http://www.etal.nocelebration/festivals/ en marius@peteryoungren.org Copyright 2010 2010-06-22T15:29:23+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/ikara_nigeria/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/ikara_nigeria/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/Ikara_Crowd.jpeg 2010-06-22T15:29:23+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/dar_es_salaam_tanzania/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/dar_es_salaam_tanzania/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/Dar_Es_Salaam_Crowd.jpeg 2010-06-22T15:27:04+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/orissa_india/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/orissa_india/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/Orissa_Crowd.jpeg 2010-06-22T15:25:43+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/kisumu_kenya/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/kisumu_kenya/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/Kisumu.jpg 2009-11-17T17:48:18+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/hyderabad_pakistan/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/hyderabad_pakistan/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/hyderabad-crowd.jpg 2009-11-17T15:37:09+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/kupang_indonesia/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/kupang_indonesia/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/Kupang-crowd.jpg 2009-11-17T15:36:16+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/karachi_pakistan/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/karachi_pakistan/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/karachi.jpg 2008-12-15T17:02:13+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/batam_indonesia/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/batam_indonesia/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/batam.jpg 2008-12-09T16:55:51+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/bali_indonesia/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/bali_indonesia/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/bali-2008.jpg 2008-12-01T17:01:47+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/sorong_indonesia/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/sorong_indonesia/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/sorong.jpg 2008-12-01T17:00:32+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/kaduna_nigeria_2007/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/kaduna_nigeria_2007/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/kaduna.jpg 2008-07-03T21:43:18+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/bali_2007/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/bali_2007/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/Bali_2007_large.jpg Amidst the bustling, semi-modern culture of Bali, Indonesia, many acknowledged never hearing the name of Jesus before the 2007 Bali Gospel Festival. Despite the previous lack of Jesus awareness, newspaper headlines proclaimed the incredible wonders God was doing at the Festival, and live radio relayed Pastor Peter’s sermons to the entire province. Pastor Peter and Celebration Ministries are currently conducting a ONE MILLION SOULS Campaign. The most recent Festival in Bali, Indonesia was a mighty example of what God can do in a Muslim and Hindu culture. As the pictures show, vast crowds filled the stadium day after day. In fact, the stadium was packed from the first night, with tens of thousands responding to salvation daily. The announcement from Pastor Peter that the sins of the people had been blotted out with one sacrifice was received with joy, as the people repented of their dead works. From high-ranking Political Leaders, to society’s seemingly lowest citizens, to prominent Religious Leaders, Pastor Peter has been a witness for God’s love through Jesus to multiplied thousands. Adopting a method of presenting a person, Jesus, rather than a religion, many thousands have received freely from Jesus, both forgiveness of sins and healing in their bodies. Many said they had never heard of Jesus… NOT EVEN ONCE BEFORE. Some of those healed said that when they first heard the “Hallelujah” chorus they thought the name of “our god” was “hallelujah”. When our TV crew visited the home of one lady healed of a tumor, she told them she had never heard of Jesus before this Festival, and was initially confused by the singing of the song “Hallelujah”. However, after Pastor Peter’s preaching everyone understood very clearly that Jesus is both Saviour and Healer. In a country where Pantheism and Islam thrive side by side, the Gospel cuts through all religions. Every home and business on the island is instructed by law to have an altar to the gods believed to reside on the property. The people are instructed to make offerings three times a day on the altars. If they disobey this, it is believed that the gods will become angry and cause sickness and tragedy. Given the fact that most Balinese spiritual leaders practice a form of magic, it was quite natural initially that the newspapers wrote, “Peter Youngren has magic powers.” Peter wasted no time in making everyone aware that it was JESUS alone who deserved all the attention. INCREDIBLE MIRACLES ABOUND Each night four medical doctors were present to check and validate the healings. Patients were given extensive tests by the doctors to verify the miracles, which only further served to give glory to Jesus. One night a large number of lame were healed, including two Hindu priests and one Buddhist priest. We visited one of the Hindu priests in his home the next day. Incredible joy filled his face as he described what Jesus had done. His entire family gathered around him as he, in great detail, told the story of Jesus healing his body. Each day the stadium became more crowded with the sick and hurting streaming into the Festival. Many traveled for hours just to attend the Festival having heard the astounding reports or miracles being reported through the TV, newspapers and radio. A MESSAGE OF HOPE Pastor Peter