Gather the Outcasts

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Sunday, August 28, 2011

Prayers for Stephen

Dear beloved: One of the joys of preaching in Kenya was in meeting new people and listening to their stories; indeed, that is one of the great joys of being a missionary in a far off land. In Mumias, Kenya, I had the privilege of praying for a young man named Stephen, who was living with the Pastor Lucas and his wife Jane.

Stephen, who is 12 years old, has a story similar to many in Africa. His father is infected with the HIV virus, unable to take care of him; and Stephen's mother has already passed away from infection with the virus. The father took a couple of stepmothers to help him with the family, and they too became infected and passed away. And so Stephen is now living with the Pastor, his uncle. On the first night that I preached in the Mumias crusade, Stephen was one of the first to step forward for healing and salvation. I layed hands on him, and the mighty healing hand of Jesus touched him. The second day of the crusade he came forward again, and again the mighty healing hand of Jesus touched him. And again on the third day he came forward for healing prayers and the Lord touched him again. By the end of the week he was looking much better, displaying a healthy shine that would be normal for a young man his age. For you see, Stephen also is infected with the HIV virus. On Saturday of the final day of the Mumias crusade we had a baptism service in a river about a mile from the pastor's church, and Stephen was one of the first baptised, a testimony to the mighty work the Lord did in his life that week.

Matthew 18:2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them. v3 And said, "verily I say unto you, Except you be converted and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. v4 Whosoever shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. v5 And whoever shall receive one such little child in my name receives me. v6 But whoever shall offend one of these little ones which believe in Me, it would be better for him that a millstone were hung around his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea." I believe God is going to heal Stephen of AIDS, if He hasn't already, and that Stephen will be used mightily for the Kingdom to bring others to know Jesus as their Lord. Pastor Lucas has about thirty children that his church has taken in that are infected with AIDS, and they would like to build an orphanage as a permanent place to house, care for, and school these children. Would you pray about your part in helping to build an orphanage? They already have the land, now they just need resources for building materials. If you can help, get in touch with me through the contact information on my website, or email me at pureprairie@hotmail.com. Thank you and God bless you, in Christ, Jim

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