In October of 2007 the Venezuelan Baptist National Convention entered a partnership with the BGCT. While in Amarillo for the convention, I had the opportunity to speak with two leaders from Venezuela. One of the guys was Jacobo Garcia, and he asked that if I went if I could speak to the men about our ministry and how to start a men’s ministry there in Venezuela.
I really got enthused about the trip and prayed that I would be able to join my Christian brothers from Texas. I was not sure if I was going to be able to go. I needed financial help. After some communication with brother Isaac Rodriguez I was told that there was a scholarship for people interested in going to Caracas. I spoke to Kerry Peacock, sent my money and I was ready to go.
I was in Caracas from very early Saturday the 15th. to Wednesday the 23rd. Those five days were very special to me.On Saturday I spoke to Paul, who heads the men’s ministry for the Venezuelan Baptist Convention that morning. We set a date for when I would get to speak to the men about our men’s ministries here in Texas.
On Sunday we were one of the last groups to get picked up to go to church. The pastor’s name who picked us up was Jesus Pinto of Bethel Baptist Church. They cancelled their morning service and decided to have it at 3pm. They were waiting for people to come from all over the country to be part of an evangelistic team who would be working from that church. I had a chance to meet many nice people. One person I met was a lady named Rosario who heads the Venezuelan WMU. And I also met a young man who heads the youth for his church.
I translated for Jacob Harris from Georgia who brought the sermon. I enjoyed being with him and Tommy Holtzclaw from Tennessee. Pastor Jesus showed us several churches before we went to his church. One of the churches was a Korean congregation. After Sunday I did not see my new friends anymore.
On Sunday night several of us went out to eat, and it was fun to talk about what we had done that day.
On Monday we went out to evangelize with some people from a church named Luz del Mundo. The pastor of that church was sick so his wife spoke to us of what we would be doing. They gave us New Testaments to give out and some other material. There were four people in our team.
In the morning we were only able to visit one apartment, but the lady did accept Christ. We walked back to the church and had lunch. After lunch we went to a different place, it was one of those areas that has homes on the side of the hill. We had to take a jeep to get there. We went there with a lady who lived there. We visited with three of her neighbors and two accepted Christ.
After we left that neighborhood we went back to the church, and then we took the taxi back to the hotel. Not many of the other folks had gotten back, so it was just a small group that went to have supper at a nearby restaurant. I purchased a steak and it was very large so I shared it with one of the others in our group.
On Tuesday morning a pastor picked up Miguel Conseco and myself got to go to the church where I was going to go speak to some pastors and men’s ministry leaders.
I felt very honored because I was the main speaker. As president of the Varones (Baptist Men) of the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas, I was unofficially representing Texas Baptist Men. I spoke about how to start a Baptist Men’s unit and also spoke about the different ministries of TBM.
On Wednesday I flew back to Austin. It was an event that I will never forget.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Too Long Without a Post
I can't believe it's been 4 months since I posted on this blog! As you can tell, it's been a busy summer. But I have had several e-mails from people who have discovered our blog and wanted more information about our work in Venezuela. AND...my apologies to Leo Guerra...as I have had his report since April. We were serving meals to the FLDS women and children back in April and ran across Leo who was down here with the Texas Baptist Men. He gave me his report then, and I never got it posted to the blog. So I am going to do that TONIGHT!
Many have asked what is next on the agenda for Venezuela Vision. While we do not have specific plans for a trip right now, there are several ideas being tossed around. Please pray for us as we seek God's guidance on our next steps. I have asked Buck to get some information together for me to put on the blog, so that will be coming in a week or so.
One of the ideas we are praying about is the distribution of one million New Testaments in Caracas and surrounding areas. We would like to get some of the Directors of Missions in the Baptist Associations involved and, in turn, get them to get some of their pastors involved.
We are also talking about another crusade or perhaps a week of revivals perhaps next April. Again, this is all up in the air...in prayer...and we are awaiting the Lord's direction.
One project that Buck is working on right now is raising money for another missionary house. I will get the details on that for another post.
For those of you who have been watching the blog for updated posts, thanks for hanging in there! I'll try to do better! Now...I've got to get Leo's Caracas report posted!
