Joy's Blog

Autumn in Quebec

2011-11-03T00:17:00.001-04:00

Autumn in Quebec is beautiful, with the reds, oranges, golds and yellows of the changing leaves. The past two months have been a beautiful season of ministry in Quebec. I have been to Val d’Or, Kahnawake, Quebec City, Lasalle, Rimouski, and Shawinigan ... in French, English, and First Nations settings. God has moved, and peoples' live have been touched by His grace. Beautiful!

It was a joy to be part of the ministry team for the Quebec Native Women’s retreat in Val d’Or (September 9-11). This weekend had some "firsts." For the first time, a leadership training day was held before the start of the retreat. For the first time, a group of teenage girls spent the Saturday afternoon serving. They went out to minister to people living on the streets ... sharing socks, sandwiches, words of hope, and prayer. Beautiful!

These Native ladies know how to raise money for missions. They gave almost $10,000 during the retreat. And over two months, they raised another $7,748 for famine relief in the Horn of Africa. One Mom involved her kids: they baked muffins and sold them in the community. For a substantial profit. Other ladies also found creative forms of "micro-enterprise" to generate funds. Some "lived on less" for a time so they could give half of their grocery budget. Beautiful!

Next Thursday I leave for Uganda. Three weeks of cross-cultural missions training at MTC (Missions Transformation Centre) Uganda. Then missions conferences in two regions. What a privilege to walk with Pentecostal Assemblies of God Uganda in their vision to "send and serve" within Uganda and internationally. Beautiful!

"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" (Rom. 10:15)

Pastor Félix & Denise Bélisle, Rimouski

Quebec Native Women's Retreat

Young Native women asking God to use them to touch nations

Mission Accomplished!

2011-09-08T22:34:00.000-04:00

Mission accomplished! We have completed another successful “School of Church Planting” at Missions Transformation Centre (MTC), Uganda.The group was small, but this allowed us to invest more deeply in each participant. Each one went home with a specific plan to increase the impact of their church planting efforts. I thank God for the vision of Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) Uganda to train workers for church planting and missions. Sending and serving! Thank you for your prayers and financial support that help make my involvement here possible!

It was a blessing to have Pastor Rebecca Paavola (Gaspé, QC) with us. Rebecca helped students plan an afternoon of children’s ministry. We expected 30-50 children. Two hundred came! Most had never been to a church. After Bible stories, games, snacks, singing, and life-skills teaching, several made clear decisions to receive Christ as Saviour. There had been much debate in class about whether a child has the capacity to enter into a real relationship with Jesus Christ. Seeing children do so seemed to settle the question! More than 50% of the African population is under age 15 years. Effective church planting must include reaching children.

Most students came from the remote region of Karamoja. We were able to focus on needs specific to their context. How do you teach “Research for Church Planting” to workers whose context centres on cattle herding and cattle raiding? Simon Peter Emiau, PAG Uganda General Superintendent, explained it in terms that the students can easily pass on to their teams at home. Before Karamojong raiders move in to take cattle, scouts are sent ahead to determine number and location of cattle, community defences, etc. This is field research! The students understood very well. Looking forward to see how God will use the training in their ministries!

Click here for more photos.

Uganda: Multiplying the Impact at MTC

2011-07-22T00:56:00.004-04:00

Those who have attended training at Missions Transformation Centre (MTC) are having an impact. They are moving forward with pioneer church planting; starting children’s ministry among a cluster of churches; beginning to connect into Sudan; using professional skills to reach out to a people group who are closed to traditional methods of missions . . . and more.

As a result, the demand for MTC training is growing. Facilities need to be expanded. Pray for the Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) Uganda leadership as they consider how to handle the opportunities and the challenges. There is adjacent land for sale!

I return to Uganda August 2-September 5 for the next MTC session. We will have a new group of students for church planting training. (In November, we will focus on cross-cultural missions). We will also do a “training of trainers” with a team from Karamoja to equip them to train church planters in their region. Multiplying the impact!

Interested in investing in ministry at MTC? Click here for information on how to give.

Teaching

Visiting a church-based coffee growing project. Transforming Communities!

Experiencing Children's Ministry

Group Discussion

Thankful for our cooks!

Praise & Worship

Friends! With Rose Emiau & Pat Golbeck

Quebec: From Gatineau to Gaspé

2011-07-21T23:46:00.001-04:00

Over the last three months, I’ve preached in Gatineau (western Quebec), shared with pastors in Gaspé (eastern tip of Quebec, 1,000 km away), and preached at many points in between. These have been fruitful months of ministry. People have encountered Jesus Christ and have been filled with the Holy Spirit. One pastor challenged the people to place their watches in the offering basket and give the Holy Spirit time to move as they prayed at the altar. He did -- powerfully! It was also a joy to spend a day with the pastors of the Quebec East section. I was encouraged as they shared their hearts for ministry.

As I look ahead to September and October in Quebec, I am excited about opportunities in First Nations settings. I will be part of the ministry team at the Quebec Native Women’s Ministry retreat in Val d’Or Sept. 9-11, and will preach at Kahnawake (Mohawk) for two services on Sept. 25.

Women's Retreat, Gatineau

Amqui June 10-12 - "Pentecost: Purpose & Power"

Pastors of Quebec-East Section, Gaspé

Rev. André Gagnon, Rivière-du-Loup

From MTC Uganda: Patrick's Story

2011-04-13T16:14:00.001-04:00

We have just completed three weeks of church planting/missions training at MTC (Missions Transformation Centre) Uganda: teaching, discussion, field trips, prayer, mentoring, counselling. Most of the 26 who attended were returning students coming for the next level of training. What a joy to hear stories of how they have applied previous MTC training. Let me tell you one of those stories.

Patrick sharing his story

Patrick is a young evangelist who attended MTC missions training last year. At the start of that session, God called him to leave home to plant a church in a specific town in a remote area of Uganda. Different language, different culture, harsh conditions. He wrestled with that call, but by the end of the training said, “Yes Lord.” He set out for this town In July . . . with five dollars of fuel in his motorcycle, some plates and bedding, no money, and no promise of support. When the fuel ran out, he traded all but one of his plates for more fuel. There have been many challenges, but God has led and provided each step of the way.

Eight months later, a fellowship of 50 new believers is meeting regularly. Patrick’s wife and children have moved to join him. Land has been purchased and the people have begun making bricks for a church building. There are plans to develop a school to serve children from surrounding villages where there are no schools. None of these villages has a church. Patrick and the new believers will plant churches in two of these villages per year until every person in the area has opportunity to hear the gospel. This cluster of churches will then serve as a sending base to take God’s love to another unreached area.

Please pray for Patrick . . . and for the other MTC students who returned home on Friday. Each has their own story. I thank God for the privilege of having some input into these stories. Thank you to each of you who is supporting financially and in prayer!

More photos from MTC

Click here for information on how to support the ministry.

Tamil Nadu India, Jan-Feb 2011

2011-03-12T07:07:00.002-05:00

"I'm always outside the church listening, but I don't have Jesus on the inside. I need Jesus on the inside."

I heard these words from an elderly man. He works as the caretaker of a church property. I spoke in that church for 3 evenings, each time inviting people to receive Christ. He had been listening outside. As we were leaving the church compound on the final evening, I had a brief encounter with him. And he had a powerful encounter with Jesus. The result was that he prayed to invite Jesus into His life, and instantly became an "insider" to the family of God!

The time in India included pastor's seminars, evangelistic services, Bible College teaching, Sunday ministry in churches, and much more. People came to Christ (and were healed and set free); Christians committed themselves to greater involvement in reaching the unreached. Pastors said that God challenged them and encouraged them in very specific ways. There was a special opportunity to share with students at a teacher's college. Many indicated a desire to follow Christ. Thanks to Rev. Clarence Maruthiah and other Assemblies of God leaders who hosted me so graciously.

Graduating BTh class, Trinity Bible College

Village Church

City church

Hearing the Word of God

Pastor's Seminars

Praying together

With Pastor Clarence

December Newsletter

2010-12-20T10:54:00.000-05:00

"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"-which means, "God with us” (Matt. 1:23). Think about it: “GOD with US”! That’s love. And that’s reason to be thankful!

Thankful for the past year

What a privilege to have ministered in English, French, First Nations, and ethnic churches here in Quebec. Quebec is the Western world’s most needy mission field. Over 1.8 million people in 850 communities have no evangelical church witness!