boldly proclaimed God’s love and grace, “Good News Bali, Jesus has done something good for you…. He became your substitute…. from sin to righteousness, from sickness to health, from darkness to light…. Jesus has done it for you!” This message contrasted sharply with the message spread by religion, “you are not good enough”, “the gods are angry”, and “your sickness and suffering is a result of your own errors”. You can imagine how the people felt hearing Pastor Peter say, “It does not matter what you have done. Jesus listens to your cry. Jesus cares.” One local pastor said, “Peter Youngren is like a battering ram. He cuts through all the religious talk, and presents a crystal clear picture of Jesus to the people.” A Mighty Gospel Net Combined with the Pastors Seminar, the Gospel Festivals are bringing in a tremendous harvest of souls. Sensational amounts of people are receiving Jesus, and thousands of pastors and leaders are being trained in the Gospel. Pastor Peter is able to impart to the pastors and leaders the revelation that God has supernaturally given him. Churches and pastors are catching the message and running with it on their own. One church reports having meetings where a majority of those attending are from the Muslim faith. This particular church is now one of the fastest growing churches in the nation. Another pastor now conducts his own Festivals throughout Indonesia with fantastic results. Thank-you for participating in casting this Gospel net across Indonesia. 2007-10-09T21:56:01+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/semarang_festival_2007/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/semarang_festival_2007/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/semarang-2007_large.jpg 2007-10-08T21:45:01+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/surabaya_festival_2007/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/surabaya_festival_2007/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/surabaya-2007.jpg 2007-07-03T21:45:00+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/merauke_indonesia_2007/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/merauke_indonesia_2007/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/merauke.jpg 2007-07-03T21:44:00+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/moshi_festival_2006/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/moshi_festival_2006/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/moshi.jpg “Hakuna mtu kama Yesu! Hakuna mtu kama Yesu!” Necks craned and people shielded their eyes from the blazing sun to see who was causing this disruption in the middle of the Jesus festival. Unbeknownst to them, a desperate mother had brought her daughter, born with brain damage and a hole in her heart, in the hope that she would be cured. Protecting her sick one-year-old child in her arms, she inched forward in the jostling crowd, eager to see what was happening in the front. Suddenly, the child stopped breathing and stiffened in her arms. Frantically, the mother looked for help, passing the child to strangers in the crowd, then rushed to the platform and threw the limp body onto the stage screaming in Swahili, “There is no one like Jesus! There is no one like Jesus!” Overcome with emotion, she fainted and collapsed on the ground under the platform. Five days earlier, thousands of Tanzanians of all ages and backgrounds gathered in the largest stadium in Moshi, a city nestled beneath snow-tipped Mount Kilimanjaro in East Africa. The sick and needy listened eagerly to Peter Youngren as he spoke of Jesus being their faith. He put no pressure on the sick to try to produce faith, but encouraged them to look to Jesus only. Freedom and healing came as the people realized that if they had little or no faith, anyone could be healed by calling on Jesus, the source of faith. Physical and spiritual miracles occurred every night as the masses of Moshi relied on the faith of Jesus to receive both healing and salvation. NINE STUDENTS BORN BLIND Among the more spectacular miracles, teenage sisters Lilian and Gertrude Amos were healed from total blindness since birth. It was a remarkable testimony, especially since the teacher who brought them from the School of the Blind gave witness to their healing. The next night she brought the entire class and 9 more students were healed, 7 blind since birth and 2 albino children partially blind. One by one they walked up the ramps unassisted, looking around in amazement at the thousands of people they were seeing for the first time. As they demonstrated their healing on the platform, a stunned silence hung over the people before they erupted in incredible shouts of praise to Jesus. DISRUPTION BY A DESPERATE MOTHER Halfway through the testimony service on the final night, Peter Youngren was interrupted by Bishop Emmanuel Lazaro, the General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God in Tanzania for over 30 years. He was bursting with emotion, carrying a little child in his arms. Ten minutes earlier, many of the team members and other pastors on the platform had seen the mother throw her baby on the platform. They became fearful, thinking this was not a good testimony for the media present. A dead corpse left on the platform would look bad indeed! As the other pastors prayed, Bishop Lazaro rushed into the crowd looking for the mother to persuade her to take her child away, not knowing she had fainted beneath the platform. The sweet presence of Jesus swept over the mass of people, and the child returned to life and began to breathe again, looking around with clear eyes, healed of brain damage as well. It was an amazing miracle, especially with so many eyewitnesses who had held and seen the lifeless body. Even more wonderful, the mother received salvation that night for the first time, adding her voice to the tens of thousands of people who acknowledged Jesus as Savior during the Gospel festival. Words cannot describe the awe and gratitude the ministry team felt toward Jesus, the Creator of all living things. Peter expressed it in words that were the closest, “Jesus is so