Abundant Life Ministries

Jesus loves you just as you are right now. Don't wait until you get it right to give your life to Him. He specializes in turning a mess into a master piece. He's waiting do it right now.

THE WORLD IS SEEKING FOR SOLUTIONS WHERE IS THE CHURCH?

To compare the Black Plague of 1347-1352 CE that destroyed 50 percent of Europe population (over 50 million people died) and our current corona virus pandemic will be unfair. But what was true then is true now. The Church in Europe during that period had become a mere religious organization that has the appearance of godliness but denying its power (2 Timothy 3:5).

Interestingly, as the infamous plague was becoming dangerous and the cause unknown, the Church attributed it to the wrath of God brought about by the sins of the people. Consequently, they prescribed traditional religious responses of fasting, prayer and attending Mass to keep them safe. Thus, the people reacted with hopeful cure and responded based on religious belief.

But anyone who understands the ways of God knows that God abhor religion but honors genuine relationship. So as the plague raged on and God seemed deaf to the prayers and supplications of these people, they became disenchanted and discouraged. Ironically, the perceived failure of God to answer their prayer to stop the spread of the disease or save those who had been infected, contributed to the decline of the medieval Church, setting the stage for the Protestant Reformation.

Like the time of the medieval Church, we are in the middle of corona virus pandemic; sadly, the Church like everyone else, has no inkling of what to do or how to respond to the pandemic because we are out of touch with God. It's therefore no wonder some of the absurd comments coming from some Church leaders and laity - that Covid-19 vaccine is the mark of the beast (666). Thus, discouraging people from taking the vaccine. How ridiculous and disingenuous can you get?

In the Bible, we see the nation of Israel in a similar situation, they were God's chosen people but they turned their back on God and as a result found themselves in a sordid condition. And while the Psalmist was seeking the face of the Lord in prayer to put away His displeasure and to restore the nation. He prayed, "Will You not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in You?" (Psalm 85:6).

Undoubtedly, I believe that is the prayer that should be on the lips of everyone right now. Revival, renewal, out pouring, or times of refreshing, it doesn't matter what you call it, it's a matter of semantics. The fact is that there's no better time to seek spiritual awakening than now, especially with the unending menace of covid -19 that has put the entire world in a state of frenzy.

You don't have to be a Psychologist or Counselor to see a sense of anxiety, restlessness and hopelessness on the faces of people. Some people's heart are failing them, they don't know who to turn to for answers. And whether we like it or not the onus is on us (the Church). Because, if we've been telling people that Jesus is the answer to world's problems, this is the time to prove it. Quite frankly, our Lord has never been known to be a renegade, He's equal to the task. The Bible attest to that "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble" (Psalm. 46:1).

We see this play out during Prophet Ezekiel's time. In a vision, God sent him down to the valley full of dry bones. "Then He asked him, son of man can these bones live? And he answered, o Lord God, You know. Then He said to him, prophesy over these bones ... I will cause breathe to enter them, and they shall live" (Ezekiel 37:3-5). Although the reviving of the bones by God through Ezekiel signified the restoration of Israel as a nation which eventually took place in 1948. However, it's an indication that the Lord is able to change any situation regardless of how bad it seems.

As the body of Christ, we have a window of opportunity to impact this world for Christ at this point in time or become irrelevant as the medieval Church. Throughout the history of Christianity, the Church have been known to provide ebbs and flows of spiritual fervor in the times of crisis. It's time for us to rekindle our love for the Lord, that He may use us as He used Ezekiel to make a difference in his generation. Apostle James in his letter tells us how: "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners and purify your heart double minded people" (James 4:8).

Evidently, God is touching the hearts of His people: there's a growing conviction everywhere, especially among Christians. Many are saying, unless revival comes, things are going to get worse, since man's efforts have not provided the much needed result and there seems to be no end in sight with the pandemic. Dr. Adrian Rogers who was the pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis Tennessee and president of Love Worth Finding Broadcast once said, "Study the history of revival. God has always sent revival in the darkest times, when His people cry out to Him".

The truth is that revival begins in the individual's heart that is willing to seek the Lord in Spirit and truth. Charles Finney, the leader in the Second Great Awakening in the US and the father of modern Revivalism said, "A revival is nothing else than a new beginning of obedience to God". As you begin to seek God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind, the Holy Spirit touches your heart and you are made anew, He gives you a new fervor, compassion, zeal, new light and life. And then He sends you to go forth to the valley of dry bones - not only to restore hope but to give them life. You never have to advertise a fire. Everyone comes running when there's fire. I charge you to seek the Lord with all your heart and see what He will do in you and through you.

We are about proclaiming Christ and changing lives one person at a time

EVANGELISM IS A PRIVILEGE

Evangelism is not a task that God does Himself. Rather, He sovereignly chooses to accomplish this great work through His children. If He saw fit, He could use the angels to proclaim the truth of the gospel. However, He has chosen to use us, frail and sinful as we are, for this very important work.
These are the days of harvest, the fields are as white in the world. As laborers in the Lord's vineyard, let us go and declare the gospel of Christ to the lost and desperate world.

WHAT WE DO

- Evangelistic Campaigns & Revival Meetings

Evangelist Raphael Chynwuba's passion is to proclaim the message of God's love and salvation to a lost and dying world, to heal the sick and to set the captive free through the power of the Holy Spirit.

- Equipping the Saints

We believe God's mandate to all evangelists is not just to proclaim the gospel for the salvation of the lost. But also to equip the Saints for the work of ministry and to dig deeper into the word of God for spiritual edification and strength.

- Prayer and Care

The book of Psalms says, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble" (Psalms 46:1).
Everything we do revolves around prayer, because the prayer of the righteous avails much.

If you or someone you know would like to share your prayer request or just talk, give us a call. We are ready to listen and to offer prayer, encouragement and counseling.

- Speaking Engagements

Raphael is honored to accept speaking engagements for Weekly Services, Conferences, Evangelistic Campaigns and Revival Meetings.

For Speaking Engagements contact us at:

Telephone #: (832) 661-5902

Email:
[email protected]

Address: 1211 Stuart Street, Houston, Tx 77004