Earthshaking Evangelism

I'm reading Mark Geppert's book on missions and intercession, called The Attack Lambs: Prayer That Changes The World.

He has a number of amazing stories of powerful and effective prayer.  Here's just one.

In the late 1970's, Mark Geppert and a team were in Guatemala, doing a ministry of prayer-walking.  They were concentrating on mountain villages, giving Bibles to those who could read and who committed to reading the Bible daily with their families, and in this way starting simple house churches.

In natural progression, there were healings and salvations and baptisms and churches formed. It seemed too good to last and, of course, it did not go unchallenged by the Devil.

We arrived in the town of San Jose del Golfo and were joined by the elder there, Lazuro Ochoa Catalan, and two policemen.  One of the policemen was a new brother in the church.  He delivered the news to me that I was not going out to the villages as there was a very important meeting awaiting our arrival...

San Jose is the municipal center of government for about thirty small villages extending from the Atlantic Coast Highway to the Motagua River just fifteen miles east of Guatemala City.  The Lord had given us small groups in each of the villages and a church in San Jose.  Our influence was building in the area and had caught the attention of the government.

As we entered the large meeting room of the town hall, I recognized most of the men.  The mayor of San Jose was there as well as the sub-mayors who presided over each community where I had been distributing Bibles.  They were easily distinguished by their hats and official sticks...

Calling the meeting to order, the mayor had each man stand in front of a chair all of which formed a circle.  He explained to the men who I was, although most of them knew me.  He took great pains to formally introduce Gilbert and Lazuro and expressed their desire to remain.  He explained my Spanish was fine so there was no need for translation.  I would understand their questions and could answer quite well.

While all this was going on I was in the Spirit quietly asking God to neutralize the power of the Enemy arrayed against us so His work could go on to bear fruit.

When the major suggested we start with questions, I immediately jumped in with what the Lord had given me, not knowing where it would lead or even what the next step would be.

"I realize this is a very important meeting and I want to express my appreciation for your coming all the way to be here.  May I suggest, since this is such an important meeting, we follow a custom which we have in my country for such occasions."

They thought that was a good idea and so I explained to them, "In meetings of this importance in my country, we always start with prayer."

They looked at each other and again me.  They were not men of prayer.

"Since this is such an important meeting," I continued to cover their hesitation, "it is important the prayer be done properly.  Just custom you understand... Now in prayers like this it is customary for us as men to pray with our hats off."

They looked to the mayor who, with a condescending shrug, removed his hat.  They too removed their hats and looked around at each other...

Now I was nervous, but I continued as the Lord gave me instructions.

"Since this is such an important meeting, and we surely want it to go well, perhaps we should follow custom another step."

The mayor was not smiling when his eye caught mine.  I had pushed this about as far as I was going to be able.

"Perhaps," I suggested, "we should join hands to pray."

Latin men do not stand around with their hats off holding hands.  They looked to the mayor and then to me; you could see the fire in their eyes.  I took the hands of Gilbert and Lazuro and they in turn reached out for the others.  The men placed their hats and sticks on the chairs behind them and took hands.  A nervous laughter went through the place.

Now, feeling very hung out there by the Lord, I said, "I know that many of you are not used to praying and since this has to be right, may I suggest I lead you in prayer and you all repeat the prayer after me."

Somewhat relieved, they were quick to agree.

"Lord Jesus," I began, and they followed.  "Forgive me of my sins.  Come into my life as my personal Savior and Lord. Give me the power to be a good man and a good leader for my people, in Jesus name."

When they said "in Jesus name," the earth literally shook!  There was an earthquake.  The place shook violently from side to side as well as up and down.  I was scared to death.  Holding Gilbert and Lazuro's hands tightly, I did not open my eyes.

The quake measured 6.5 we found out later.  The mayors ran from the building as they were afraid the terra cotta tiles would come crashing down through the wooden rafters and crush our skulls.  Taking no thought for important hats or sticks, they dashed from the building...  As the dust cleared around us, we three stood petrified by the impact of what had happened!

One by one the men re-entered the room, found their hats and sticks, nodded to us and went off to find out the condition of their village.  Finally, the head mayor came back in.  He put on his hat and, drawing himself to full stature, he said, "I do not know how you did that; but I am authorized to tell you that whatever you need in any of these villages, you have only to ask the man who was in this room and he will get it for you.  You are to come tomorrow with your passport and those of your family and friends and you will receive courtesy visas.  From this day forward you are the invited guests of the government of Guatemala, you have no need to stop for immigration or customs and, should the national police stop you for any reason, just show them this seal and you will be conducted safely and speedily to your destination."

Satan had not only been neutralized, his attack had been turned against him.