wonderful. He makes me want to laugh and cry at the same time.” Partners, thank you for your prayer and financial support. Gospel festivals like this one could not continue without your generosity and faith in what Jesus is doing around the world. We appreciate you! Peter & RoxAnne 2006-07-03T22:48:01+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/madagascar_festival_2006/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/madagascar_festival_2006/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/madagascar.jpg “And when James, Cephas and John, who seem to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me…” Galatians 2:9 God’s grace is available to everyone. An example of this grace is found in Ephesians 2:8,9. This is the grace by which we are saved and live a life of victory. However, there are also specific gifts that grace bestows upon us. Romans 12:3-6 speaks of these gifts. Note how in the scripture listed above, Galatians 2:9, these specific gifts are recognizable. The Apostle Paul was given a specific grace for revealing Jesus to the Gentile world, which was recognized by the other apostles. While there was much involved and included in Paul’s gift, simply stated, he was empowered to bring Jesus to the Gentiles. This gifting or grace brought him before the highest kings and the most learned scholars. Pastor Joseph Prince, pastor of one of the largest and fastest growing churches in Singapore, was our recent guest at Fire Conference 06 in Ontario, Canada. During one of his teaching sessions he pointed out the unique grace on Pastor Peter’s life and ministry. Pastor Prince stated that many evangelists come through South East Asia, but very few have the sheer favor among the political and religious leaders as does Pastor Peter. Even those from other religions recognize and respect the gifting God has put on Pastor Peter’s life. Pastor Prince was reminding us of the great privilege we each have to be a part of this incredible ministry of grace God has given to Pastor Peter…. a grace to reveal Jesus to the nations. Like the Apostle Paul, involved in this gifting is favor among leaders around the globe, in effect influencing entire nations. Friends, we are all part of this same grace. In Philippians 1:7 the Apostle Paul is writing a thank you letter for the Philippians supporting him in the work he was doing for the Gospel. He tells them, “you are all partakers with me of grace”. Just this past week at our Anatananarivo Festival 06 in Madagascar, Pastor Peter was ushered into the office of the second most powerful man in the country, the President of the Senate. For over 30 minutes he shared God’s love with this leader and finished in prayer. God’s presence was tangibly felt as he left the President’s office. Pastor Peter’s meeting with the leader of Madagascar was only the most recent in a long list of leaders Pastor Peter has had the privilege to influence with the Gospel. We thank the Lord for the unbelievable grace He has given us and allowed us to be a part of. We too are partakers of this gift of grace! What a privilege! What an honor! 2006-07-03T22:47:50+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/jayapura_festival_2006/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/jayapura_festival_2006/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/jayapura-1.jpg ENTIRE REGION INFLUENCED BY THE GOSPEL Immediately following the first day of our Festival in Jayapura, Indonesia reports spread like wild fire across the region detailing the astounding miracles that took place the first night of the Festival. The largest newspaper in the area ran a front page story featuring the miracle we reported to you in our last Celebration Minute update regarding the man who fell out of a coconut tree. He had come to the Festival directly from the hospital and rose up out of his wheel chair healed. We would have a difficult time to find proper adjectives to adequately describe the impact felt across the province, which is in the midst of tough political change. Such was the influence realized that Pastor Peter was invited to speak to the Papuan Parliament. It was remarkable to see veteran politicians moved to tears as God’s presence touched their lives through the words Pastor Peter presented. He skillfully relayed the love of God to each politician’s own individual situation despite their rank or position. The moment was historical and unforgettable as he led the entire assembly in a prayer to receive God’s forgiveness, love and grace. The Governor, who had met Pastor Peter at the airport on arrival, and opened the first night of the Festival, came to the airport as Pastor Peter was leaving Jayapura. As they prayed together tears of gratitude ran down the Governor’s face as God’s love touched his heart. Not to be overshadowed by any of the other noteworthy activities were the final two days of our Pastor’s seminar. As Pastor Peter challenged the pastors to take the attitude of Jesus and love all people including their Muslim population, revelation sunk deep into their hearts. “This is what you have prayed and fasted for”, he proclaimed. Pastors whom had been in ministry for years wept for the lost in their nation. They exclaimed they had never heard such profound wisdom and insight into the Gospel. Spurred by the notable miracles on day one of the Festival in Jayapura, the massive crowd continued to swell for the second and third day overflowing well outside the boundaries of the soccer stadium. Many traveled from great distances to receive from God. It was not hard to feel the tangible hunger to receive from God among the population of Jayapura. Like a calm before the storm, the multitude of people listened in complete silence, hanging on every syllable as Pastor Peter slowly but with tremendous authority proclaimed the healing prayer out over the mass of people. “The words that I speak are words of life. RECEIVE FROM JESUS NOW!” As suddenly as the words were spoken, like a tidal wave of emotion, the crowd erupted into a mighty roar as people began to realize their healing across the stadium. Invited to come and testify what Jesus had done for their bodies those who had been healed thronged the platform in such numbers it was impossible to interview them all. An incredible number of reports were received the next day of healings that had taken place which never made it to the platform to testify. “The hundreds of miracles we have seen each night are wonderful, but the greatest miracle possible is NEW LIFE from Jesus.” These were the words spoken as Pastor Peter led the crowd in a prayer to receive Jesus’ righteousness. Thousands upon thousands of precious Indonesians lifted their hands signifying their desire to receive this awesome gift from God. We give all thanks and praise to Jesus, without Whom none of the remarkable wonders we have seen would be remotely possible. 