Hammanskraal is a small town situated virtually on the border of the North West and Gauteng provinces of South Africa, serving a large rural community. Known to be one of the previously disadvantaged areas that suffered most under Apartheid, the people in Hammanskraal were eager to hear the glorious Good News of an irresistible Saviour. Over five nights in the Temba Stadium, we witnessed a mighty influx of changed lives. Each evening, eight buses transported people both from and back to their homes in the outlying rural areas. Below are a few highlights from this spectacular week of divine interventions.

A portion of the crowd at the Temba Stadium, Hammanskraal

SAVING GRACE

The Gospel went forth with simple clarity each night, every invitation made for listeners to accept Jesus resulting in a steady stream of both young and old flocking forward to receive Christ. “I didn’t know I was a sinner before tonight,” said one young man after asking Jesus to be his Lord. “Today, I know I am a sinner. But, because of Jesus, I am going to heaven!” A lady joyously declared, “When I was asking Jesus to be my Saviour, I felt that I was no longer on this earth, I felt the presence of the Lord. Now, I feel like for the first time, I am breathing fresh air.” Another woman boldly proclaimed, “I feel so free, I feel like I want to shout ‘Jesus’! I’m so happy tonight, I’ve never been this happy in my life. I know that Jesus loves me, I know that I’m going to make it.” Another who had been constantly tormented by demonic attacks, was entirely set free after she gave her life to Jesus. She bore witness the following evening of how the frightful scratching sensation that used to characterise such attacks, had entirely disappeared. Yes indeed, our Jesus is mighty to save and mighty to deliver!

Tamryn preaches the Gospel

People stream forward to accept Jesus

Praying the salvation prayer

Over thirty-five churches took hands with IHN in the planning of this event. They are now hard at work, following up the hundreds of new converts, ensuring that they are planted in Spirit-filled churches, enabling them to grow strong and tall in their newfound walk with God.

JESUS, OUR HEALER

Whenever the pure Gospel is preached, miracles are sure to follow. We rejoiced as a lady testified of a tumour disappearing, another of a heart problem, yet another of God immediately stopping her constant bleeding for the past four months. A chronic back problem disappeared in a flash of Holy Spirit power. One certain young man who had been suffering terribly since February after having been diagnosed with Hepatitis B, was set free from the constant pain that had tormented him for months. Smiling from ear to ear, he exclaimed, “God can do everything, He can do the things that a human being cannot do. I thank God for all that He has done for me tonight.” Another gentleman was healed of a stomach ulcer that had been plaguing him for the past four years. An elderly lady whose knees had grown sore and stiff from years of domestic work, left the crusade nimble and pain-free. Thank you Jesus, you are indeed the same, yesterday, today and forever!

Tamryn and associate evangelist Samuel Murrombe, move down the prayer line

HOLY SPIRIT RAIN DOWN

From the Thursday through to the Saturday morning of the crusade week, we held a three-day conference on the Holy Spirit and evangelism specifically for local pastors and church leaders. The teachings built up to the final session, when the baptism in the Holy Spirit was prayed for. The results were spectacular, those in attendance being filled to capacity with the Holy Spirit, speaking in new tongues and praising God for His priceless gift. One lady pastor keenly chattered, “My life is changed, touched, all the rust has been removed, the Holy Spirit has pimped my ride here on earth!” Having been empowered by the Spirit of God, these church leaders will shake Hammanskraal and its surrounds like never before. Dear Jesus, thank you for your precious Holy Spirit!

In addition, after the Gospel had been preached during the Saturday evening crusade service, the baptism in the Holy Spirit was also taught on and prayed for. A flood of people poured forward, eager to be filled to overflowing with the Spirit of God. Once again, we witnessed a glorious outpouring, God giving so eagerly to those who cried out for more of Him.

The fire falls

CHURCH UNITY

The local pastors expressed their joy over the unity thathas developed among the churches, since the planning for the crusade began. According to them, such unity is unprecedented. “We have never prayed together or worked together before quite like this,” said one pastor. “Not one of us felt more important than the other,” said the chairman of the Crusade Planning Committee, “We were all colleagues labouring together to expand the Kingdom.” What a wonderful testimony. The devil is certainly in trouble, the churches of Hammanskraal have taken hands and are on the march!

CONCLUSION

Our many thanks to you, dear partners, for making this crusade possible through your prayers and giving. The captives were truly set free, and we glorify our Jesus for the awesome privilege of being his hands and feet in a desperate world. Farewell Hammanskraal. You have touched our hearts, and we will never forget you.