Pouring Forth

My challenge to the African teenagers chosen to help lead teaching on identity and freedom in Jesus was concluding in the rural Northern Uganda classroom when the rain began. The metal roof made even the beginning sprinkle sound impressive. Then the sound of sheets of rain pounding on the roof in an all-out storm became overpowering.

Not wanting to go out in the downpour, Denis, one of the Ugandan adult leaders in the village established for children impacted by years of war, shouted that the kids should sing praises to God.

As the clouds continued to open up and thunder clapped, the Spirit also poured forth. The praise was elevated to a heavenly level with great passion, tears and joyful dancing.

Overwhelmed, I sensed a specific leading from the LORD. Then I prayed for confirmation of the leading. Then I responded in obedience by telling the students at the top of my lungs that God was opening the floodgates of heaven to pour His anointing upon them. Impossibly, the worship escalated.
 
As the storm subsided, we all left quietly, sobered by the presence of the LORD.

"This is a day these kids will never forget," said a leader.

Me neither.

Mark Noblin

Boldly Moving Forward

God is opening a new door for The Rock's BOLD teaching of freedom, acceptance, security and significance in Jesus to traumatized young survivors of war-torn Northern Uganda.

Aerial View of Village of Hope

Accompanied by Rock-trained African disciples, we have accepted an invitation to spread the Good News at the remote Village of Hope next month.

The Village of Hope extends Jesus' love "through our time, love, and hope in the grace of God to bring healing to the hundreds of orphans affected by the brutal attacks of Joseph Kony and his army by the name of the Lord's Resistance Army." Founder Cindy Cunningham believes the message of freedom in Christ is essential for healing the emotional and spiritual wounds of the young people. She has embraced The Rock's BOLD adaptation for Africa of the Freedom in Christ Ministries. (BOLD is for Believers Overcoming Lies of the Devil - a compelling message in the African culture).

We are excited to encourage the Village of Hope leadership team, present an overview to the young people and hang out in the homes with the kids and house mothers. We are trusting God to plant the seeds for fundamental change in individual lives. Our identity in Jesus as taught in BOLD is not a program nor curriculum. It is a paradigm shift that penetrates the essence of who we are spiritually every bit as much as our DNA defines our biological makeup.

God is multiprocessing as this also is a great opportunity for African disciples currently in BOLD fellowships to put to use for the Kingdom what they have learned by serving others in Northern Uganda.

In addition, the opportunity to serve other ministries is confirmation of The Rock's leading to be a teaching resource to western and indigenous ministries. While in Uganda, we will be exploring opportunities for developing a BOLD Resource Center near Uganda Christian University, which could include a guest house, media center and meeting space.

This is a faith journey and we trust the Lord to provide as we go. Please pray if He would have you be a part of this BOLD initiative.

Going Deep

Rock Board Members Dan Vick, Mark and Margaret Noblin

Having received more than $13 billion in humanitarian aid since 2001, Uganda President Yoweri Museveni in October 2012 kicked off celebration of 50 years of colonial independence by dedicating his country to God and repenting.

“I denounce witchcraft and satanic practices. I repent on behalf of Uganda. We confess our sins. We repent of the sins of shedding innocent blood, corruption, bribery, sexual immorality, drunkenness, rebellion, insubordination, tribalism and sectarianism.”

Not even the $1.7 billion given in aid last year has been able to make a dent in the lies of satan holding back the country nicknamed “The Pearl of Africa” by Sir Winston Churchill.

The Rock has seen fruit in making impactful disciples through scholarship and small business loan programs, but we also have seen lives destroyed through corrupted attitudes and actions toward money. We have realized lack of money is not the primary obstacle faced in resource-rich Africa.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12)

So we believe the Lord is leading us away from projects involving money towards application-based teaching and discipleship focused on our BOLD message. Our BOLD Resource Center in Mukono Uganda will be a haven for truth, Christian media and “iron sharpening iron” fellowship.  (Proverbs 27:17)  It also will be a center for online teaching from the U.S.

In the Light or In the Tomb?

From Mark Noblin
Kisumu, Kenya

God blessed me doubly this Resurrection Day, first with the opportunity to preach at King Jesus Celebration Center in Kisumu Kenya and second with the perfect African illustrations to support the message of freedom in Jesus.

Celebrating Ken's Graduation

I challenged the brethren whether as believers they had emerged with Jesus from the tomb sealed with a stone and guarded by soldiers. Or, had they accepted Jesus’ payment for their sins on the cross only to remain in bondage and fear in the tomb, fearful to step out into the light and past the soldiers (Satan’s demons who wish to deny them abundant life on earth even though their place in heaven is secure.)

While attending a glorious celebration in a rural Kenya homestead on Saturday for Ken Mollo, a Rock graduate, one of the speakers spoke a shocking truth. He said many Kenya families would not dare carry on such a celebration for fear evil spirits or curses brought on by a witch doctor motivated by the jealousy of others would kill them for celebrating in such a way.

Multiplication and Mentoring

Pastor Peter

Multiplication and mentoring are key measures of discipleship and Rock businessman Daniel Mwangi has practiced both to help Pastor Peter Otieno support his family.

Daniel (featured in the Rock video A Firm Place to Stand) received business and discipleship training from The Rock before receiving a no interest loan to expand his retail dry goods business. With much prayer, dedication and hard work, Daniel’s business prospered and he added new locations.

When Peter, who pastors in a small village near Daniel, needed to supplement his income, The Rock suggested he turn to Daniel for advice.