Many have asked what is next on the agenda for Venezuela Vision. While we do not have specific plans for a trip right now, there are several ideas being tossed around. Please pray for us as we seek God's guidance on our next steps. I have asked Buck to get some information together for me to put on the blog, so that will be coming in a week or so.
One of the ideas we are praying about is the distribution of one million New Testaments in Caracas and surrounding areas. We would like to get some of the Directors of Missions in the Baptist Associations involved and, in turn, get them to get some of their pastors involved.
We are also talking about another crusade or perhaps a week of revivals perhaps next April. Again, this is all up in the air...in prayer...and we are awaiting the Lord's direction.
One project that Buck is working on right now is raising money for another missionary house. I will get the details on that for another post.
For those of you who have been watching the blog for updated posts, thanks for hanging in there! I'll try to do better! Now...I've got to get Leo's Caracas report posted!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Jeff Siegel's Photos
Jacob Harris & Bill Cashion with a couple of young baseball players at one of the clinics.
Jacob Harris, Bill Cashion, Dave Altopp and several other team members went to the Tiberones playoff game
"La Luz del Mundo" Iglesia Bautista"The Light of the World" where Jeff shared his testimony on Sunday morning.
A young man and his son who helped with the baseball clinics all week
A group of kids at a baseball clinic listening to Bill Cashion share the Gospel with his Evangi-cube
Boys praying following the testimony time
North Americans and Venezuelan baseball clinicians and interpreters
Dave Altopp & Hector Rodriguez
Jeff Siegel with Carlos, a young man who helped with the clinics
A very young baseball enthusiast and clinic attendee!
Don & Maud Thorp's Pictures
Zach Olson and the student interpreters
Joyce Graves and De & Sherryl McCleery with a family they befriended in the market
Mike Brown playing the guitar during a group session for House Church Team
Mike Brown leading a ministry team in praise and worship on the campus of the University of Caracas
Don & Maud, after a worship service at the Caracas International School 
Buck Smith speaking during orientation (Diane Peacock, Cathy & Jim Mellon, Mike Brown, Joyce Graves)
De McCleery sharing Christ with a Caracas family
Don & Maud Thorp singing in a house church setting 
Kurt & Zach Olson with Aura & Soily, interpreters 
New believers, a couple with their little girl, pictured with Melody, De, Sherryl, Don and a couple of women from the local church
Buck Smith, Maud & Don Thorp at a Bible Study
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Pictures from Melody Wong
Rebecca Portillo & Tia Maud Thorp
Melody & Raquel
Aura & Melody
Don & Maud Thorp with Melissa Portillo (Buck's daughter/Melody's sister who lives in Caracas) 
group looking out down below from the dining room window
Maud & Don Thorp sing for House Church in Las Minas
House Churh with the Guyanese from Rios churchPhotos from Lorene Heskett
A cloud in the Bible was a symbol of the presence of God. We had been praying for God to pour out His Holy Spirit on Venezuela, and He did! Amen!
The pastor and his wife who live in Las Minas. Anna Lee & Lorene worked with them.
Anna Lee & Lorene visiting in the home of one of the church members. It was 72 steps UP the mountain to the street level of this house!
The Venezuelan flag flying over a city of 6 million in need of the freedom in Christ!
#1, trying to follow the example of the big boys and the leaders...awesome responsibility
Jeff Siegel signing a baseball.
Christopher, the boy in the striped baseball shirt, is 12 years old. He has never been to school because his mother did not register him when he was born. Since he wasn't registered, he doesn't 'exist', so he can't go to school. One of the ladies in the church has taught him to write his name. He is very intelligent. God arranged a divine appointment and Buck met a man who is in the department of education. Buck talked to him about Christopher's situation, and things are in the works to help him learn and take the test until he catches up with his level.
This is a picture of a mosque with it's tower for the call to prayer. However, notice the cross on the church steeple across the street reflected on the mosque. It's shadow is resting on the mosque. The cross of Christ covers it all!
The lady in the gray slacks and white top had just prayed to receive Christ. This is her family and friends.