And what a privilege to have spent a total of over 3 months in Uganda, working alongside the leadership of Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG), Uganda. At Missions Transformation Centre (MTC), we launched a 6-week Missions training in February and a 3-week Church Planting training in August. In November, I taught at three regional pastor’s conferences in the North. It was a joy to see those who have attended MTC moving forward, taking the hope and healing of Jesus Christ to individuals, families and communities . . .among their own people and beyond. As they go, they take “Immanuel, God with us”!

Karamajong ladies, Kotido

Pastor's seeking God, Adjumani

Thankful for the coming year

I’m thankful for new opportunities in the coming year:

Teaching a one-week intensive “Introduction to Missions” course at Institut Biblique du Québec, Jan. 10-14. May God stir a passion in His people to reach Quebec and the world!
Experiencing my first ministry opportunity in India (Tamil Nadu state) Jan. 16-Feb. 12. I will teach at Pastor’s conferences, along with other ministry.
Launching “Level 2” of MTC’s Missions and Church Planting training. I’m sold out to PAG Uganda’s vision to transition from mission field to mission force. (Really, I’m sold out to God’s passion to reach nations. “Immanuel, God with all peoples.” I look forward to ongoing involvement at MTC in 2011 and beyond!

New opportunities are good. New relationships are even better! I’m excited to be “in process” to become a “Minister in Partnership” with the PAOC International Missions Department. This will provide a formal relationship with PAOC International Missions, while allowing me to continue to work under my present ministry umbrella. I will still be based in Canada and available for ministry here. This should be in place early in 2011.

Thankful for you!

I thank God for each one of you who prays and gives and offers encouragement and gives counsel. You make this ministry possible. Together, we are co-workers with God! During this Christmas season and always, may we experience Him as “Immanuel, God with us.”

New opportunities call for new partnerships! Please consider partnering financially for the India ministry in January. Or become a monthly partner, supporting new opportunities throughout the year.

To Partner Financially:

Make cheques payable to "Joy Johnston Ministries" and send to the address below
Give online at www.joyjohnston.ca
Receipts will be issued for gifts of $20 or more

Please Pray For:

Preparation for upcoming ministry
Effective, fruitful ministry
Health, strength, and protection: physically, emotionally, spiritually
New financial and prayer partners for 2011
Peace and stability in Uganda during elections (2nd half of February)

Getting There

2010-12-14T03:30:00.001-05:00

Between Abim and Lira. CLICK to enlarge.

It's not always easy to get there. "There" is wherever God wants you to be or whatever He wants you to accomplish. November ministry in Northern Uganda: 1,800 km. of road travel on roads that were sometimes broken, flooded, or washed out. It wasn't easy to get there, but with God's help, we did. It was worth it.

Many, many generations ago, God spoke through the prophet Zechariah to a man named Zerubbabel. Zerubbabel was among the first who returned to Jerusalem after Israel's long captivity in Babylon. The city was in ruins. He set out to rebuild the temple. But it wasn't easy to get there, and he gave up . . . for 17 years! The obstacles and opposition seemed like an insurmountable mountain.

But one day God spoke: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty. 'What are you, O mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of 'God bless it! God bless it! . . . The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also complete it.' (Zechariah 4:6-7, 9). Zerbubbel went back to work. And he got there. Four years later, the completed temple was dedicated with great rejoicing. It was worth it.

Where does God want you to be? What does He want you to accomplish? No, it's not always easy to get there. There will likely be obstacles and opposition. But They can't stand before the power of God's Spirit. . . God has already spoken. We can get there. And it is worth it!

Time to pack!

2010-11-14T07:48:00.000-05:00

It's time to pack! It's hard to believe I will arrive in Canada from Uganda late tomorrow afternoon.

Receiving my chicken!

The Gulu conference was excellent, with church leaders gathering from as far north as the Sudan border. The conference ended with pastors sitting together to set ministry goals, a very positive step. Churches in this region face challenges as they adapt ministry to significant social change. The people now returning home after living over 20 years in camps during the rebel insurgency are very different from the people who entered those camps. As in Kotido, it was good to see leaders who have attended training at Missions Transformation Centre. And it was encouraging to hear from their bishop (district superintendent) that the MTC training has had a positive impact. I also experienced a personal first in Gulu. During the Sunday morning service, I was presented with a live chicken. She is still awaiting her passport for travel to Canada!

The Kaberamaido conference was cancelled due to the sudden death of Rev. Stephen Chatepa, General Superintendent of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Malawi, during a visit to Uganda. Please pray for his family and for the church fellowship in Malawi. The change in schedule has given me a few days in Kampala to rest and reflect. Yesterday I was encouraged as I meditated on words from the Old Testament: "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you" (Psalm 32:8). In two of the regions where we held conferences, the Old Testament has not yet been translated into the local language. Many pastors and evangelists do not read or understand English. They might be encouraged by these same words, but they don't yet have access to them. They are also left with gaps in their foundational understanding of who God is and how He works. Please pray for the ongoing work of Bible translation around the world.

Many thanks from Uganda to all who have supported financially and in prayer. In each conference, leaders expressed how the teaching equipped, encouraged and challenged them to take concrete steps forward. Your partnership has made a difference!

Update from Uganda

2010-11-04T16:39:00.000-04:00

Two leadership conferences completed, two to go!

In Kotido (Karamoja region) about 200 pastors and church leaders gathered. It was good to see several who have come to MTC for training, and to hear what God has been doing in their ministries since then. The Pentecostal Assemblies of God in Karamoja has a goal to plant 30 churches over a three year period. Twelve have been established in the first year! And this in areas where both the spiritual ground and the physical conditions are hard. The conference in Adjumani (West Nile region) closed with a time of seeking The Holy Spirit for fresh creativity and empowerment. God ministered powerfully!

Travel has been quite difficult. Roads have been damaged by heavy rain and some bridges have been washed out. We thank God that we have been able to make it through to each destination, in spite of some serious challenges. It was a delight to travel and minister with Rev. Benjamin Okwir (PAG general secretary) and his wife Catherine for the first two conferences. We drove through regions of northern Uganda where Rev. Benjamin walked hundreds of miles in the 1980's to bring the gospel to villages and towns. That put our travel challenges into perspective!

The Gulu conference starts tomorrow (Friday) morning, and continues through Saturday evening. Then we move to Kaberamaido for the final conference next week. Tomorrow I will be team teaching with Rev. George Omara, the bishop (district superintendent) from Karamoja. Rev. Simon Peter Emiau and his wife Rose will join us tomorrow evening for the rest of the itinerary. Rev. Simon's eye is healing well after surgery in Canada. Pray that God directs us and uses us to bring something that will help the work of God to move forward. Pray for continued safety and strength as we travel. Thank you for your encouragement and support!

October Update: Uganda Oct. 25-Nov. 15

2010-10-15T18:31:00.000-04:00

September was an excellent month, filled with ministry in Quebec churches. It's good to be a part of what God is doing in this province! Thanks to the churches who hosted me.

Uganda Oct. 25-Nov. 15

It will be a privilege to again work with the leadership of Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) Uganda. I will be preaching at pastors'/church leaders' conferences in four regions of Uganda: Kotido (Karamoja), Adjumani (West Nile), Gulu (Acholi), and Kaberamaido (Teso). Our goal is to strengthen leadership foundations and ignite leadership passion for a greater church planting and missions thrust from each of these regions. In Karamoja, for example, PAG Uganda has set a goal of planting 30 new churches from 2010-2012. This remote and arid area in the northeast lags behind the rest of Uganda in development, and has been much less penetrated by the gospel. The regional conference will help equip and motivate leaders to move forward effectively with their church planting vision. When churches are planted, Jesus comes . . . in and through His people. When Jesus comes, He brings hope and transformation . . . to individuals, families, and communities.

It's not too late to participate financially! Funds are still needed to make this ministry in Uganda fully possible. Please make cheques payable to "Joy Johnston Ministries Inc." and mail to:

9 de Cambrai, #8, Chateauguay, QC J6K 5H3

Or give online at www.joyjohnston.ca

Looking to 2011
I'm excited about a Saturday "Children's Missions Day" at Dorion Pentecostal Church in early January. Then January 10-14, I'll be teaching an intensive "Introduction to Missions" course (in French!) at Institut Biblique du Québec. Planning is underway for ministry in India in late January and early February. (Pastors . . . I still have some dates available for Canadian ministry in late November and December!)