2006-07-03T22:46:00+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/bali_festival_2006/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/bali_festival_2006/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/bali.jpg Words can not adequately describe what took place in Bali, Indonesia. Over 30 people stood on stage the first evening testifying how Jesus had restored sight to their eyes. Hindu, Christian, Muslim… people from every religion stood on stage healed. The excitement felt in the field would exceed that of any concert or sporting event conducted. To somewhat understand the sheer excitement and significance of this event, please allow me to describe the history of Bali. Called the “island of gods”, Bali is a spiritually intriguing area and the location of our incredibly historic Gospel Festival this week (June 19-22). The front of every building in Bali is adorned by an idol erected to appease their many gods. Offerings are made to the idols several times a day to bring favor from the gods. While located in Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim country, Bali is an exception with a population that is over 90% Hindu. Less that 2% believe in Jesus. This is an incredible opportunity for the Gospel in an area many would call unreached. We are honored to be conducting the first large outdoor Gospel meeting in the history of Bali. The initial day began with a press conference where reporters peppered Pastor Peter with questions. “How and why do you plan on Christianizing Bali”, one reporter inquired. Wisely replying to this legitimate question, Pastor Peter explained that he was not here to promote a religion. He was here to represent Jesus, Who is alive today and Who would show Himself alive today healing people this week. By 3pm the first day the sick and hurting began gathering in the large soccer stadium for the Festival that would not start until 6pm. The excitement and expectation was palpable as Pastor Peter took the platform before a packed stadium. Only the overflow areas remained for the crowd to grow in following nights. The crowd hung on every word as Pastor Peter presented Jesus TODAY. New Life…. TODAY. Healing…... TODAY. Not a theory. Not a story. A reality…. TODAY. “Papa, you want to walk. You imagine yourself walking, but you find it hard to have faith. It’s ok. There is One Who believes. His faith is perfect. You can be healed. Jesus heals you,” Pastor Peter declared to a man sitting in a wheelchair 10 meters from the stage. Even before he could finish the powerful prayer for the sick, clusters of celebration erupted around the stadium as people realized their healings. The stage quickly became full to overflowing with beautiful Balinese people coming to testify what Jesus had done for their body. The very first miracle to testify was a young boy brought by his father. The boy had been deaf since birth, but had now received his hearing. This was the first of many deaf ears opened. This was a Gospel celebration that will not soon be forgotten. At such moments it is as if time stands still. All current, past or future circumstances become a distant memory in light of the incomparable joy and hope found in Jesus. Thousands of Hindu, Christian and Muslim friends filled the stadium beyond capacity night after night. Several Hindu priests sat on the front row to receive healing from Jesus the last night of the Festival. Every evening many people from every religion were healed and demonstrated their healing on stage. The stadium manager told us he had never hosted a crowd this size in his stadium for any event. From the Governor of Bali, to the Hindu priests, to the former King of Bali, all expressed sincere gratitude and thanks for Pastor Peter coming. In an area where less than 2% of the people profess a belief in Jesus, it would be an understatement to say that this was a historical Festival. Many of Pastor Peter’s festivals are noteworthy. This one was special. It was ground breaking…the first ever in the area… what a fantastic success for Jesus! 2006-07-03T22:45:01+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/mongolia_festival_2006/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/mongolia_festival_2006/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/mongolia-1.jpg Perhaps never before in the history of Mongolia has Jesus been given such a prominent center stage. From the state run National TV and radio to the Buddhist funded TV station, Jesus was put before the people of Mongolia this past week during Mongolia Festival 2006 through live Festival broadcasts and interviews to the entire nation. This was the first live broadcast of this nature to the nation. Even before the Festival began, skepticism was received from numerous leaders, both political and religious, that this event would even be possible in the current political and religious climate. It has been only 15 years since the fall of Communism, and religious freedoms are still only being realized. Yet despite the opposition Jesus brought incredible favor and victory. Mongols would see a Jesus that is alive and actively working in their midst. The believers would receive newfound strength and awareness. Most importantly God’s unearned, unmerited love would be revealed to a nation. Many local pastors had a difficult time believing that miracles could