Look at that smile! This is Tigisoy, the lady who cleaned our rooms every day. This picture was taken just minutes after Lorene shared Jesus with her, and she prayed to receive Christ! Lorene was tired that day and was resting in her room. They had given her a Bible and when she came to bring towels, she asked Lorene for another Bible for a friend. Lorene asked her if she had ever asked Jesus into her life. She said no. Lorene asked if she would like to know how, and she said yes. Praise the Lord! 
These are some of the children in the church that Lorene & Anna Lee worked with.
In the middle of the excitement and noise of the baseball field, this dog was king of the gravel pile, asleep in his comfort zone and oblivious to the world around him. How can we see the spiritual hunger and close our eyes to it, content in our own little world? We have a choice to get involved in the work and excitement around us and be blessed, or close our eyes and sleep contentedly through it.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Venezuela - Ripe for Harvest
It was my pleasure to spend time and minister in Venezuela. I travel the world using baseball as our platform to reach the lost for Christ. The Lord used Kerry Peacock and Bill Cashion to bring to my attention the need to come to Venezuela. As I ministered in this place I realized that this country may be the most ripe for harvest in the world. A few simple decisions and investments into lives are the key in this place. We need to strengthen the infrastructure around Pastor Jacobo of the Venezuela Baptist Convention to help him train others to by facilitate and take some of the administrative responsibility from him. He would then be free to set the vision for evangelism and work in his country.
During my time in Caracas I worked with Carlos Subero's baseball foundation doing evangelistic baseball clinics and we built great relationships. I had dinner at the home of Carlos and his national sports foundation representatives were present. We have agreed to continue to work together in Venezuela and Cuba. Working together in Caracas and additional cities we did 6 days of baseball clinics in multiple places per day. We saw over 400 people make public confessions for Jesus Christ. Many Spanish New Testaments and Carlos Subero's testimony tracts were given to everyone in the crowd. At our hotel a Christian man handed out New Testaments and Carlos Subero's testimony tracts to everyone going up the elevator. What was mind blowing about this is that this residence hotel is where Hugo Chavez government officials and Honor Guard of his Army lives. Brother Ladimiro had the opportunity to share with 20 people including Chavez honor guard and led 2 of them to Christ.
At the beginning of the trip I met a woman named Sol. She is the President of a 2,000 Christian Business Women Coalition and serves in the Chavez Government Ministry. She is in charge of Social Services to the poor in her country and a woman of great influence. She has been involved in building homes for the poor and is also trying to build drug rehab centers for women. It is her intention, Lord willing to set up a meeting in the near future for me to meet with President Hugo Chavez and share Christ with him. She has invited me to come as her guest with my wife Terri for 15 days to visit in her areas of influence in Venezuela and I have free hand to share Christ. We gave her 15 cases of Bibles and they will all go into Cuba with her and will be waiting for me in May of 2008 when I go to Cuba to minister and train pastors.
Pastor Ladimiro who is a University Professor was involved in the meetings with Sol and me. He also asked me to come to his state and do 3 day leadership training for pastors and their wives. Both Jacobo and Ladimiro met with Dave Altopp and me to ask if we would put a team of up to 20 baseball instructors and come to Venezuela and do baseball evangelistic programs in 5 major cities with the help of the local churches.
I truly believe that the Lord is now moving in South America and this is his next big move. Venezuela is key. For my personal life I am open to investing my life in Venezuela.
Jeff Siegel - Global Youth Baseball Federation, Inc.
www.baseballwithoutborders.com
During my time in Caracas I worked with Carlos Subero's baseball foundation doing evangelistic baseball clinics and we built great relationships. I had dinner at the home of Carlos and his national sports foundation representatives were present. We have agreed to continue to work together in Venezuela and Cuba. Working together in Caracas and additional cities we did 6 days of baseball clinics in multiple places per day. We saw over 400 people make public confessions for Jesus Christ. Many Spanish New Testaments and Carlos Subero's testimony tracts were given to everyone in the crowd. At our hotel a Christian man handed out New Testaments and Carlos Subero's testimony tracts to everyone going up the elevator. What was mind blowing about this is that this residence hotel is where Hugo Chavez government officials and Honor Guard of his Army lives. Brother Ladimiro had the opportunity to share with 20 people including Chavez honor guard and led 2 of them to Christ.