Please Pray

For Simon Peter Emiau, General Superintendent of Pentecostal Assemblies of God Uganda. He will be having eye surgery in Canada on Monday, Oct. 18.
For safety, health, strength, and fruitful ministry in Uganda.
For God's direction in planning and preparation for other upcoming ministry.

Thank you for your support, encouragement, and partnership in the ministry!

Photos: MTC Uganda School of Church Planting

2010-09-22T20:50:00.000-04:00

August 2010. Three weeks of intensive and practical church planting training at MTC (Missions Transformation Centre), just north of Kampala. God did some amazing things in the lives of the Ugandan evangelists and pastors who attended. They'll be back for more next year. I'm so thankful to have been part of the teaching team!
Click here to see more photos: School of Church Planting

Photos: Kabale Prayer Conference

2010-09-22T20:24:00.000-04:00

What a privilege to share the Word at a Regional Prayer Conference held in Kabale, Uganda in late July! PAG (Pentecostal Assemblies of God) pastors and leaders gathered from various parts of Western Uganda for 3 days of teaching, worship and prayer.
Click here to see more photos:
Regional Prayer Conference, Kabale

Who is He? Really.

2010-09-17T01:16:00.001-04:00

Jesus. Who is He? Really. Read Revelation 5:5-9. He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah who has triumphed; He is the slain Lamb who with His blood purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. Surprise! The conquering Lion is really a slaughtered Lamb. The slaughtered Lamb is really a conquering Lion. He is so much more than we expect. After all ... He is "above all." He is worthy of all our worship, of all we have and all we are. After all ... He is FAR "above all." Read Ephesians 1:20-21.
Let yourself be surprised by who He is. Really.
And watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoEmtozrrMs

From Uganda

2010-08-23T17:18:00.000-04:00

Bishop James with new believer

It has been a fruitful month of ministry in Uganda. First stop was Kabale, in the south, where I was part of the ministry team for a regional conference. Pastors and leaders gathered from a broad area of western and southern Uganda. It was so good to meet James Tumwijukye, Pentecostal Assemblies of God bishop in Kabale...and to hear the story of how God broke into this region in the 1980's through mighty miracles, and in the face of much persecution. God continues to move today. We met a young man who had recently been brought to the church for prayer after a suicide attempt. The rope scar was very visible around his neck. In the Sunday service before we returned to Kampala, he received Jesus Christ as Saviour. It was also a blessing to be in Masaka this past weekend to enjoy worship at Masaka Pentecostal Church and to witness the dedication of a new ministry facility. Pastor Sam Mukabi Zema has a powerful testimony of faith, perseverance, and of a God who brings life and fruitfulness out of what seems to be "nothing."

We saw God's hand in the three-week-long "School of Church Planting" which closed Friday evening. Twenty-one pastors and evangelists left Missions Transformation Centre better-equipped to take the good news of Jesus Christ to unreached areas. Seven language/cultural groups were represented among the students. Please pray for them as they work to implement what they have learned. Our days were PACKED with teaching, discussion, worship and prayer. It was good to share the teaching with a number of guest facilitators, as well as with MTC coordinators Rev. Simon Peter Emiau and Rev. Tim Kibirige. Here are some "snapshots" from our time together:

Students made friends with people living in the area around MTC, and visited regularly. Several came to Christ, and have been connected with a local pastor and church.
During an exposure trip, we visited a children's ministry centre. Students participated in group sessions ranging from Bible teaching to discussion of HIV/AIDS. It is one thing to be taught about the value of children's ministry. It is another thing to experience it "hands on!" Many left with a burden to develop effective children's ministry in their areas.
Our youngest student (age 23) wanted to see the international airport during our exposure trip to Entebbe. He dreams of one day taking the gospel from Uganda to other nations. He saw the airport. He saw an aircraft take off. God made the dream more concrete!
A senior army officer shared the story of how God is using Christian Ugandan soldiers to take the gospel wherever they are deployed. Some are present in areas that are closed to Christian workers. Where they are present, they are having an impact for Christ. Students were encouraged and challenged to hear about how God is working in hard places.
One student was deeply touched by the need of the more than 6,000 tribes/ethnic groups around the world who lack a witness to Jesus Christ. He plans to mobilize the churches in his district to pray for specific unreached people groups. Their prayers will reach around the world!

As I prepare to travel home tomorrow evening, I feel deeply privileged to have a small part in raising up church planters and missionaries from this nation. Thank YOU for your prayers and support that make my involvement possible.

In class

Participating in children's ministry

To Uganda: preparing, grieving, rejoicing

2010-07-15T03:51:00.000-04:00

I leave for Uganda July 26th-August 25 for a School of Church Planting. This three week training, organized by Pentecostal Assemblies of God Uganda, will be held at Missions Transformation Centre, just outside Kampala. (See www.mtcuganda.org). I look forward to doing a substantial part of the teaching, and to playing a role in the leadership and coordination. As I work through the final preparations, I am grieving and rejoicing.

I received news on Monday that Pastor Peter Mutabazi and two other members of Bwaise Pentecostal Church were among the 76 killed in the Kampala terrorist bombings on Sunday. I've had a chance to get to know Pastor Peter and to work with him over the past few years. I also knew one of the others who died. Please pray for the families (Pastor Peter leaves a wife and 5 children) and for the church.

So I am grieving. But I also watch with expectation for how God will once again bring light out of darkness and life out of death. He's done it before. Think unjust and cruel execution of the innocent God-man. Think empty tomb three days later. Think, "You are worthy . . . because you were slain, and with your blood your purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation" (Rev. 5:9).

I also received news on Monday about one of the participants in the "40 Days of Missions" held earlier this year. He had a dream within the first night or two. He saw himself planting a church in a particular location in the remote north-east of Uganda, among people of a very different cultural group. The dream disturbed him deeply, and continued to disturb him throughout much of the training. He told me his story after the March 11 graduation ceremony: "I was not happy. You must understand that when my people think about the people in that place, we feel only two things: fear and hatred. I was like Jonah wanting to run away from God; but now I am ready to go." So what was the news I received on Monday? This young man has already gone to the place God showed him in his dream. He has already planted a church there. And the work is advancing so well that the new group of believers is preparing to buy property!

So I am rejoicing. I rejoice for the "God stories" that come out of obedience. And I wonder what "God stories" will come out of the upcoming School of Church Planting. What impact will those stories have for the sake of reaching people with the light and life of Jesus?

Please pray:

for health, strength protection, and fruitful ministry.
For life and ministry transformation in each participant.
For creative solutions to organizational and logistical challenges that may arise.
For Rev. Simon Peter Emiau, Pentecostal Assemblies of God General Superintendent, as he oversees the MTC programs along with so much else. That God would give strength, direction, and much wisdom.
For full financial provision for my budget.

To participate financially: Make cheques payable to “Joy Johnston Ministries” (memo: missions) and mail to:

Joy Johnston Ministries, Inc., 9 de Cambrai, #8, Chateauguay, QC Canada J6K 5H3

Give online at www.joyjohnston.ca (designation: missions)

Official receipts will be issued for gifts of $20 or more.

Thank you for your continued prayers, support, and encouragement. You make this ministry possible!

August "School of Church Planting," Uganda

2010-06-15T10:11:00.000-04:00

I'm looking forward to returning to Uganda July 26-August 25 to be part of the teaching team for a "School of Church Planting." Shorter church planting trainings have produced change and action in the participants' lives and ministries. Churches have been planted; communities have been offered the hope and healing for every area of life that only Jesus can bring. This time we will go further.