really happen. Having rarely seen miracles this was quite understandable. They realized that not only their reputations but also their very lives were on the line if miracles were to fail. Local organizers had been told before the Festival that if the miracles did not take place as the massive advertising campaign claimed, they would be thrown in jail for misleading the public. The very first night of the Festival the response to Pastor Peter’s message was one of cautious optimism. Yes, many were healed, and the crowd was elated with joy, but there were still those who maintained their skepticism towards the veracity of the miracles taking place. Yet, as Pastor Peter continued to proclaim God’s goodness and love for all people night after night, the walls of unbelief were shattered until even the most ardent skeptic was heralding the miracles as true, notable occurrences. On the fourth night of the Festival a lady wearing dark black sunglasses was led into the stadium by her younger brother. She had lost sight in both of her eyes and desperately needed an operation to restore sight, however, finances did not allow the needed treatment. Despite circumstance, she received sight in her eyes, and testified of what Jesus had done for her. The next day the state run TV station went to her home hoping to discredit the miracle she claimed. Yet to their amazement they discovered the miracle was true. After interviewing family and neighbors alike, they could only conclude that Jesus had healed this young lady. This interview was relayed to the entire nation during prime time television the next day. Testimony after testimony could be relayed of the miraculous healings that took place in Mongolia this past week. So many blind eyes and deaf ears were healed. A certain man, who could not walk due to liver cancer, he had been brought in a car directly from the hospital. He was now standing on the platform testifying that Jesus had healed his body. The ensuing celebration was of national proportions. Reports were received from around the nation of God’s love and healing power touching lives. Pastors who had expressed doubt at the beginning of the week were now among the most avid supporters of the Festival. As fireworks closed the final night of the Festival in Mongolia a new reality for the church was realized. On the final days of the Festival Pastor Peter traveled to a remote area of Mongolia. Here he is sitting in front of a Ger, a traditional home of the nomadic people of Mongolia. Along with his interpreter, Pastor Peter is able to share the Gospel with these beautiful Mongols. Friends, we have said it on many occasions, but without your support we could not go to the nations. You are taking the Gospel to areas that have had very little Gospel exposure. You are making this great harvest of souls possible. 2006-07-03T21:59:01+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/surabaya_festival_2006/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/surabaya_festival_2006/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/Surabaya_large.jpg 2006-07-03T21:59:00+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/timika_festival_2006/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/timika_festival_2006/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/timika_large.jpg 2006-07-03T21:58:01+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/nairobi_kenya/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/nairobi_kenya/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/nairobi.jpg 2005-07-03T23:20:01+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/biak_festival_2005/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/biak_festival_2005/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/6biak_large.jpg Thousands of Indonesians packed the busy streets as the Biak Gospel festival opened with a grand parade through the center of town.  Classes were disrupted in a nearby school as students pressed their faces to the window, waving in excitement at the sight of hundreds of believers singing and shouting, “Papua for Jesus!”  Led by a police escort and children’s marching band, several speaker cars boldly announced to all, “The blind see, the deaf hear, and the lame walk.  Welcome to the Biak Festival!”  A noisy bamboo flute and percussion band flanked the rear, accompanied by a stream of decorated motorcycles and vehicles.  That night, a girl was listening in the crowd to the preacher.  She had been drawn to the field by the advertised promise of healing.  Her little 5-year-old Muslim sister was deaf and mute since birth.  After several years of visiting physicians and witch doctors, she was desperate.  Believing in Jesus the Healer, she began to communicate with her sister after the prayer for those who were deaf.  The masses rejoiced as Peter Youngren tested the little girl’s hearing behind her back. Gladly, he instructed the sister to begin to teach her how to speak and talk in Indonesian.  The next day, team members visited their home and found the entire family rejoicing in the healing Jesus had brought to them. 2005-07-03T23:18:01+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/bujumbura_festival_2005/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/bujumbura_festival_2005/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/12burundi_large.jpg We recently conducted a successful festival in Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi. The festival occurred during a turning point in Burundi’s history. The week prior, a national election was held in the country and for the first time a born again believer was elected as the President. I had the opportunity to share and pray with Peter Nkurunziza, the President-Elect, as he and his wife attended the closing day of the Bujumbura festival. He spoke to the massive crowd, telling them the festival was part of God’s divine plan for reconciliation and restoration of the Republic of Burundi. He affirmed his belief in Jesus Christ before the people, encouraging them to believe God’s message of love and forgiveness. Forgiveness is a difficult word