Gulu

by Linda Campbell

June 11, 2006

Dear Friends of Prepare the Way Ministry,

We are back in the US and both are working full time, speaking at churches, and preparing to return to Africa. In the past when we returned home, the ministry with the pastors in Africa ceased. God has now changed all of that. He has given us a way to bring both Bible college training and His glorious presence into regions where even most African people don't want to go. God has connected our hearts with those who are willing to literally lay their lives down for Him. Pastors Josiah and Barnabas are two such men who carry both the vision of bringing God's presence to a people and the anointing to see it happen. They are rearranging their lives to see the Kingdom of God advance into dark, war torn areas. They have a burning passion and will continue to bring training to hungry pastors and leaders in remote areas in our absence.

Gulu, Uganda

Let's turn the clock back about six weeks. At that time we had just finished a week long outreach in Kenya with Pastor Ishmael. We arrived back in Lugazi with enough time to repack and catch a few hours of sleep before the long trip to Gulu. Gulu is the area which has had the most recent rebel activity. The city is encircled by refugee camps where villagers have gone for safety. Through a friend, God connected with a wonderful blessing by the name of Cathy. She is the overseer of several children's homes under the direction of our friend Duncan. She became our close companion and a life time friend. Cathy left the big city and came to Gulu because of love and obedience to her Savior. She immediately fit in with the team and served everyone she met with a heart of joy.

Freedom

Tears of emotion were in our eyes as we gathered with precious pastors and leaders from various refugee camps. We had so much respect for them. They carried so much pain. They have seen what we can only read about in books on martyrs. Bill asked the pastors to gather at the front of the church. We all got down on our knees in a time of repentance and seeking God. Emotions were very deep. People were crying who had not been able to cry for years. Several were on their faces in the dirt sobbing. This was holy ground and this time was sacred. We all knew one thing. We needed Jesus, and we weren't going another step without His leading. The heavens seemed to open over our heads. Heavy weights were lifted off of people. Shackles and tight bands were removed. Freedom and joy was bursting forth.

In Acholi, both the tribe and the local language in Gulu, revival means the shedding of the old and getting new, almost like a snake sheds its skin so it can gain new. Pride and tradition was being replaced with God's presence. He must increase, we must decrease.

People came with expectancy. They worshipped with heart and strength. We have not yet seen a group of people that worship as intense as the Acholi. We did our best to keep up but even the old ladies were better dancers than us. The floor of the church was dirt. As we danced, the entire church filled with dust. The dust was barely noticeable because the glory of God was also filling the church. These people have seen loved ones murdered by the Lord's Resistance Army. They were broken and desperate. They reached heavenward and God met them. People who God has set free become radical. Suddenly nothing matters except dancing with all your heart, looking to Jesus, and allowing your heart to connect with the very heart of God. He who the Lord has set free is free indeed.

Dreams and Visions

God started to give dreams and visions to over a third of the people in the church. I would like to share the dream of one of the pastors. He was traveling on a bus. The driver turned around and told him to throw himself into the sea. He argued with the driver saying that he didn't want to die. The driver told him that he would not die. He then shared how in the teachings, he learned about the mountain being cast into the sea, and realized that God is bringing revival.

Testimony

A sobbing pastor shared that the Lord revealed to him that he was going the wrong way. He said, "Now I feel I don't want to chase the presence of God away. Nothing is more important than keeping God's presence and not being stiff necked and stubborn."

Healing

One woman was weak in spirit and body. She couldn't sleep and she heard a voice repeating a phrase from one of the messages, "Train your body." As she got out of bed to pray, she was delivered and completely healed.

Army Officer

An army officer arrived at the church right from the barracks. While Bill was preaching, he said his eyes were opened as he learned about revival. He began asking God, "What is my position?" He realized that he had stepped into Saul's shoes. Saul was replaced because he was full of pride and doing everything his own was. "I need to remove my rank and be God's officer. Jesus transforms. I will become His servant."

Strong, Unified Team

After the evening service our team gathered together to share what we had been seeing and hearing from the Lord. We were blessed to have Pastors Joel, Josiah, Susan, and Solo. We also had Harriet, Christine and Cathy. This team was strong in both worship and intercession. Each one also carried the heart of a servant. We were honored to minister with such precious ones. Most of them had at least one dream about snakes. They had meeting together to war in the spirit on behalf of this dark region. Without telling us, as a team they went into fasting and intercession for a breakthrough. They all agreed that the breakthrough had occurred and the pastors were being transformed.

Blind Eyes Opened

As Linda was out in the village one day, God spoke to her to pray for an elderly lady who was walking using a stick. In obedience, she started praying for her. The lady was surprised but once she realized what was happening, she pointed to her eyes. The power of God touched the lady, and she became aware that she could see. She began pointing at items and speaking excitedly in Acholi.

Going Into the Streets

During one of the awesome worship times, God spoke to Bill and told him to take the "church out of the four walls". Everyone in the church exited through the door and carried worship throughout the village. Everyone stopped what they were doing to watch as God's people boldly declared His worth and value through worship. The village will never be the same!

Where Do We Go From Here?

The glory of God is returning to Africa again! Please keep us in your prayers. We have seen so many defeated people come and receive a life transforming touch from God. Where will they go from here? Where will they carry God's glory? Gulu is just one of the centers that Prepare the Way Ministry will continue to reach out to. Four other centers have been established in Uganda, one in Kenya, and more are being set up in our absence. We are seeking the face of God for His heart on our next steps. The only thing we know for sure is that we want to please the King and bring many into His kingdom.

