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RECENT NEWS
Report on Nigerian Mission Trip
In early
November, Higher Ground left for Lagos, Nigeria, along with Bishop David Huskins,
for the convention of African leaders with Church of God Missions International.
under the presiding Bishop Margaret Idahosa, the delegates gathered for several
days of intense ministry in the large stadium at Benin City. What transpired was
indescribable and so very powerful! The services began each evening with high
praise and unstoppable passion in worship. Unexpectedly, and to everyone’s
surprise, it rained each night, but the crowds grew and continued to increase
with a dynamic we had never before witnessed. Young students from BIU (Benson
Idahosa University) led a march outside in the torrential rain storms, bringing
the whole gathering into celebratory dancing and spiritual demonstration each
night. The pictures most certainly will not do justice to the vast explosion of
spirit, however, we wanted to share some highlights with our partners.
Tremendously anointed preaching and participatory expression to God in prophetic
praise and worship took each service to a spiritual climax in every session! To
encapsulate the spiritual success of the convention: many lives were
transformed, captives set free, and new vision was cast looking into God’s new
day! The prophetic tone of the entire convention charged the people with a
strong spirit of “dominion” for the days just ahead.
The
leadership there gave Higher Ground a new name, “The Three Wise Men”, and it
prevailed until we left Africa. The reception for us was overwhelming, and the
invitation to return was extended for next year. A real covenant connection was
established between Higher Ground and the leaders on the African continent.
On a
lighter note, there was time for personal and social exchange… With the band and
praise team leading over 10,000 people in singing “Happy Birthday” to Wayne on
November 10th at the Friday evening service — It’s all on video and it is a true
celebration!
During a
morning service that week, Bishop Margaret prayed for people at the altar while
Higher Ground ministered “You Are Healed”. There was an eruption of spontaneous
praise that took everyone higher, and set the spiritual tone for the day.
I
suppose the most surprising thing of all was the reception of our ministry among
the large constituency of BIU. The university embraced us with open arms, and
plans are now set for us to return there for a concert and training sessions
with the students. It was unbelievably electrifying to be present on the campus.
We salute the students and faculty of BIU in the pursuit of excellence.
In
retrospect, I believe we received a crash course in Nigerian culture each time
we turned around. For us, it was preparation for global expansion and increase
for upcoming ministry among the nations. Believing that each step is ordered by
God, the trip was the most productive for us, and both the growth and the
acceleration of apostolic ministry was readily realized as we headed back to
America. The three wise men truly have a second home in Africa! — Wayne,
Eddie and Travis
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