Through the years I have read many biographies and autobiographies of men and women of faith. Their stories of miracle encounters have inspired me. I have seen through their lives how a mighty God can use the simplest of vessels for his glory. 

Corrie Ten Boom, Billy Graham, Aimee Simple McPherson, David Livingstone, Lottie Moon, Charles Spurgeon, Lydia Prince, Andrew Fuller, Amy Carmichael, John G. Lake, Heidi Baker, and many others have challenged me to “come up higher” with their testimonies of commitment to God and love for mankind. 

One of my favorite stories comes from the life of Smith Wigglesworth, 1859-1947, a British evangelist and faith healer. While he was riding in a passenger train, a brief stop allowed a man to board and enter the car that Smith Wigglesworth was sitting in. The man walked by Wigglesworth and cried out, “You convict me of sin!”  

He had not spoken a word to the new passenger, but the power of the Holy Spirit within Wigglesworth reveal the man’s heart and convicted him of his need for forgiveness.

 I always thought that would be an amazing experience for any minister. It reminded me of Zechariah 4:6 “This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” The light within us can dispel the darkness of sin with a word. 

I had such and experience recently during my ministry visit to South Africa. A team of eight others and myself completed a full four days of ministry and had set out on Monday to visit satellite churches where EWAN graduates were pastoring and growing the household of faith. 

Our last church visit was to a poor area that we affectionately call,” The Children’s Church.” It had begun during my first visit five years ago and was simply four sticks with a tarp spread across to cover the spiritually hungry children who gathered to worship and sing to the Lord. 

EWAN immediately purchased a tent, chairs, and tables for temporary use for the growing church of children. Eventually a concrete block building was erected, and the “Children’s Church” continued to grow. They were the light in the darkness of poverty and pain. They brought the hope and the joy that could only be dispensed by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

We entered the church, circled, held hands in unity and began to pray for God’s blessings and growth. After a season of prayer, we stepped outside and began to walk to the van. 

A man with tears streaming down his face began running toward us screaming, ‘I am a sinner! I am a sinner!” Another man followed his lead. They stood before me with desperation and conviction in their eyes. 

I asked Pastor Thomas to come and help with the language barrier. In moments, the two men were down on their knees praying a prayer of salvation and repentance, weeping in the presence and power of the Lord. Every molecule in my body was shaken and my mind said, “This is New Testament stuff!”  

As the two men rose up, I extended my hand and said, “Welcome to the body of Christ!” We shared the times of the church meetings and invited them to come for teaching and fellowship. It was an amazing end to a five day ministry conference for all nine members of the team. We were speechless. 

Our prayer inside the church had been that God would send adults to become apart of the fellowship. The faithfulness of the children had made a way for the gospel to bring healing, salvation, and deliverance to the entire township. Within minutes of praying, these first two adult converts came to join! Praise the Lord! 

1 Corinthians 4:20: “For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.”

1 Thessalonians 1:5: “For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as you know what manner of men were among you for your sake.”

Many times, as Christians we think we have to make things happen. In truth all we have to do is be filled with the Spirit of God and be available for him to call on. He does great and mighty miracles with willing vessels! 

I hope this true story encourages you to believe for the hand of God to work through you. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Don’t let fear or disobedience keep you from the miraculous work of God!