June 8 Update
Dear Friends,
A lot has happened since we last wrote. If you are not familiar with the prophecy which Diane received in March 2002 for Congo please read it on our web site, www.oaktreeministries.org. Since we have been in Congo this time, we have been reading this prophecy every chance we get and we are watching it being fulfilled right before our eyes.
Also, every time we read it, we have been relating a vision the Lord gave Nick. He saw three Africans in a pit about 10 feet deep. They were from different tribes and did not trust each other. Every time one would attempt to climb out the others would grab him and pull him back down. Each said in his heart gif I canft get out then I will be sure no one else doesh. The solution, of course, would be for two to help the third one out. Then he could reach in and pull the others out. This would require that they learn to work together for the common good and put their individual interests aside.
When we were in Congo in 2002 we noticed that the Congolese people were not vengeful and did not hold grudges. We have been telling the churches that the Congolese people can learn to work together and all will get out of the pit. Once the Congolese can be unified, they can be an example to the surrounding nations.
These messages have been received as the word of God with no open opposition and we have been in great demand as a result. Even the government called us to tape a _ hour interview for airing on the government sponsored TV station. It was aired during prime time and was viewed by about 18 million Congolese. We have been teaching that the word of God brings with it the power to fulfill itself and the Christians here are linking the prophecy to events as they unfold.
On Wednesday of last week soldiers of the Rwandese army invaded Eastern Congo. This is not new and has been going on for years now. What is new is the fact that the Congolese people are reacting as a nation. This is the first time ever in the history of Congo that the people have not been divided into factions, tribes, or other special interest groups. Starting Wednesday afternoon and going to about Friday afternoon there were demonstrations in most major cities in the country. This is a miracle!! In the past, when Uganda or Rwanda invaded Congo, there was no outrage. Now the nation is pulling together the way the US did after 9-11-01. Even the various political leaders are working together to secure eastern Congo. A nation is being birthed right before our eyes!! Since we were here in 2002 they have formed a provisional government for the whole nation and written a provisional constitution. Free elections are planed for next year. What a privilege it is to be on hand and witness these historic events first hand.
As a precaution, because of the demonstrations, we have been confined to the compound. The demonstrations have been, for the most part, peaceful. There has been some violence however. At one point on Friday morning we were awakened by gunshots just outside our compound. We believe they were police shooting into the air to disburse the crowd. Our guess is we have been afforded some gadditional protectionh though no one will admit to it. Our first time to venture out was this morning when we went to church with Samuel Dikaniakina (today is Sunday). We were scheduled to address one of the largest churches in Kinshasa today but have been rescheduled for next Sunday. Also, we were to address a very large crowd, about 20 thousand, in an open-air crusade. But, for security reasons that was canceled.
Because we have lost several days, our teaching schedule at the Africa House of Prayer has been reworked so we will be teaching everyday next week through Saturday. This will probably be our last update before our return. We will be home on the 16th of June.
May God richly bless you for your prayers and support during this important trip. Please continue to pray for us, especially during the trip home.
Blessings
Nick & Diane