Fire in 
the
Hole
“Looking
unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…” Hebrews 12:2
As many of you know, I am about to set out on my 6th trip to Africa. I will be heading into the bush country of the Masai tribe, far from the conveniences of the cities, not only to preach, but to lay a foundation for a revival that I know is coming to this area. I am positive that it will start here in Africa before it rebounds back to us in America. (Long story, and fodder for a different column.)
One of the most important things that I will be doing will be to bring Bibles to these people who have little access to the things that we take for granted. Bibles are scarce out there for two reasons: the lack of money to purchase them for themselves, and their isolation from those who could help. I’m heading into an area that most evangelists never go.
While preaching under the anointing of the Holy Spirit will energize a congregation and light a fire in them, it is the Word of God that will continue to fuel that fire. Long after I am gone, the Bibles I give out will continue to inspire God’s people and feed their souls with His Truth. Without the Word of God to draw them, admonish and convict them, and build their excitement to walk in the Spirit, the fire that has been set will soon go out. You can’t just go there and say, “Be thou warmed and filled”, and then walk away. You have to feed them with God’s Word.
One organization has provided an audio Bible unit called the Proclaimer that can play the Bible in the local language which up to 300 people can listen to at a time. It is solar-powered or hand-cranked, and is perfect for these out-of-the-way villages. They gave me 10, and I purchased another 5. What a blessing these will be for these remote places!
But while community Bible sessions are going to be a big help, people still need their own Bibles for their personal walk of faith. This is not a luxury of life – it is an absolute necessity!
My greatest concern is getting the money that I will need to purchase these Bibles. I spent over $6,000 on Bibles on my last trip alone, and will need about that same amount this time. Asking churches for donations has not yielded any fruit, and there have only been a few individuals who have answered the call to help. While the need is critical, painting a vibrant picture of the desperation has been difficult for me to do effectively. I’m a preacher, not a marketing professional.
But Jesus is not only the author of our faith – He started this ministry and has pointed the way for every step – but He is also the finisher, the completer, the perfecter. What He has started, He will finish. My success is not dependant upon how good I am, how hard I work, or how smart I think I can be – it is dependant upon the working of the Spirit of God to fulfill His purposes. He will do what He says He will do.
You may not hear from me for the next month as I will be out where not only there is no Internet, there is no electricity or running water! In that interim, if you would like to help, every $5.00 you give will buy a Bible for someone who, while starving for God, cannot afford one for themselves. If the Lord leads you to send a donation, please mail a check to Horizon Ministries, PO Box 822, Waxahachie, TX 75168, or call us at (972) 938-8502.
While I have no doubt that the Lord will finish the work He has started, He gives us an opportunity to be a co-laborer with Him. It is a chance to be part of something greater than ourselves, untie His hands to work in our own lives, and answer the Great Commission.
I’ll be back in October and share all the testimonies and miracles with you then.
“Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many
days.
Ecclesiastes 11:1
Dalen Garris, www.revivalfire.org