I want to loudly applaud the ongoing efforts of our Representatives and Aimers in the Middle East for their courage and self-sacrifice to minister the Gospel under such oppressive conditions. We recently returned home from speaking at the National Conference in Amman, Jordan and then additional services in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Israel. From the moment we landed in Amman there was an immediate and tangible spiritual oppression with such intensity like I have never felt.

Having ministered in several nations on various continents this pressure was to be expected, just not with such intensity. Fear and oppression dominant the region. After crossing the Jordan back to Israel we realized the same oppressive spirit dominates all Palestinian controlled areas. The spiritual conflict was as immediate as crossing a border checkpoint. I would prefer to tell you how bold and confident we felt while being present for these meetings, however once the anointing lifted after each service we found ourselves in constant spiritual battle that never lifted. Gary and Linda Reed have labored here for 24 years. I applaud their courage, tenacity and persistence.

This first National Conference yielded much fruit from their years of labor in the region. In one service we counted fourteen different nations represented by pastors and constituents. Several received the Holy Ghost and were baptized, some were healed instantly while others were healed overnight of physical ailments and diseases. Deaf ears were unstopped and fingers withered from crippling arthritis were straitened. The power of God was truly manifested among these precious and hungry people. The three Aimers present who have been working in the region showed a fearless boldness and would make any church

or individual proud to support them on the field. Adam Hunley, Darla Ford and Laurenza Cacciatore show a genuine burden for the souls in the Middle East and are actively working to assist our missionaries in their field of labor. What a blessing to see a unified team of laborers with the kingdom of God as the central focus.

This first National Conference yielded much fruit from their years of labor in the region. In one service we counted fourteen different nations represented by pastors and constituents. Several received the Holy Ghost and were baptized, some were healed instantly while others were healed overnight of physical ailments and diseases. Deaf ears were unstopped and fingers withered from crippling arthritis were straitened. The power of God was truly manifested among these precious and hungry people. The three Aimers present who have been working in the region showed a fearless boldness and would make any church

or individual proud to support them on the field. Adam Hunley, Darla Ford and Laurenza Cacciatore show a genuine burden for the souls in the Middle East and are actively working to assist our missionaries in their field of labor. What a blessing to see a unified team of laborers with the kingdom of God as the central focus.

Great progress is being made with International Biblical College in Jerusalem founded by Robert McFarland. This institute of higher learning will be a powerful vehicle for God’s kingdom in the earth. God moved in special ways both in Tel Aviv and in Jerusalem.

While touring the many landmarks associated with biblical history we discovered that men have made shrines out of these landmarks of where the Lord’s presence was once physical. I expected to make some kind of spiritual connection because of my relationship with God and spiritual walk. It was not until we gathered with precious saints of God for worship that the Most High God manifested himself in glory and power. When considering these landmarks I was reminded of the scripture where the angel spoke to Mary and said, “He is not here, for He is risen…”. When considering how much attention the Temple Mount of the old city is getting and how many visit the Western Wall I am reminded where the apostle Paul declared, ” Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and [that] the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” Let us never forget where the living presence of God dwells. He dwelleth NOT in a temple made with man’s hands.