STAYING BY THE STUFF

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      “…but as his part is that goes down to the battle, so shall his part be, that tarrieth (stays) by the stuff: they shall part (share) alike.1^st Samuel 30:24, GNV

 

     When I was considering a suitable scripture for this devotion, I immediately thought of David and his men, and their battle with the Amalekites, and those who “stayed by the stuff.” You see, in this particular case, I could be characterized in very much the same way.

 

     I served as a mentor for a young lady named Alyssa, in a church which we both attended. Over the years I have offered a self-styled formal mentoring program to dozens of potential young people of excellence. As memory serves me, I may have served Alyssa in this capacity about 2012.

 

     Ultimately, Alyssa attended Oral Roberts University, and was awarded both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees there. Prior to completing her master’s degree, she was provided the opportunity to represent Christ for all Nations as their crusade representative in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Since Alyssa fulfilled her role well, she went on to serve as this ministry’s International Website Coordinator.

 

     Reinhard Bonnke was the founder of CfaN, and served as president of this organization for years afterwards. It might be helpful here to provide my readers some understanding of the impact of this particular ministry.

 

     Although Christ for all Nations is little known among the majority of believers, it has reached more people than any other ministry in the history of the world! To elaborate, its primary outreach is to the peoples of Africa, and it has not been unusual for 1-2 million native people to attend any given crusade. Of course, given the numbers, such crusades are held outdoors. I have been amazed as I looked at photos of the immense crowds! As you might imagine, multiplied thousands have flooded to the front when Rev. Bonnke has invited people to accept Christ as Savior.

 

     Alyssa went on to serve Rev. Bonnke in the capacity, be it informal or formal, of a personal assistant. After he retired, she served Rev. Kolenda in the same capacity. I have seen photos of Alyssa at one particular crusade in Africa a few years ago.   

 

     All the foregoing to convey the following:

 

     God has granted me the inestimable privilege of touching a solitary life who, ultimately, ministered in an organization which has no par in the history of the world, and which has profoundly impacted millions of souls, and, as a result, unknown multitudes have been brought to a saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

     It has been a pleasure and privilege to “Stay by the Stuff.”

 by Bill McDonald, PhD