We love you,

Pastor Bill and Linda Campbell




Gulu by Linda Campbell June 11, 2006 Dear Friends of Prepare the Way Ministry, We are back in the US and both are working full time, speaking at churches, and preparing to return to Africa. In the past when we returned home, the ministry with the pastors in Africa ceased. God has now changed all of that. He has given us a way to bring both Bible college training and His glorious presence into regions where even most African people don't want to go. God has connected our hearts with those who are willing to literally lay their lives down for Him. Pastors Josiah and Barnabas are two such men who carry both the vision of bringing God's presence to a people and the anointing to see it happen. They are rearranging their lives to see the Kingdom of God advance into dark, war torn areas. They have a burning passion and will continue to bring training to hungry pastors and leaders in remote areas in our absence. Gulu, Uganda Let's turn the clock back about six weeks. At that time we had just finished a week long outreach in Kenya with Pastor Ishmael. We arrived back in Lugazi with enough time to repack and catch a few hours of sleep before the long trip to Gulu. Gulu is the area which has had the most recent rebel activity. The city is encircled by refugee camps where villagers have gone for safety. Through a friend, God connected with a wonderful blessing by the name of Cathy. She is the overseer of several children's homes under the direction of our friend Duncan. She became our close companion and a life time friend. Cathy left the big city and came to Gulu because of love and obedience to her Savior. She immediately fit in with the team and served everyone she met with a heart of joy. Freedom Tears of emotion were in our eyes as we gathered with precious pastors and leaders from various refugee camps. We had so much respect for them. They carried so much pain. They have seen what we can only read about in books on martyrs. Bill asked the pastors to gather at the front of the church. We all got down on our knees in a time of repentance and seeking God. Emotions were very deep. People were crying who had not been able to cry for years. Several were on their faces in the dirt sobbing. This was holy ground and this time was sacred. We all knew one thing. We needed Jesus, and we weren't going another step without His leading. The heavens seemed to open over our heads. Heavy weights were lifted off of people. Shackles and tight bands were removed. Freedom and joy was bursting forth. In Acholi, both the tribe and the local language in Gulu, revival means the shedding of the old and getting new, almost like a snake sheds its skin so it can gain new. Pride and tradition was being replaced with God's presence. He must increase, we must decrease. People came with expectancy. They worshipped with heart and strength. We have not yet seen a group of people that worship as intense as the Acholi. We did our best to keep up but even the old ladies were better dancers than us. The floor of the church was dirt. As we danced, the entire church filled with dust. The dust was barely noticeable because the glory of God was also filling the church. These people have seen loved ones murdered by the Lord's Resistance Army. They were broken and desperate. They reached heavenward and God met them. People who God has set free become radical. Suddenly nothing matters except dancing with all your heart, looking to Jesus, and allowing your heart to connect with the very heart of God. He who the Lord has set free is free indeed. Dreams and Visions God started to give dreams and visions to over a third of the people in the church. I would like to share the dream of one of the pastors. He was traveling on a bus. The driver turned around and told him to throw himself into the sea. He argued with the driver saying that he didn't want to die. The driver told him that he would not die. He then shared how in the teachings, he learned about the mountain being cast into the sea, and realized that God is bringing revival. Testimony A sobbing pastor shared that the Lord revealed to him that he was going the wrong way. He said, "Now I feel I don't want to chase the presence of God away. Nothing is more important than keeping God's presence and not being stiff necked and stubborn." Healing One woman was weak in spirit and body. She couldn't sleep and she heard a voice repeating a phrase from one of the messages, "Train your body." As she got out of bed to pray, she was delivered and completely healed. Army Officer An army officer arrived at the church right from the barracks. While Bill was preaching, he said his eyes were opened as he learned about revival. He began asking God, "What is my position?" He realized that he had stepped into Saul's shoes. Saul was replaced because he was full of pride and doing everything his own was. "I need to remove my rank and be God's officer. Jesus transforms. I will become His servant." Strong, Unified Team After the evening service our team gathered together to share what we had been seeing and hearing from the Lord. We were blessed to have Pastors Joel, Josiah, Susan, and Solo. We also had Harriet, Christine and Cathy. This team was strong in both worship and intercession. Each one also carried the heart of a servant. We were honored to minister with such precious ones. Most of them had at least one dream about snakes. They had meeting together to war in the spirit on behalf of this dark region. Without telling us, as a team they went into fasting and intercession for a breakthrough. They all agreed that the breakthrough had occurred and the pastors were being transformed. Blind Eyes Opened As Linda was out in the village one day, God spoke to her to pray for an elderly lady who was walking using a stick. In obedience, she started praying for her. The lady was surprised but once she realized what was happening, she pointed to her eyes. The power of God touched the lady, and she became aware that she could see. She began pointing at items and speaking excitedly in Acholi. Going Into the Streets During one of the awesome worship times, God spoke to Bill and told him to take the "church out of the four walls". Everyone in the church exited through the door and carried worship throughout the village. Everyone stopped what they were doing to watch as God's people boldly declared His worth and value through worship. The village will never be the same! Where Do We Go From Here? The glory of God is returning to Africa again! Please keep us in your prayers. We have seen so many defeated people come and receive a life transforming touch from God. Where will they go from here? Where will they carry God's glory? Gulu is just one of the centers that Prepare the Way Ministry will continue to reach out to. Four other centers have been established in Uganda, one in Kenya, and more are being set up in our absence. We are seeking the face of God for His heart on our next steps. The only thing we know for sure is that we want to please the King and bring many into His kingdom. We love you, Pastor Bill and Linda Campbell
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