Three Weeks of Training:

- Intensive and practical training for pastors and evangelists

- With Pentecostal Assemblies of God, Uganda

- At Missions Transformation Centre (www.mtcuganda.org)

To Partner Financially (Income tax receipts will be issued.)
- Make cheques payable to “Joy Johnston Ministries” (memo: missions) and mail to:
Joy Johnston Ministries,

9 de Cambrai, #8
Chateauguay, QC
J6K 5H3
- Give online at www.joyjohnston.ca  (designation: missions)

Please Pray For:

- Health, strength, protection

- Teaching preparation

- Effective, fruitful ministry

June Newsletter

2010-06-15T00:00:00.000-04:00

"My name will be great among the nations, from the rising to the setting of the sun" (Malachi 1:11).
Perspectives Course, Fayetteville, Arkansas (Jan. 18-27)
It was intense! This 10 day “Leader’s Intensive” version of the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement course brought together missionaries, missions agency leaders, and pastors. It would have been interesting to add up the years of missions experience in the room! We learned much through the teaching sessions, but also much from the interaction with each other. Assignments are all completed, and I’ve already been able to make good use of the course material, both in Uganda and at home.
“40 Days of Missions,” Uganda (Jan. 28-Mar. 15)
Twenty Ugandan pastors, evangelists, and missionaries completed this 6 week training in cross-cultural missions, held at Missions Transformation Centre, just outside Kampala. It was good to have PAOC global workers Ken and Marge McGowan as part of the teaching team for the first segment. Some of our church planting students from December returned. One (aged 69) had gone home and started 4 new churches in January and February! I’ve just reread the journal summaries that students submitted on graduation day . . . with tears in my eyes. God worked deeply in their lives, taking them far beyond “learning” to deep, life-changing encounters with Him. Some came broken and ready to leave ministry, but left restored. Some received clear calls to peoples and nations who have had little opportunity to hear about Jesus. All had their perspectives opened to God’s heart for the nations. Pray that He will direct and provide as they take next steps in ministry.
Ministry at Home
I've had a busy schedule in Quebec, before
and after the Uganda ministry. Revival weekend, Good Friday rally, Holy Spirit emphasis, missions convention, women’s retreat, discipleship conference, Sunday services . . . And I’ve preached four times in French! People have come to faith in Christ; others have been filled with the Holy Spirit. They have been challenged to deepen their walk with God and to take new steps in serving him. I’ve been encouraged to hear so many (from all age groups) express a sense of call to global missions.

Someone who was filled with the Holy Spirit shared this: "While I was praying, Jesus revealed His love to me and showed me that the baptism of the Holy Spirit was a gift of His love that he wanted to give to me. I was completely humbled. I've always known it was important to share Jesus with others. But now I feel like the WHOLE world needs to hear about Jesus and I need to tell them!"

Women's Retreat,

Assemblée Chrétienne du Nord, St. Jérome

Encountering the risen Christ

2010-04-24T19:34:00.000-04:00

He is risen! That announcement by the angel at the empty tomb is a powerful truth. But it wasn't the empty tomb that transformed the first followers of Jesus. In fact, it left them afraid and confused. Transformation came as they encountered the risen Christ. In 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, Paul names names. Yes, he mentions that the risen Christ appeared to a group of five hundred. That's impressive! But he also names three individuals. There's Peter: transformed from fear and despair into a bold witness of Christ. There's James: transformed from unbelief into a pillar of faith. And then there's Paul himself: transformed from a self-righteousness persecutor of Jesus-followers into a passionate messenger of the Good News.

Encounters with the risen Christ still transform people today. Quite some time ago, I was preaching in a particular First Nations community. A man came into one of the services. The pastor was surprised to see him there. He didn't seem like someone who would want to hear the gospel. He got up to leave several times, but he kept coming back. At the end of the service he allowed us to pray for him. He even prayed asking Jesus to come into his life, forgive him, and set him free. I wondered whether it was "for real." I recently heard from the pastor. This man has been at Bible study every week since he prayed that prayer. And it's been quite some time. He says that his life has been turned around. It was "for real." He can add his name to the list of those who have been transformed by encounters with the risen Christ.

What about you?

Crossing the Finish Line!

2010-03-11T03:56:00.000-05:00

We are crossing the finish line today! The last teaching sessions are wrapping up this morning. This evening, 20 Ugandan missionaries, evangelists, and pastors graduate from the "40 Days of Missions" training at Missions Transformation Centre. Some are already involved in missions outside Uganda -- and some have received clear calls to global missions while they've been here. Others will continue to minister at home, but with a very broadened perspective of what God is doing in the world and the part they have to play in that. There has been much discussion among the students about how to mobilize local churches to pray, give, and send so that the gospel will penetrate the world's remaining unreached people groups. Our field trips -- to Masaka last week, and to Kampala this week -- have brought new perspectives on various aspects of missions and ministry. We are so proud of what these students have allowed God to accomplish in them during these 40 days. And we are excited about the potential they carry to produce "fruit that remains" for the Kingdom of God among the nations of the world.

Please pray for the students as they return home. Pray for me as I spend the weekend in Kampala, then depart for home late Sunday evening. Pray for the leadership of Missions Transformation Centre as they seek God's direction and plan for the ongoing development of the ministry here.

Update from MTC, Uganda

2010-03-01T13:24:00.001-05:00

We are into week five of the six week missions training program. Students, all of whom come with much experience in evangelism, church planting, and missions, say they they are receiving the practical equipping needed to be more effective on the field. There is much internal wrestling as we work through some of the topics. But they are allowing their traditions and perspectives to be challenged. We are often hearing, "If only I had known that before . . . ."

Much is happening at a heart level. Some are sensing God calling them to specific nations or people groups where the love of Jesus is not yet known. These are hard places, but students are expressing a determination to follow God's leading, wherever it takes them. One student told his story to the group. Some years ago, he was severely beaten and faced threats on his life for taking the gospel to an area where people were less than receptive. Although he continued in ministry, he carried a deep-rooted fear. During the early weeks of the training, each time unreached areas of the world were mentioned, this fear rose up strongly. But during one of the teaching sessions, something connected, and God lifted the fear. In the days following, God spoke clearly about future direction for missions involvement. The student shared with much joy that he is now both willing and able to move forward in that call without being held back by fear.

On Thursday, we will travel to Masaka to provide the students with a field exposure experience. (We are planning for a second field trip next week.) Pray for safety as we travel. Pray that in these final two weeks of training, God will accomplish what He is wanting to accomplish in each person's life.

Wrapping Up Week Two at Migadde

2010-02-12T10:56:00.006-05:00

Good evening from Migadde! As we come to the end of week two of the "40 Days of Missions" training, we now have 23 students on site - a good mix of Ugandan missionaries, evangelists, and pastors. Peoples' thinking and ministry traditions are being s t r e t c h e d . . . but they are willing to wrestle with the questions and issues.

Last evening, a student asked that we pray for Somalia. Many Ugandan soldiers, including relatives of some of our students, are presently there with the African Union forces. What began as praying for protection for these Ugandan troops turned into a time of crying out to God for the gospel to break through in Somalia, for the nation to experience the true transformation and lasting peace that only Jesus can provide. They then shifted to prayer for the Arab world. Some came away asking God, "What can I do to help reach Somalia? What can I do to help reach the Arab world?"

God is doing such different and unique things in each person's life. One missionary who was ready to quit has been encouraged to continue, and sees fresh possibilities for his difficult place of ministry. Another is realizing that it's time to move on, rather than settling comfortably where he is serving. He sees that the local believers he has raised up are now well able to continue and extend the work without him. So he is asking God to direct him to a new place of ministry where people have not yet been reached with the gospel.

Someone commented to me in an email that we have amazing opportunities and challenges here. That is so true. Pray with us that God will help us to make the most of the opportunities and to overcome the challenges!

From MTC, Uganda

2010-02-09T13:34:00.002-05:00

We are into the second week of the "40 Days of Missions" training program at Missions Transformation Centre, just north of Kampala. Thanks to those who have given and prayed so I can be here! It has been a delight to share teaching with Rev. Simon Peter Emiau, General Superintendent of Pentecostal Assemblies of God Uganda, and Rev. Ken MacGowan, veteran PAOC missionary. The MacGowan's Emiau's and myself are sharing a house on the site. There is no lack of entertainment! We look forward to the input of other facilitators who will be involved over the coming weeks.

We have 21 students (the ceiling was set at 20) from various regions of Uganda. They all come with much experience as pastors, evangelists, and missionaries. Some have already been serving cross-culturally for several years. Others are sensing God's call to cross-cultural missions, and have come to seek God's direction and to prepare. We are hearing many express how God is already encouraging, challenging, and "disturbing" them.

Some of those who attended the 10-day "Introduction to Evangelism and Church Planting" last November have returned. We are hearing wonderful stories of how they have put that learning into practice. One participant has planted four new churches since he returned home in early December!