for the people of Burundi. How does someone forgive those who murdered their family? Johnson, one of our team interpreters, testified that he was full of revenge toward the killers of 70 of his family members until he had a revelation of how much Christ had forgiven him. The love of Christ brought healing and change, and he offered the killers a job on his farm as an act of unconditional forgiveness. Over a thousand pastors joined us for a 3-day seminar designed to empower leaders to lead a Gospel Revolution in their city and village. They committed to impart the fresh revelation to their congregations. One pastor personally shared how his view toward unbelievers had changed and he was ready to win them for Jesus. Miracles flooded the platform every night and thousands responded to salvation. You could sense a willingness and eagerness in the people to be reconciled to God and receive Christ’s forgiveness. After 11 years, they were weary of holding bitterness and hurt in their heart and were ready to forgive. One of the notable miracles was a little girl named Nyabenda, paralyzed and twisted since birth. The masses rejoiced in her healing, but greater joy was experienced by Sarah, the sister who had carried her for 8 long years and watched her limbs straighten and strengthen before her eyes. The final evening, pastors and bishops from many denominations shared over dinner how the Bujumbura festival had impacted their lives, churches, and community. Hope for the future was strong as they talked about uniting together to see every person in Burundi know Christ as their personal Savior. 2005-07-03T23:16:00+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/rwanda_festival_2005/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/rwanda_festival_2005/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/10rwanda_large.jpg Previously numbed by the senseless slaughter and violence, the people shouted in amazement as a young man, blinded by a gunshot wound, received his sight from Jesus. Faith rose as the goodness of God was proved over and over again as cripples threw down their crutches and walked. One woman testified that her neck tumor had dissolved as she thanked Jesus for taking her disease at the cross of Calvary. Thousands streamed forward to receive salvation. The greatest miracle of all was the healing of a nation that had lost hope in a good God. 2005-07-03T23:15:01+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/manokwari_festival_2005/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/manokwari_festival_2005/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/16manokwari.jpg A great explosion took place in a city in Eastern Indonesia- Manokwari. Many lives were claimed and local authorities stated they had never seen or experienced anything like this before. What kind of explosion was this? A Gospel explosion! What were the effects? Miracles, salvation and a revelation of the Word of God. Curiosity began building when the publicity team was hard at work. Walls were plastered with posters, handbills handed out, billboards placed, banners hung, radio announcements aired, speaker trucks touring, everyone was about to hear of the Manokwari festival. Anticipation was high in a city that had never experienced such an event before. The day finally arrived. Peter Youngren was welcomed with traditional tribal dance, gifts and a cheering crowd full of excitement. This energy was channeled into a great parade led by police escort with hundreds of motorbikes, vans, buses, cars and trucks dominating the streets. If you had not heard of the festival before then you were assured to be informed with the sound of the horns. Driving through the city on the nights of the festival, you would have wondered if anyone had lived there. Night after night the crowd would grow so thick it overflowed into the streets. People hungry to receive came hours early to ensure good seating. Every night there was an explosion of the Gospel and miracles. Every night lives were claimed for heaven! The festival was broadcast live on the radio. Reports came back that many Muslim children were listening to the program. Even though they had not attended the festival physically, they were there in spirit and received the Gospel with great joy and excitement. Villages, hard to reach because of poor road conditions, heard of the festival. One particular couple traveled 4 hours to receive healing. After the cost of the journey, they only had enough taxi money to attend one night. However, there was no need to attend again after the husband’s hearing was restored on the first night! One family wept tears of joy as they told the story of their mother’s blindness. She was scheduled for surgery but after attending the festival she could see again. The family couldn’t afford the surgery. When asked how much her healing cost her, she answered with a huge smile on her face, “Nothing!” Those who received healing in their bodies were encouraged to come to the front and share with everyone what God had done for them. On the last night, Peter attempted to close the 4-day festival but was interrupted many times with yet another testimony so great that it had to be shared. The daughter of a local politician came weeping to the front to testify of how she could hear after being deaf for many years. A constant flow of tears streamed down her face while her hands were raised giving thanks unto God. No longer did she need a hearing aid that she held in her hand. While Peter and the crowd were dancing and singing, almost to the point of exhaustion, giving glory unto the Lord for what He had done, a Muslim woman began to experience strength come into her lame body that had been weak for many years. Little by little she began to move. Acknowledging that Jesus had touched her body, she began dancing and running and didn’t want to stop. World Impact Ministries strives to make an impact through the Gospel, one nation, city, tribe, village, and person at a time. Many people had come so far away from different tribes and villages. Some places so remote that the only way to get there is by a small prop plane. We will never really know the true impact that took place in Manokwari. This was only the beginning, as the people go back to their villages and share with those, who could not make the journey, of what happened at the festival. 