FIELD STORIES

Paul Durham Paul Durham

The harvest - Kasungu, malawi crusade

John 4:35  …Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already ripe for harvest!

Overview of the Crusade

The Kasungu, Malawi Crusade far exceeded all expectations. According to the leadership and the steering council, they estimated attendance slightly surpassing 40,000 people over the course of four nights. Each evening, the crowd gathered to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ, creating an atmosphere filled with the Holy Spirit, anticipation and hope.

Decisions for Faith

This event greatly surpassed initial hopes, as evidenced by the 3,308 decision cards completed by individuals who made a profession of faith in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. It was a tremendous blessing to partner with Evangelist PJ Meduri from Taking the Field Ministries and Bishop David Chigamba of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Malawi.

First Night: Anticipation and Worship

On Thursday, the first night of the crusade, I was uncertain about how many would attend and whether the preparation, promotions, and groundwork would make an impact. As the vehicle approached the venue, dust rose from the dry ground and looked like smoke, signaling the tremendous size of the crowd. Climbing onto the stage from the back stairs, the sight was breathtaking: thousands of faces, many worshiping, dancing, and raising their hands, while others watched with curiosity. When the band finished their last song, it was time for me to share the Good News of Jesus and His salvation with all in attendance.

Message and Response

The message centered on the familiar passage from John 3, where Nicodemus meets Jesus at night. The focus was on the necessity of being born again, not through religion, fleshy power, or being a good person, but through the Spirit of God. Salvation comes only by placing faith in Jesus and His work on the cross and surrendering to Him. As the message was delivered, my thoughts were about the spiritual landscape of the region, where I had read that many are religious or involved in witchcraft and animism. Prayer for God’s breakthrough was answered as hundreds came forward to receive Christ.

Subsequent Nights and Leadership Training

Friday night featured Evangelist PJ Meduri, who preached the Gospel with great effectiveness as he always does, resulting in another remarkable response. On Saturday night, I preached the message again, and PJ concluded the crusade on Sunday. In addition to the crusade, there was a two-day leadership conference filled with pastors and leaders from the area, where PJ and I had the honor to present some valuable teaching and training. Serving the Lord by ministering to His beloved people was a privilege and blessing.

A Church Planted

Beyond the remarkable events of the crusade, we were privileged to collaborate with the Malawi Assemblies, who seized the opportunity to launch a new church in Kasungu. The crusade served as a catalyst for this church plant, bringing together pastors and congregations from the region. Their collective effort and support were truly notable, demonstrating a level of unity that is often rare elsewhere.

Unlike the situation in my home country, America, where churches may struggle to cooperate, the churches in Malawi joined forces and encouraged one another to make this new church a reality. The fruit and gifts of the Holy Spirit were extraordinary, bringing such unity. This new church was needed in the area, making the church plant a testament to both the impact of the crusade and the willingness of local leaders to work together.

More God Moments from Malawi

Coming off this powerful outreach in Malawi, I am reminded once again what a privilege it is to serve our Lord. There is simply nothing like witnessing people come to faith in Christ. It is one of the greatest joys of life and ministry.

As I look back through the photos from this trip, I am moved not just by the size of the crowds, but by the individual faces. Faces filled with worship. Counselors faithfully helping new believers fill out decision cards. Beautiful African singers lifting up praises to God. Bands leading thousands into worship. Leaders gathered together for training and encouragement at the conference. And then the children; the joy, the beauty, the hope reflected in their eyes.

Every soul matters! Every person matters!

As you view these pictures, I encourage you to pause and pray over each face you see. Behind every image is a person deeply loved by God, someone He is pursuing personally and individually.

I truly love preaching the Gospel to large crowds, and I thank God continually for the calling He has placed on my life. But what impacts me most are the moments when I can look directly into someone’s eyes, and witness God touching their heart personally. That is what matters most to the Lord.

Even in the midst of thousands, God still saves people one by one.

What an incredible honor it is that He allows us to be part of His glorious work, building His Kingdom, reaching hearts, and changing lives for eternity. Thank you for standing with us, praying with us, and making this mission possible.

Praise God for the privilege of serving Him together.

Singers

Happy children

Preaching

Giving the invitation

Praying

Counselor at work

More new believer counselors

Prayers and worship

Artist

Prayer and Worship

Joy in the crowd

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