We have faced some logistical challenges, but are seeing God's faithfulness daily. For example . . . As of the opening evening, we had no cook. Early the next morning, a local pastor brought a lady with cooking skills, wondering if we could use her help. For example . . . The site is dependent on rain for its water supply. This is dry season. The reserves were quite low, and definitely not adequate for 40 days with 25+ people on site . . . And this is dry season. We asked the students to pray for rain. They prayed. The tanks are now almost full. (Some laundry, however, is not yet dry!) Learning to seek and trust God for provision -- and learning to take risks of faith -- is critical learning for those preparing for missions ministry. We are continuing to seek and trust for other needs. Perhaps some of you would like to be part of the answer!

Please pray for God to do a deep work in the lives of every person on site -- students, facilitators, and workers. Pray that what happens here over this 40 day period will make a difference for God's glory among the nations, and for the salvation of some from every tribe, language, people and nation (Rev. 5:9). Approximately 40% of the world's population, and approximately 6,600 different "people groups" (tribes or ethnic groups) have not yet had opportunity to hear of the love of Jesus, and of His power to forgive, heal, set free, and restore.

To Partner Financially (Income tax receipts will be issued to Canadian donors.)

· Make cheques payable to “Joy Johnston Ministries” (memo: missions) and mail to:

Joy Johnston Ministries

9 de Cambrai, #8

Chateauguay, QC

J6K 5H3

· Give online at www.joyjohnston.ca (designation: missions)

Back to Uganda...Via Arkansas!

2010-01-15T16:03:00.007-05:00

It's been a busy just-over-a-month at home. I preached at the Kahnawake Pentecostal Church for their Christmas service and joined them for their banquet. So good to be back with people I pastored for 15 years. And so good to see growth and new faces! Then I preached the first service of the new year at Centro Cristiano Evangelistico in Montreal. I loved how the people became almost indignant as I shared the potential for the African Church to become a force in global missions. They wanted to be VERY sure that I understood Latin Americans also are being used to reach peoples and nations with the gospel, and that their church wants to be a part of that! Last Sunday I was "home" to preach at Laval Christian Assembly. Home is good! People were so responsive to the message (from Psalm 139) that God knows us, is with us, and has a plan for us . . . so it's only right and reasonable that we surrender to Him as He changes and leads us. I'm looking forward to ministry this Sunday at Greenfield Park Pentecostal Church on the South Shore of Montreal. Oh yes . . . and in December there was also a great chapel service at Institut Biblique du Quebec.

I’ve spent considerable time over the past month working on program development and preparation for the “40 Days of Missions” course coming to Missions Transformation Centre MTC) in Uganda Feb. 1-Mar. 12. Have a look at the new MTC web site: http://www.mtcuganda.org/

And now it’s time to pack again. I leave Monday for Arkansas to attend a “Leader’s Intensive” version of the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement course. These 10 days of study will better equip me to mobilize and train others for global missions. I’ll be home just overnight before leaving on Jan. 28^th for the “40 Days of Missions” at MTC in Uganda. Please pray!

To partner financially for the Uganda ministry:

Make cheques payable to "Joy Johnston Ministries" (memo: missions) and mail to:

Joy Johnston Ministries

9 de Cambrai, #8

Chateauguay, QC J6K 5H3

Give online at http://www.joyjohnston.ca (designation:missions)

Kahnawake Christmas banquet & worship at Centro Cristiano Evangelistico

"Ask the Lord of the Harvest . . . ."

2009-12-13T22:32:00.007-05:00

It's been an interesting week.

Last Sunday I attended church in Kampala, Uganda
Thursday I spoke at the chapel service at Institut Biblique du Quebec, a French Bible College in Longueuil, Quebec. There was some significant travel time and climate change between Sunday and Thursday.
And today I was "on the rez" (not my words) to preach at the Kahnawake Pentecostal Church, Mohawk First Nation.

It's been a week of wondering where I am, what day it is, and what time zone I'm in. (My body still isn't sure about that last one.) It's been a week of adapting to different cultures and different languages. But it's also been a week of reminders that "You [Jesus] are worthy . . . because you were slain, and with your blood your purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation" (Rev. 5:7). That's made it a very good week. His love is so amazing.

And it's been a week of reminders that there remain many people groups throughout the world who have not yet heard about this amazing love, who have not yet heard that He has made the way home to the Father for them. Nobody has told them yet. That isn't right!

Would you pray for these people groups? To receive a daily email with a brief profile of a different unreached people group each day, sign up here: http://prayfortheunreached.com/

Or check back on this blog. You'll see a different unreached people group profiled in the right column every day. "Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field" (Matt. 9:38).

Step by Step at MTC Uganda

2009-12-11T14:33:00.006-05:00

In 2010, Missions Tranformation Centre (a ministry of Pentecostal Assemblies of God, Uganda) will expand its programs to include “40 Days of Missions." This is building to a 9 month missions training program planned for 2011. I will be returning to Uganda Jan. 28-Mar 15 to help launch the “40 Days of Missions” program. In the meantime, I’m working with the Ugandan leadership on program development. I’ll also be attending a 10-day intensive training program in the U.S. in January to further equip myself.

When I think of having a hand in mobilizing and equipping the African church for global missions, a tremendous joy and passion rises up within me. But along with that come challenges. Pray that God makes the “rough places smooth” and the “crooked places straight.” Please consider supporting financially. This is a fantastic investment opportunity! Funds are needed to cover costs of both the U.S. training and the time of ministry in Uganda. (Official tax receipts will be issued.)

Make cheques payable to "Joy Johnston Ministries" (memo: missions) and mail to:

Joy Johnston Ministries

9 de Cambrai, #8

Chateauguay, QC J6K 5H3

Give online at http://www.joyjohnston.ca (designation:missions)

Home from Uganda

2009-12-11T14:12:00.002-05:00

I arrived home Monday evening after 17 days in Uganda . . . just in time for a major snow storm. (Oh, how I miss Uganda!!) Thanks to all who prayed, gave, and encouraged to make it possible for me to go. I return to Uganda Jan. 28-Mar. 15 to help launch the “40 Days of Missions” program at Missions Transformation Centre.

The "Introduction to Evangelism and Church Planting" held at Missions Transformation Centre (MTC) in Migadde, just outside Kampala, was a great success. Thirty-six pastors and evangelists from various regions of Uganda attended. The youngest participant was 22 years old, and the two oldest were each 69 years old. Much learning took place as those from different ministry contexts, cultural backgrounds, and generations interacted.

What a privilege to share teaching with the three general officers of Pentecostal Assemblies of God, Uganda: Simon Peter Emiau, Benjamin Okwir Kicaoroma, and Timothy Kibirige. We covered topics related to evangelism, church planting, and discipleship. We challenged participants to develop a holistic approach to ministry by exposing them to an overview of ministry to those affected by HIV/AIDS, and an introduction to developing church-community partnerships that guide communities to find sustainable solutions to poverty issues.

The program included a weekend of field experience. Participants interacted with effective church planters. They heard from youth and children's workers. They listened to stories of people who have come to Christ from religious backgrounds where rejection by family is often the price of following Jesus. They went out with members of area churches to share the love of Jesus house to house. All of this served to broaden perspectives, change attitudes, and make issues discussed in teaching sessions very concrete. And each group saw people receive Christ.

I was the only facilitator to "camp out" on site throughout the training. Renovations on one of the MTC houses were almost complete. The best option was to pitch a tent for me in one of the bedrooms. "Setting Up Tents for Evangelism and Church Planting" may become a core course in future MTC programs! What a blessing to be on site. I had much more opportunity to interact with participants. We ate together, ironed clothes together, walked together, laughed together . . . and in all this we learned together.

Our goal was to provide practical knowledge and skills through a combination of teaching and field experience. But most importantly, we wanted participants to encounter God in a way that would transform their lives and ministries. More than once, sessions ended with participants seeking God in prayer. Many shared that they were shattered as their eyes were opened to the remaining task of reaching people with the gospel. They cried out to God with tears, "I am deeply broken. What can I do? Lord use me; Lord send me." Pray for the participants as they return to their places of ministry and begin to "work out" what God has "worked in" to their lives.