At the beginning of the trip I met a woman named Sol. She is the President of a 2,000 Christian Business Women Coalition and serves in the Chavez Government Ministry. She is in charge of Social Services to the poor in her country and a woman of great influence. She has been involved in building homes for the poor and is also trying to build drug rehab centers for women. It is her intention, Lord willing to set up a meeting in the near future for me to meet with President Hugo Chavez and share Christ with him. She has invited me to come as her guest with my wife Terri for 15 days to visit in her areas of influence in Venezuela and I have free hand to share Christ. We gave her 15 cases of Bibles and they will all go into Cuba with her and will be waiting for me in May of 2008 when I go to Cuba to minister and train pastors.
Pastor Ladimiro who is a University Professor was involved in the meetings with Sol and me. He also asked me to come to his state and do 3 day leadership training for pastors and their wives. Both Jacobo and Ladimiro met with Dave Altopp and me to ask if we would put a team of up to 20 baseball instructors and come to Venezuela and do baseball evangelistic programs in 5 major cities with the help of the local churches.
I truly believe that the Lord is now moving in South America and this is his next big move. Venezuela is key. For my personal life I am open to investing my life in Venezuela.
Jeff Siegel - Global Youth Baseball Federation, Inc.
www.baseballwithoutborders.com
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Report from Cesar Gabriel
First I want to say thanks for the prayer and financial support for this trip. It was a big blessing for me and my ministry. I was assigned to Iglesia Bautista Emanuel at Caucagua, a mission of a church in Caracas.
I arrived at the church at Caucagua on Sunday and preached at the evening service. The team was formed by 6 people, and one more joined later. On Sunday we did door-to-door evangelism that morning, every home that opened their door also opened their hearts to Christ. My partner was a young man from Maracaibo who did mission work in the Amazonas jungle. The door-to-door evangelism work in Caucagua was all day Monday and Tuesday evening, because in the morning we helped with "Pan de Vida", a ministry from the church feeding and helping poor kids. On Wednesday I preached a funeral, and on Thursday we went to Higerote, a fast growing community. Again, we did door-to-door evangelism and had evangelisitic services. Pastor Francisco took me back to Caracas on Thursday evening.
When I left the mission field, our team had seen more than 60 people come to Christ. Praise God!
Cesar Gabriel
Iglesia Bautista Trinidad, Laredo, Texas
I arrived at the church at Caucagua on Sunday and preached at the evening service. The team was formed by 6 people, and one more joined later. On Sunday we did door-to-door evangelism that morning, every home that opened their door also opened their hearts to Christ. My partner was a young man from Maracaibo who did mission work in the Amazonas jungle. The door-to-door evangelism work in Caucagua was all day Monday and Tuesday evening, because in the morning we helped with "Pan de Vida", a ministry from the church feeding and helping poor kids. On Wednesday I preached a funeral, and on Thursday we went to Higerote, a fast growing community. Again, we did door-to-door evangelism and had evangelisitic services. Pastor Francisco took me back to Caracas on Thursday evening.
When I left the mission field, our team had seen more than 60 people come to Christ. Praise God!
Cesar Gabriel
Iglesia Bautista Trinidad, Laredo, Texas
Thursday, January 31, 2008
A Memorable Experience
We knocked on doors and witnessed to hundreds of people in the city of LOS TEQUES near Caracas, Venezuela. “Beatriz”--one of the 147 people who received the Lord Jesus as Lord and Savior asked if we would start a CELL GROUP Evangelistic Meeting at her house. “Si” …“Yes!” I said. She invited our entire group of about 18 witnessing Christians into her home. I glanced toward the back of her home and saw a vacant lot. I asked if she knew who the owners were. She said, “It is our lot and we want to sell it.” I asked if she would consider selling it to Primera Iglesia Bautista of LOS TEQUES so that we could build a church building. She said…. “ SI SI YES!” It is now being negotiated. Another Baptist Church will go up in “San Pedro de los Altos” near LOS TEQUES. AMEN ! and Praise the Lord.”
