Saturday, May 24 2008 @ 04:19 PM EST
Four SOMA members spent a week in the city teaching and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in a core of people in the diocese of Toamasina. Rev Dr David Maurice (a GP), and Mrs Credwyn Hart, from SOMA UK, and Ken and Bev Hargreaves, from SOMA Australia, accompanied Bishop Jean-Paul Solo, and two clergy and two lay persons from the SOMA Conference in Antananrivo to the diocese for teaching in how to be empowered by the Holy Spirit for ministry, church growth and evangelism.
The situation of the church as it stood was one where congregations were regular in worship, loyal to the priest and congregation, but willing to leave the ministry entirely to the parish priest. In line with the Archbishop’s vision, Bishop Jean-Paul wanted lay involvement in each parish’s ministry and evangelism. The lay people, however, felt powerless to progress in this way.
The team started with a core group of about 20. David and Ken led teaching on The Kingdom of God, and the meaning of Jesus’ reconciliation on the cross. They were led into a time of offering themselves once again to God. Bev and Creddie, with their gifts of drama, led these people through acts of forgiveness, reconciliation and openness to God
By the next class, the numbers had increased to about 30. Ken taught on the person and work of the Holy Spirit through history. After Credwyn’s testimony, David led the group into infilling of the Holy Spirit. This was, for them, a precious time.
The final night saw 40-50 come. Bev brought her testimony, and then members of the class were invited to say what the Holy Spirit was doing in their lives. From a quiet, staid people came an outpouring of excited testimony. Numerous times a person would get so excited telling what God had done that the poor translator was left behind, then both would dissolve in laughter.
The final act was to have members of the class pray with and for each other. Everyone participated. The seed had been sown.
Ken Hargreaves - Team Member