Teaching session

Co-facilitators Rev. Benjamin & Rev. Simon

Intro to Evangelism & Church Planting, Dec. 3 2009

Time to Pack . . .

2009-11-18T20:10:00.004-05:00

It's time to pack. I leave for Uganda tomorrow evening (Nov. 19). The School of Evangelism & Church Planting hosted by Pentecostal Assemblies of God, Uganda begins with an orientation Monday evening (Nov. 23). Teaching starts Tuesday morning. The training will continue through Dec. 3. The combination of classroom time and field experience has such potential to bring change and growth!

Thanks to those who have given and prayed to make it possible for me to be a part of this training conference. (For those who would still like to support financially, see details below.) As I go, please pray for the following:

Health and strength for myself and the Ugandan members of the teaching team
Wisdom and direction for each teaching session and for the organization of the field experience component
Maximum impact on the life and ministry of each participant

Need to go and pack now . . .

------------------------------------

Make cheques payable to "Joy Johnston Ministries" (memo: missions) and mail to:

Joy Johnston Ministries

9 de Cambrai, #8

Chateauguay, QC

J6K 5H3

Give online at http://www.joyjohnston.ca (designation:missions)

Uganda "School of Evangelism & Church Planting" Nov. 19-Dec. 7

2009-10-30T17:11:00.019-04:00

I'm excited!

I leave for Uganda November 19. That's three weeks from yesterday! I'll be teaching at a two week "School of Evangelism and Church Planting" hosted by Pentecostal Assemblies of God Uganda. PAG Uganda, a partner organization of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, is a growing fellowship of over 4,000 churches. The goal is to produce equipped church planters and evangelists who will multiply committed followers of Jesus Christ and healthy churches within Uganda and beyond. We also want to spark fresh vision and motivation for such ministry. About 70 people are expected to attend, including the district superintendent and key evangelists/church planters from each PAG district. Some from other fellowships will also come. The training, which will be held at the PAG Missions Transforming Centre just outside Kampala, will blend classroom teaching with field experience for maximum impact.

So why am I excited?

- I'll be team teaching with the PAG national leadership: Rev. Simon Peter Emiau Rev. Timothy Kibirige, and Rev. Benjamin Okwir. They bring a tremendous pool of knowledge, experience, and resources.

- The field experience component will have real impact on real people. Individuals will come to know Jesus. Families will be healed and restored. Seeds of hope and change will be planted in communities. That will be multiplied as participants go home and implement what they have learned in the various regions of Uganda.

- I wholeheartedly believe in the vision for missions training being implemented at the PAG Missions Transforming Centre. What a privilege to be a part of it! Next year, 30 and 40 day programs will be offered. Eventually, a 9 month program to equip committed African candidates for global missions will be in place. (Did you know that the five largest churches in Europe are led by Africans?)

You can participate!

Please pray. Updates and prayer requests will be available by email and on my blog: www.joyjohnston.blogspot.com/

Please consider a financial gift. Funds are needed to cover my international travel, food and accommodation in Uganda, and a contribution to the expenses of the training conference. (Income tax receipts will be issued to Canadian donors.)

Make cheques payable to "Joy Johnston Ministries" (memo: missions) and mail to:

Joy Johnston Ministries

9 de Cambrai, #8

Chateauguay, QC

Canada J6K 5H3

Give online at http://www.joyjohnston.ca (designation: missions)

Thank you!

This ministry is possible only because of the prayer, support, and encouragement of people like you. Many blessings!

In Adjumani: New Beginnings

2009-09-28T22:30:00.029-04:00

The Adjumani team: Team leader James Okot (Sudan via Winnipeg), Simon Peter Emiau (Uganda), myself, and Alfred Flett (Winnipeg). From August 31 to September 5, we held a conference for Christian leaders during the day and outdoor evangelistic services in the evenings. This area of north-western Uganda remains very much "in recovery" from years of armed conflict. A generation has grown up in IDP (internally displaced persons) camps. Too many have experienced or witnessed atrocities. Too few know Jesus. Families, churches, and communities are not sure how to move forward. They need a new beginning.

Over 300 gathered from surrounding districts for the conference. Some even crossed the border from Southern Sudan to attend. On the last evening of the evangelistic crusade, well over 1,000 filled the park to hear the gospel preached. The needs were overwhelming. Lives have been broken; families have been shattered. But God moved powerfully! Leaders were encouraged and strengthened. People came to know Jesus. People were set free from demonic oppression. People were healed. Still, the the needs were overwhelming. Heart-breaking family issues surfaced during the week. Some team members set up counseling offices under trees or in vehicles while others were preaching and teaching. For many of these family situations, there is no solution short of a miracle from God. People need a new beginning.

One man who received Christ early in the week began attending the daytime conference. During the closing session, he asked us to pray for his family. We discovered they were with him. They had come because they also wanted to receive Christ; they needed a new beginning. Together, his wife, his three school-aged children, his brother, and his sister prayed to invite Jesus into their lives and to commit themselves to follow Him. Leaders gathered around them to ask God for healing and restoration in the family. They were experiencing a new beginning.

The good news is that Jesus offers new beginnings.

"Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" (2 Corinthians 5:17).

That's true in Adjumani. It's true when the needs are overwhelming. It's true everywhere and always. It's true for you.

Praying to receive Christ

Celebrating Jesus' love

Joy in Juba

2009-08-30T02:53:00.008-04:00

We've had a good week in Juba, Southern Sudan. The young adults who attended the youth conference Monday to Friday were attentive and responsive to the Word. They want God to use them as Southern Sudan rebuilds after two decades of civil war. The churches of the city worked together to organize the evangelistic crusade Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. People filled the outdoor basketball stadium as Alfred Flett and Trevor Meier preached. People listened from the street. People listened from the balconies of their homes. Three hundred first-time decisions to receive Christ were recorded. Others, especially children, made decisions that were not recorded. Many were healed and set free. JOY broke out at the close of the final service. People filled the stadium floor to dance and celebrate what God had done. May there be great joy in ALL of Juba as Jesus continues to work!

We fly back to Uganda this afternoon. Please pray for James Okot, Alfred Flett, and myself as we minister next week at a pastor's conference and outdoor crusade in Adjumani, northern Uganda.

Evangelism & Church Planting Conference, DR Congo

2009-08-19T08:22:00.002-04:00

Eighty-two executive officers, district superintendents, pastors, evangelists, and other church delegates attended the Assemblies of God (Katanga province) evangelism and church planting training conference held last week in Kolwezi. The group picture is below. People came from every region of the province, travelling up to 1,400 km. to attend. I taught for five full days. Discussion was lively and sometimes heated. Participants shared ideas and experiences, and explored different possibilities for applying principles. For example, what's the best way to reach the nomadic tribes found in some parts of the province? If you build a church building, you may wake up one morning to discover that everyone has packed up and moved during the night, leaving the building and pastor behind! (That was an actual experience shared by one of the participants.)

The week included a practical component. Thursday afternoon, teams went out to share the gospel house to house in a neighbourhood where a new church is being planted. Seventy-four people received Christ. For one group, there was an unplanned practical component as they traveled home on Saturday. The vehicle broke down. The driver left the four passengers while he went to find a mechanic. When he returned, he found them praying with a group of people. They had used the delay to go through the village telling people about Jesus. In the meantime, the driver had offered some peanuts and water to the mechanic. This opened the door to a conversation. Result? The mechanic, who had turned away from God some years ago, recommitted his life to Christ. They went together to his home and met with his wife. God did a work of reconciliation in the marriage.

This week I've been doing two follow-up conferences in Lubumbashi, sharing key concepts from last week with members of Assemblies of God churches from throughout the city. Morning sessions have been with "youth" (young adults), afternoon sessions with "les mamans et les papas" (older adults). The whole church needs to be involved in taking the gospel to the whole world!

Throughout last week, we kept coming back to two questions. How will you apply what you are learning? How will you teach these things to others? These are not easy questions. As participants return home, they will work to equip and mobilize others in their regions. The provincial executive will do follow up to facilitate this. The goal is to see the love of Christ spread more fully to every corner of this province. There are many challenges. Please pray that God will direct and empower.

I leave Congo tomorrow (Thursday) for Uganda. The plan is to obtain my visa and ticket for Sudan on Friday, then to fly to Juba, South Sudan on Monday to begin ministry with James Okot, Alfred Flett, and Trevor Meier from Calvary Temple in Winnipeg. Keep us in prayer!