AMEN…PRAISE THE LORD.
SHARING LIFE IN CHRIST UNTO ALL in CARACAS, VENEZUELA
A report from Sammy Fuentes, team member from Corpus Christi, Texas
AMEN…PRAISE THE LORD.
SHARING LIFE IN CHRIST UNTO ALL in CARACAS, VENEZUELA
A report from Sammy Fuentes, team member from Corpus Christi, Texas
Numbers and Testimonies
This is a preliminary report from Jacobo....we believe some of these numbers to be low...
There is indescribable joy when, in compliance to the mandate of "Go and Preach", we see that men and women respond to the call to deliver their lives to Christ Jesus.
God in His grace granted us a group of beloved in the faith to work in evangelism January 21-27, 2008 in the five zones that compose the capital region (Caracas, Altos Mirandinos, Guarenas-Guatire, Edo. Vargas and Valles del Tuy), and to see several thousands of people coming to the feet of Christ. To HIM we give the glory and to all the ones that cooperated, our deep gratitude.
Some numbers for your information:
1. People that received Christ: 3,908
2. People that reconciled themselves with the Lord: 322
3. Presentations of the gospel person to person: 9,720
4. Groups of biblical studies initiated: 53
5. People involved in the personal evangelism:
5.1 Of the interior of the country: 385
5.2 Of the United States: 70
5.3 Of the churches of the Capital Region: 715
6. Churches that participated: 32
7. Some testimonies:
7.1 More than 100 people were converted to Christ Jesus, impacted with the testimony of Carlos Subero. (We believe Jacobo was either referring to the baseball clinic which Carlos attended OR to the wonderful trifold salvation tract Carlos prepared which included his testimony and prayer for salvation.)
7.2 Various soldiers that participated in the custody of the presidents that were in Caracas because of the Summit were converted by the Lord.
7.3 A Jehovah’s Witness accepted Christ as his personal Savior.
7.4 In the two nights of preaching that was outdoors, more than 100 people received Christ Jesus.
7.5 Various employees of the Hotel Anauco Hilton came to the feet of Christ.
7.6 Seven baseball clinics were carried out with success, with more than 400 people converted.
7.7 In the presentations that were carried out of the strategy "Festivals of the Street" there was more than 300 converted.
7.8 There has remained a great motivation in the churches that participated in this great evangelism event.
7.9 There were churches, like the IB Emanuel of Caracas, where more than 400 people received the Lord.
7.10 So many of the participants that came from the interior of the country as influenced by those from the United States were impacted tremendously; there were moments when the groups met to pray and they cried glorifying the precious Lord as He blessed the work carried out during those days.
8. Our great challenge for the next months. Upon not having the possibility of carrying out the massive crusade in the University Stadium as was our intent, we have been challenged to carry out that effort April 24-27 in the sports complex "United Nations". We have a call to work intently to contribute to the development of those men and women who during these days have opened their hearts to Christ Jesus; to cry out to the Lord for this city of Caracas, for the attainment of resources and the good disposition of our churches for a great impact during the next month of April. I believe with all my soul that God is giving us the honor to live in the best historic moment to present the gospel. During these days we have seen that of each 10 people to the ones that we have presented the gospel with clarity and simplicity and under the power of the Holy Spirit, 6 of them have been converted Christ. We do not know how long this great door will be open, I invite you to unite hands, knees, minds and hearts so that a greater number of the people that live in this country by you can be saved. We invite you to be included.
There is indescribable joy when, in compliance to the mandate of "Go and Preach", we see that men and women respond to the call to deliver their lives to Christ Jesus.
God in His grace granted us a group of beloved in the faith to work in evangelism January 21-27, 2008 in the five zones that compose the capital region (Caracas, Altos Mirandinos, Guarenas-Guatire, Edo. Vargas and Valles del Tuy), and to see several thousands of people coming to the feet of Christ. To HIM we give the glory and to all the ones that cooperated, our deep gratitude.