2005-07-03T23:14:01+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/wamena_festival_2005/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/wamena_festival_2005/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/15wamena.jpg Deep in the heart of the Baliem Valley, the citizens of Wamena and the surrounding highland tribes celebrated the greatness of God in a citywide Gospel festival. Wamena is both modern and Stone Age, unique as one of the last places on earth where inhabitants walk around almost completely naked. It is the largest city in the world only reachable by air. The majority of residents are from the Dani tribe and live a peaceful existence as the second generation of former Papuan headhunters. These highland people practice pig husbandry and sweet potato farming. The local festival committee, comprised of church leaders from every denomination in the city, gave 100% of their effort and support for the first citywide festival in Wamena’s history. Having recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of the arrival of the Good News to Papua, they were eager to see the Gospel in power and demonstration of miracles. The celebration began with a Saturday parade complete with a marching band and speaker cars. The chief of police called it a holiday and invitations went out to every school for children to march in uniform in the festival parade. All police were present, some directing traffic and others giving out festival flyers. Local estimates reported over 3000 people marching in the parade. Despite torrential rain the week before, the festival opened strong with almost the entire city present at the Sinapuk field. Villagers walked in from the surrounding mountain regions and camped on the grounds for the duration. Faith for miracles was at a peak, since over a month prior to the festival, video footage was projected onto white sheets in the marketplaces with large crowds gathering to watch healing testimonies from other Indonesian festivals. The first healing of the first day was Pandi, a teenager completely deaf and mute since birth. Beaming from ear to ear with smiles, she began to repeat sounds and learn words for the first time. Others from her village testified that she was faithful to attend church even though she could not hear the music or sermons. Tremendous miracles flooded the platform daily, especially with those once blind, now made whole by Jesus. Fourteen years old, Urbanus Wandik was one of them. A childhood fever followed by witchcraft cures left him completely blind 12 years earlier. His father led Urbanus everywhere; they flew to a hospital but the doctors said it was too late for treatment. Together they went to the festival the first day, but Urbanus was not healed, nor the second day. The father was disheartened and thought to himself, “Why should I go?” But they went the third day again and that evening, after the second healing testimony, Urbanus turned to his father and said, “Papa, I can see, I can see!” Lives were changed and hearts impacted for the 800 pastors and church leaders attending the 3-day Gospel Revolution seminar. In one of the sessions, I preached about God being the Father of hugs and kisses, referring to the parable of the prodigal son. When the prodigal faced the choice to either stay with the swine or leave, many of the leaders laughed because in Papuan culture, pigs are the more obvious choice of value! In a farewell dinner, Pastor Dorman, the festival chairman, was overcome with the goodness of God and spoke with tears, echoing the sentiments of those seated around him. “In the 50 years since the Gospel first came to Wamena, we have never seen miracles. Now with our own eyes we have seen the power of God at work and are more bold to share Jesus with others. Thank you for demonstrating God’s love in action for all people.” Friends and partners, I want to thank you for impacting these precious people in Wamena with the Gospel. God’s love demonstrated through Jesus is available for every man and woman, regardless of culture, background or religion. Thank you for helping me bring the most precious Gift of all to Indonesia this holiday season. - Peter 2005-07-03T23:13:01+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/mbeya_festival_2004/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/mbeya_festival_2004/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/1Mbyea_large.jpg A colorful sea of umbrellas brightened the muddy field as thousands of Tanzanians sang in the heavy downpour. The rainy season had arrived early in the city of Mbeya on the southern border of Tanzania. The WIM team could not believe their eyes as they watched in amazement from under the platform, seeking shelter from the rain. Still two hours before the festival was to start and already a steady stream of umbrellas were making their way slowly up the hill to Sokoine field. The shower lessened slightly as the music band and choir danced and sang in the drizzling rain. The people listened intently to Peter Youngren as he declared Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. Their mood could not be dampened despite the rain. They cheered and shouted when 15-year-old Kasumo testified of his miracle. The boy had been paralyzed for 2 years, unable to bathe, clothe, or feed himself. His father was a pastor sitting on the platform, and was shocked to suddenly see his son walk up the ramp without assistance, completely healed! As dusk began, the atmosphere of faith only intensified as Mrs. Abraham testified of her miracle: healed of total blindness after 5 years. 