From Lubumbashi

2009-08-09T09:38:00.005-04:00

I arrived in Lubumbashi (DR Congo) yesterday afternoon, and have SLEPT! The guest house is surrounded by churches, most with effective sound systems. Services started very early this morning, are still continuing now at 4:30 p.m. There have been a variety of worship styles...from old hymns, to contemporary, to a traditional Congolese style...but all lifting up Jesus! In some other areas of the province, people are not surrounded by churches. They don't have as much opportunity to hear about Jesus. The church needs to be mobilized to reach them.

Early tomorrow morning I fly to Kolwezi, and start teaching as soon as I arrive. The provincial Assemblies of God conference on evangelism and church planting will run Monday to Friday, 9-5, except for the slightly late start tomorrow. One afternoon (probably Thursday), conference participants will go out into the community to DO what they've been learning. I'll continue ministry in Kolwezi district from Saturday to next Wednesday. The goal is to challenge and encourage churches to actively participate in evangelism and church planting. We'll give opportunity to some of those who attended the conference to pass on what they've learned to others. That will help them to continue equipping and mobilizing others once they return home.

Katanga province is large, and some are traveling long distances in challenging conditions to attend the conference. They're on the road now. Pray that God will bring them safely. Pray that He will make this a fruitful time of teaching and learning that will make a difference in Katanga province for the long term.

Packing my bags. Soon! Really!!

2009-08-05T23:54:00.000-04:00

There's a song that starts, "My bags are packed, I'm ready to go..." Well, I leave for Africa tomorrow, but my bags are NOT packed, and I'm NOT ready to go! However, my flight isn't until 6:30 p.m., so I'm OK.

I arrive in Uganda Friday evening, then travel on to Democratic Republic of Congo Saturday. (NOT looking forward to having to be at the airport at 3:00 a.m on Saturday morning!) The itinerary will take me back to Uganda for a brief layover to obtain a visa for Sudan; then to Juba in South Sudan, and finally back to Uganda for the last leg.

Here's the "bare bones" version of the schedule:

August 6: depart Montreal late early evening
August 8: arrive Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo at noon
August 10-14: Evangelism and Church Planting Conference, Kolwezi (350 km. northwest of Lubumbashi)
August 15-19: ministry in Kolwezi district
August 20-23: layover in Kampala to obtain Sudan visa
August 24-30: Youth leadership conference and evangelism, Juba, South Sudan
September 1-6: Pastor's training conference and evangelism, Adjumani, northern Uganda
September 9: depart Kampala (Arrive Montreal Sept. 10, late afternoon)

Looking forward to being together again with Congolese and Ugandan friends and co-workers. Looking forward to teaming in Juba with James Okot, Alfred Flett, and Trevor Meier (all from Calvary Temple, Winnipeg). And really hoping to be in Lubumbashi long enough to spend some time with PAOC missionaries Pierre and Marielle Paradis!

Please pray for:

Safety and health
Strength . . . physically, emotionally and spiritually
God's clear direction for each aspect of ministry. That He will make it effective and fruitfull
Ability to adapt quickly to the different cultures, conditions, and needs in each location
Wisdom, direction, and strength for the African leaders responsible for planning and logistics of each conference
Safety and provision for those traveling to attend the conferences
A spirit of unity and cooperation at all levels
Granting of my visa for Sudan quickly and smoothly

Remember that Congo is 6 hours ahead of Montreal time; Uganda and South Sudan are 7 hours ahead. When it's midnight in Montreal, it's 7 o'clock the next morning in Uganda!

I'll keep in touch as Internet access permits. For those of you on Facebook, please understand that connection speeds are often too slow to access FB. If you'd like to send me a message (and I'd love to hear from you!), it's better to email.

And check out the new web site: http://www.joyjohnston.ca Thanks Rudy!

Eskasoni

2009-08-04T23:02:00.020-04:00

We sowed some good seeds in Eskasoni last week. The prayer team visited homes, distributed the Native Book of Hope, and prayed. The youth team did some great activities to build bridges to girls and to youth. I preached: about what happens when Jesus comes to town (Mark 1:21-34); about a suicidal jailer who's life was turned around when God shook the jail open in the middle of the night and a couple of prisoners intoduced him and his whole family to Jesus (Acts 16:25-34); about a shepherd boy who let God use him to bring down a giant in full battle gear...with a slingshot and a stone...when the whole army was running scared (1 Samuel 17); and about the power of Jesus to save us, heal us, and set us free (Luke 4:16-21). People heard; Jesus worked in lives. By Sunday evening the glory of God was rising up!

We did some harvesting in Eskasoni, too. We were surprised by how many youth came out to the services. Some of them said "yes" to following Jesus. Their world has been too full of addictions, abuse, violence, and suicide. Jesus has a hope and a future for them. A really good one. He's beginning to heal and restore them. He's calling them to "go" with His life and light. And He's even calling some of them to be "giant slayers."

Pray for Art and Bonnie Sawler as they continue to minister in Eskasoni and to lead the Maritime Aboriginal Missions Initiative. They face challenges that are also opportunities.

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes..." (Romans 1:16)

Read the Native Book of Hope Online:

http://www.agnaf.org/sites/all/themes/agnaf/images/bookofhope.pdf

Eskasoni team

2009-07-28T19:35:00.004-04:00

Mary, Hilda, and Annette. Now I have a picture to share with you! (See the July 10 post.) This is the Eskasoni prayer team from Christian Life Centre, Ajax. I leave for Eskasoni tomorrow. Ministry in this Mi'kmaq community runs tomorrow through Sunday evening. The ladies arrived this afternoon, and here they are with Rev. Art Sawler. They're already out in the community praying this evening. I'm thankful for people willing to take time out of busy lives to invest in the Kingdom of God. I'm thankful for their prayers. They (the ladies and their prayers) will make a difference!

To Esaksoni...

2009-07-27T10:58:00.013-04:00

Getting ready to leave for Eskasoni, Nova Scotia on Wednesday. Looking forward to five days of evangelistic services in this Mi'kmaq community. Looking forward to working with Art and Bonnie Sawler, who have been buiding relationships and planting seeds in Eskasoni for four years.

Remembering what a treat it was to have some overlap time with Jack and Peggy Kennedy in Waskaganish just over a week ago. I was encouraged and challenged by Peggy's Thursday evenings and Friday morning messages.

Appreciating that Peggy called on the people to pray for me as I go to Eskasoni. Someone who has been following Jesus more than 30 years laid hands on one of my shoulders, representing the powerful move of God in Cree territory in the past. (The older people remember when Waskaganish didn't want Jesus. They also remember how He broke through, and the difference He made.) Someone who has been following Jesus less than 3 years laid hands on my other shoulder, representing what God is doing in Waskaganish today. As the people gathered around, they prayed that what Waskaganish has experienced would flow to Eskasoni. They prayed that Jesus would break through in Mi'kmaq territory, just as He did in Cree territory. They sent me.

Rejoicing because good things happen when God's people see themselves as senders. Soon Waskaganish will be sending their own people... to nations... with the gospel. I pray that one day Eskasoni will be sending people... to nations... with the gospel.

Coming and Going

2009-07-24T12:46:00.009-04:00

I'm working on evangelism/church planting/missions seminars for DRCongo in Africa. The leaders' conference will run August 10-14. I'm reminded that the Church is sent into the world. We are called to go.

"Sent" is who we are if we belong to Jesus (John 20:21). "Go" is what He told us to do (Matt. 28:19). Actually, He told us to make disciples of all nations... AS we go. The Church is gathered together to be sent out.

Too often, we expect people to COME to us. Most never will. Jesus tells us to GO to them, so they can COME to Him. Then they will also GO.

Jackie Pullinger shares some powerful thoughts on "going" in this video. Take a few moments to watch it. What's God saying to you? What will you do about it?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0wKdLq-QKc

Crippled Churches???