Some numbers for your information:
1. People that received Christ: 3,908
2. People that reconciled themselves with the Lord: 322
3. Presentations of the gospel person to person: 9,720
4. Groups of biblical studies initiated: 53
5. People involved in the personal evangelism:
5.1 Of the interior of the country: 385
5.2 Of the United States: 70
5.3 Of the churches of the Capital Region: 715
6. Churches that participated: 32
7. Some testimonies:
7.1 More than 100 people were converted to Christ Jesus, impacted with the testimony of Carlos Subero. (We believe Jacobo was either referring to the baseball clinic which Carlos attended OR to the wonderful trifold salvation tract Carlos prepared which included his testimony and prayer for salvation.)
7.2 Various soldiers that participated in the custody of the presidents that were in Caracas because of the Summit were converted by the Lord.
7.3 A Jehovah’s Witness accepted Christ as his personal Savior.
7.4 In the two nights of preaching that was outdoors, more than 100 people received Christ Jesus.
7.5 Various employees of the Hotel Anauco Hilton came to the feet of Christ.
7.6 Seven baseball clinics were carried out with success, with more than 400 people converted.
7.7 In the presentations that were carried out of the strategy "Festivals of the Street" there was more than 300 converted.
7.8 There has remained a great motivation in the churches that participated in this great evangelism event.
7.9 There were churches, like the IB Emanuel of Caracas, where more than 400 people received the Lord.
7.10 So many of the participants that came from the interior of the country as influenced by those from the United States were impacted tremendously; there were moments when the groups met to pray and they cried glorifying the precious Lord as He blessed the work carried out during those days.
8. Our great challenge for the next months. Upon not having the possibility of carrying out the massive crusade in the University Stadium as was our intent, we have been challenged to carry out that effort April 24-27 in the sports complex "United Nations". We have a call to work intently to contribute to the development of those men and women who during these days have opened their hearts to Christ Jesus; to cry out to the Lord for this city of Caracas, for the attainment of resources and the good disposition of our churches for a great impact during the next month of April. I believe with all my soul that God is giving us the honor to live in the best historic moment to present the gospel. During these days we have seen that of each 10 people to the ones that we have presented the gospel with clarity and simplicity and under the power of the Holy Spirit, 6 of them have been converted Christ. We do not know how long this great door will be open, I invite you to unite hands, knees, minds and hearts so that a greater number of the people that live in this country by you can be saved. We invite you to be included.
Lemons to Lemonade
This is an edited report from David Ripley who joined us for a few days toward the end of our week in Caracas.
It is just unbelievable what we sensed in Venezuela. I liken it to the Communist countries when the wall was torn down. Especially Romania where we saw the Holy Spirit just hover over our teams and the openness to the Gospel. I liken it to Korea during the 80's when the mighty revival swept that land. I never experienced people coming to Christ as I did then in my five years of ministry in Korea. I believe this is what is happening in Venezuela.
Lemons to Lemonade ... Two years of planning, praying and organizing with a major stadium Crusade in the city of Caracas. 40,000 Bibles - 70 Believers from the States joining 350 Believers from Venezuela under the local leadership of Jacobo and Ladimiro and under the American leadership of Kerry Peacock, with the Evangelist to be Dr. Richard Jackson, well known leader and pastor from the States. They were expecting 30,000 people per night. At the last moment, literally on January the 4th, the Government revoked the signed contract for the stadium and the event was cancelled. What do you do? The Teams are on the way from the States, the Bibles are already there. But, God! Let me tell you what He did.
We joined with the 70 going into Caracas to every venue possible. Universities, sports clinics, hospitals, prisons. Joining with 37 local churches. Conducting 5 simultaneous small venue crusades and saturating every place with the Gospel Message. Some of the teams are still on the ground there in Caracas. A follow-up team of house church planters will be continuing until February 4th starting new house churches with the new converts. Over 5,000 converts. Over 10,000 Bibles distributed.