2009-07-21T22:43:00.012-04:00

Ice pack... prayer... pain medication... prayer... heat pack... prayer... chiropractor... prayer. I hurt my back just before leaving Waskaganish on Friday. Sitting through bumpy flights and carrying luggage didn't help. The pain was crippling on Saturday. It's getting better, but I wish it would get better faster! Sometimes the Church of Jesus Christ becomes crippled. Moving forward hurts too much, or is too tiring, or doesn't seem to make a difference. So we pull back. We lose our voice in the world; we lose our impact on the world. Other voices are raised and other forces leave their mark. These "others" don't always bring light and life. Sometimes we don't recognize that we're crippled, so we don't seek treatment, and we don't get better. We just keep on doing the same things we've always done, but without any light or life. And we wonder why God isn't doing anything about the darkness and death out there.

John wrote about Jesus: "In him was life and that life was the light of men" (John 1:4)
Jesus said: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12).

Time to throw away the crutches! Let's apply whatever treatment is needed. Let's BE His light and life to the world.

Under the Tent in Waskaganish

2009-07-16T14:31:00.006-04:00

God has been moving this week under the tent. This is the 30th summer that people have met to seek God under the tent in Waskaganish. Thirty years ago here, God was also moving in the streets, in homes, and all over. Jesus was changing lives, changing families, transforming the community. Some of the people meeting under the tent this week remember. They were there. They were changed. They know what it means to be lost and then found, to be broken and then restored. They have seen what happens when the love and power of Jesus is set loose in a community. But there's a new generation in Wakaganish who weren't there. Some of them have heard the stories. But they haven't experienced the love and they haven't experienced the power. They are lost and need to be found; they are broken and need to be restored. They carry too much pain, too much anger, and too much despair. Some are looking to death as a final solution.

The new generation hasn't been under the tent this week. But on Wednesday night, the people under the tent began to cry out for them. As God poured out a fresh anointing of the Spirit, they poured out their hearts to God. They prayed that voices speaking unrighteousness and death would be silenced. They prayed that the voice of Jesus would be heard. They prayed that the lost would be found and the broken restored

They prayed that Jesus would move out from under the tent. It wouldn't be the first time!

Would you pray with them?

Things are changing . . . .

2009-07-15T17:03:00.013-04:00

I'm in Waskaganish, on the southern tip of the James Bay coast. Cree territory in northern Quebec has turned into a construction zone. New houses being built, roads being paved, new water systems being constructed, work crews everywhere . . . . The Cree nation has great resources. Those resources are being harnessed for economic and infrastructure development. I love the view of the Rupert river from my room. That view will change soon. Work is underway down river to divert water for a hydro electric project. Things are changing. Leaders are saying that these changes present both opportunities and challenges. Change always does. The Cree nation also has great spiritual resources. People resources, financial resources, prayer resources. These need to be harnessed, too. It's time for the Cree church to rise up and take its place in reaching those of "every tribe and language and people and nation" with the good news of Jesus Christ. The praying, giving, and going has already started. But it needs to be developed. Things will need to change. Those changes will present both opportunities and challenges. Change always does.

Last night, under the tent, in the cold, I challenged people to commit themselves to the task of reaching nations with the gospel. I challenged them to respond to the words of Jesus in John 20:21: "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." That's not the kind of message most people come to Camp Meeting to hear. But many responded with, "Yes Lord, use me."

Things are changing . . . .

Africa in the News

2009-07-11T12:51:00.016-04:00

I'm busy with preparations for ministry in DR Congo, South Sudan, and Uganda. I leave August 6. Last night, I checked the news.

DR Congo: The humanitarian crisis in the east worsened in June, with another 100,000 people displaced by rebel conflict. Katanga province, where I will be in August, is very far from the conflict area. But I have been to the east. And my heart aches. http://allafrica.com/stories/200907100888.html
South Sudan: More have died from violence in South Sudan in recent months than in the war-torn Darfur region. Women and girls especially are being targeted. I will make my first trip to South Sudan the last week of August. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8127179.stm
Uganda: Drought in the north and north-east is causing famine. Some have already died of starvation. I've ministered in some of the affected areas. When I read the news, I see friends' faces. I expect to be back in northern Uganda the first week of September. http://allafrica.com/stories/200907100093.html

JESUS IS PEACE . . . even in DR Congo.

JESUS IS HOPE . . . even in South Sudan

JESUS IS LIFE . . . even in Uganda.

I forgot to take the picture!

2009-07-10T11:54:00.002-04:00

Annette, Mary, and Hilda. I travelled to Ajax this week to meet with these three special ladies from Christian Life Centre. They will be with me soon in Esaksoni First Nation, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. I'll preach five evenings of evangelistic services (July 29-August 2). They'll PRAY, encourage, PRAY, support, PRAY, help distribute the Native Book of Hope, PRAY, serve the comunity in any way the can . . . and PRAY. I wanted to post of picture of them. I wanted you to remember them and pray for them. I packed my camera; I even recharged the batteries. But I forgot to take the picture! Please remember them anyway. And please pray for them.

Hidden Treasures

2009-07-01T01:10:00.001-04:00

Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of Congo, September 2008. A pastor shared with me that he didn't understand why God had caused him to be born Congolese: 'To be Congolese is to be born under a curse. This nation is nothing but destruction and corruption, poverty and death.' But he held in his hand a stunning blue sapphire. He explained that in his home area, precious gems could be found just 6 feet underground. Hidden treasures! This one had been unearthed by his young daughter. He would sell it to provide food for his family and the orphans they care for. I tried to encourage him that God has a hope and a future for his nation. I suggested that Congo, with it's tremendous people resources and rich natural resources, might also be a hidden treasure. That if some day “unearthed” and settled in God's hands, Congo could find itself not only blessed, but a source of great blessing to others. He so much wanted to hope! I look forward to returning to Katanga in August, and again investing in the lives and ministries of some of Congo’s hidden treasures. These Christian leaders are working to bring a hope and a future to their nation – a hope and a future that will come only through Jesus’ power to transform and restore. Pray for Congo! Pray for me as I go! P.S. Pray also for the August/September ministry in South Sudan and Uganda. These nations have their own 'hidden treasures'!

It's not just about speaking in tongues!

2009-06-25T21:36:00.004-04:00

We had a great "Holy Spirit Weekend" at Laval Christian Assembly June 12-14. People received Christ, were filled with the Holy Spirit, and were touched by God's healing power. It was encouraging to see youth being baptized in the Holy Spirit, then immediately being used by God to minister to others. Thanks to all who prayed for this weekend. Please continue to pray . . . that God would continue His work in each life. One person who was filled with the Holy Spirit during these services stopped to talk with me a week or so later. He was excited. He told me, "Being baptized in the Holy Spirit isn't just about speaking in tongues. It's about EVERYTHING! So many things in my life are different now!!" I thank God that when he pours out the power of His Spirit in our lives, it really IS about everything. That is, if we will LET it be about everything. "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses..." (Acts 1:8).

Uganda On My Mind . . .

2009-06-02T22:47:00.002-04:00

I'm thinking back to March. Three weeks of training pastors and evangelists for evangelism and church planting, in partnership with Pentecostal Assemblies of God, Uganda. Week one: School of Evangelism at Missions Transforming Centre in Migadde, just north of Kampala. Week two: workshops and evangelism with the "week one" students in their home districts of Kibale, Mubendi, and Mityana. Week three: School of Evangelism in Kasese, western Uganda. Some pastors walked two days through the mountains to attend! HIGHLIGHTS: Teams that went out to share the gospel house to house returning with great excitement: "People were so open when we used what we have learned." "I never imagined that so many Muslims would want to know Jesus -- they are looking for peace." The very drunk young man who received Christ at an outdoor service, and was back the next night sober and praising God. The young mom (baby in arms) who received Christ, then asked us to pray that God would set her free from spiritual torment. He did. She disappeared into the darkness, only to return 10 minutes later with a friend, who also received Christ. The elderly man passing by on the street who stopped when he heard us telling the Bible story of a paralytic who received forgiveness and healing from Jesus. He was the first to respond to the invitation to receive Christ. He explained later that his leg was partially paralyzed. "I thought that story was about me, so I also wanted to know Jesus!" The privilege of hearing and sharing the dreams of trainees and district and national leaders who long to reach communities and people groups where Jesus is little known or not known at all.

I did some dreaming of my own. I dreamt of African missionaries being trained at Migadde and then being sent out to take the love and power of Jesus to places like North Korea and India . . . and to some of our First Nations peoples here in North America. And I dreamt that one day God would give me the privilege of being a part of it.

Will you dream with me?

To view more photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/joy.johnst/UgandaMarch2009