The hotel where we stayed was in the center of Caracas. A strategic location. Across the main boulevard is the Alpa Hotel, formerly the Hilton, that the current Government is now using for Governmental purposes. While we were there, the Presidents of other Latin American countries were having a five day Summit. We knew that something major was going on because of the security. There were soldiers all around the area - in our hotel lobby, restaurant, etc., etc. Each morning we noticed an elite military squad of about 16 men and a commander. We had been praying for them. Then we would see them again at night. (They were all business.) On Saturday morning, with my friend Ladimiro (he is a college professor), whom we have worked with for 7 years, along with many of the American Team, we were praying to share Christ with these men. We did not know their purpose for being there, but we saw an opportunity. As we prayed, Ladimiro asked the Commander could he share with his men. He said, Yes. He presented the Gospel. The Presence of the Holy Spirit was so strong two of the men openly received Christ. Every one accepted a Bible. Because of what was happening with the Team from America in that hotel, God touched the management, and they asked for Bibles so they could put them in every room and to be given to every worker in the hotel. Finally, and most important, the Bibles were given by Dr. Richard Jackson, one of the great Evangelistic Preachers of our generation. This Bible is tremendous. It has the plan of Salvation and is totally marked and detailed to be able to present the Gospel in order for a person to come to Christ. Only eternity will reveal the results of these Bibles. The leaders of Venezuela are praying for a million more of these Bibles! The vision of Kerry, his wife Diane and many of his friends saw the mighty working of God. Please continue to pray for this great movement of God in one of the major "hotspots of the world".
It is just unbelievable what we sensed in Venezuela. I liken it to the Communist countries when the wall was torn down. Especially Romania where we saw the Holy Spirit just hover over our teams and the openness to the Gospel. I liken it to Korea during the 80's when the mighty revival swept that land. I never experienced people coming to Christ as I did then in my five years of ministry in Korea. I believe this is what is happening in Venezuela.
Lemons to Lemonade ... Two years of planning, praying and organizing with a major stadium Crusade in the city of Caracas. 40,000 Bibles - 70 Believers from the States joining 350 Believers from Venezuela under the local leadership of Jacobo and Ladimiro and under the American leadership of Kerry Peacock, with the Evangelist to be Dr. Richard Jackson, well known leader and pastor from the States. They were expecting 30,000 people per night. At the last moment, literally on January the 4th, the Government revoked the signed contract for the stadium and the event was cancelled. What do you do? The Teams are on the way from the States, the Bibles are already there. But, God! Let me tell you what He did.
We joined with the 70 going into Caracas to every venue possible. Universities, sports clinics, hospitals, prisons. Joining with 37 local churches. Conducting 5 simultaneous small venue crusades and saturating every place with the Gospel Message. Some of the teams are still on the ground there in Caracas. A follow-up team of house church planters will be continuing until February 4th starting new house churches with the new converts. Over 5,000 converts. Over 10,000 Bibles distributed.
The hotel where we stayed was in the center of Caracas. A strategic location. Across the main boulevard is the Alpa Hotel, formerly the Hilton, that the current Government is now using for Governmental purposes. While we were there, the Presidents of other Latin American countries were having a five day Summit. We knew that something major was going on because of the security. There were soldiers all around the area - in our hotel lobby, restaurant, etc., etc. Each morning we noticed an elite military squad of about 16 men and a commander. We had been praying for them. Then we would see them again at night. (They were all business.) On Saturday morning, with my friend Ladimiro (he is a college professor), whom we have worked with for 7 years, along with many of the American Team, we were praying to share Christ with these men. We did not know their purpose for being there, but we saw an opportunity. As we prayed, Ladimiro asked the Commander could he share with his men. He said, Yes. He presented the Gospel. The Presence of the Holy Spirit was so strong two of the men openly received Christ. Every one accepted a Bible. Because of what was happening with the Team from America in that hotel, God touched the management, and they asked for Bibles so they could put them in every room and to be given to every worker in the hotel. Finally, and most important, the Bibles were given by Dr. Richard Jackson, one of the great Evangelistic Preachers of our generation. This Bible is tremendous. It has the plan of Salvation and is totally marked and detailed to be able to present the Gospel in order for a person to come to Christ. Only eternity will reveal the results of these Bibles. The leaders of Venezuela are praying for a million more of these Bibles! The vision of Kerry, his wife Diane and many of his friends saw the mighty working of God. Please continue to pray for this great movement of God in one of the major "hotspots of the world".
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