2004-07-03T23:24:01+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/tanga_festival_2004/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/tanga_festival_2004/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/7tanga_large.jpg The festival opened with rousing music and an inspiring welcome speech from the Regional Commissioner of how Peter Youngren had come to Tanga with the power of God to bring peace and unity between Christians and Muslims. The speech was met with cheers and applause from people of all religious backgrounds. Tanga´s population of 200,000 is 95% Muslim, and the municipal leaders were eager to bridge the political gap between Muslims and Christians. Tanga has rich history in the formation of Tanzania and was instrumental in the spread of Islam, being originally governed by the Sultan of Oman. One of the more memorable miracles happened on the third day of the festival. Mr. Bin Salim rushed to the platform excitedly to testify that his dim eyesight had been healed. He had heard about the festival and decided to attend out of curiosity, but chose to stand far in the back. He didn′t want to be recognized as a Muslim and so took his white hat off and hid it in his clothing. His interest grew as Peter Youngren preached that Jesus is alive and ready to save and heal in Tanga. When the time came for healing, he obediently placed his hand over his eyes and waited for the prayer to finish. Taking his hand away, he was surprised to find that his eyesight was clear! Still skeptical, he asked the woman next to him to give him something to read, knowing that he had not been able to read for many years. The woman handed him a Salvation book in Swahili and he started to read the first chapter out loud to her. The crowd cheered and laughed as he picked up his hat and placed it back on his head, saying, ″I am a Muslim but today Jesus has healed me!″ The next morning, he woke up in his home and wondered if it was all a dream. He decided to test the healing of his sight again, and in front of his family, threaded a needle for the first time in many years. 2004-07-03T23:24:00+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/barahona_festival_2004/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/barahona_festival_2004/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/3baharona_crowd_large.jpg CJI held its first festival in the Dominican Republic. Thousands responded to salvation each day in the city of Barhona.  Local pastors testified that the miracles were an eyeopener to the power of God available to every person in Barhona. 2004-07-03T23:22:50+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/dar_es_salaam_festival_2004/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/dar_es_salaam_festival_2004/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/8dar_es_salaam.jpg “Miujiza! Miracles!” screamed the headline of Najia, one of the newspapers reporting on the Dar es Salaam Festival 2004. “This is marvelous! We have never seen anything like it, ” says Rev. Philemon from the Pentecostal Church, and concludes, “There has never been a crowd of this size in the history of Tanzania.” Several national leaders testified to the same. A wave of people came to receive Christ each night. The counsellors reported of the unusual hunger in the people. There was a sense of being on “holy ground” as they spent considerable time sharing with each person who had responded for salvation. One of the most touching miracles during the festival was that of Puschal Kyondi, 7 years old with a large tumor on his head. He was brought to the platform wearing blue shorts and a white t-shirt on the opening night. Two operations had failed to remove the tumor. He had not been able to walk or stand for 3 years. During the prayer that first night, Jesus put an end to that. Puschal started walking. With each ensuing night the intensity and joy as God performed miracles kept growing. 2004-07-03T23:21:44+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/dodoma_festival_2004/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/dodoma_festival_2004/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/2dodoma_large.jpg The Tanzanian capital of Dodoma experienced the supernatural power of God in the five-day Gospel festival conducted in late 2004. Known among Christians as a city hardened to the Gospel, many evangelists had seen few miracles take place. Peter Youngren was warned prior to the festival that there might be no miracles. The opening night, he preached on Jesus: The Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever. Immediately, the people believed that the same healing Jesus was in their midst. Physical miracles took place all over the field and hundreds responded to the greatest miracle of all, salvation. 2004-07-03T23:21:01+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/zanzibar_festival_2004/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/zanzibar_festival_2004/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/14zanzibar_large.jpg 2004-07-03T23:20:01+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/hosanna_ethiopia/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/hosanna_ethiopia/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/hosanna.jpg 2004-07-03T23:19:01+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/goma_festival_2005/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/goma_festival_2005/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/11congo_large.jpg Civil war, hunger, AIDS, and poverty are some of the problems plaguing the city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Located deep in the heart of Africa, the city is situated on the shores of Lake Kivu. Surrounded by beautiful scenery and filled with beautiful people, the city has faced more than its fair share of trouble. In his opening message, Dr. Youngren compared the second day of the festival with Biblical times. Back then, the word was preached, people believed, and the sick were healed. Dr. Youngren announced to the crowd, Today I am preaching the word. Only believe and the sick shall be healed. Sure enough, when he prayed for the sick, miracles happened all over the festival grounds. Screaming and shouting excitedly, hundreds of Congolese streamed toward the spots where the miracles were happening. Chaos ensued as soldiers beat back the crowd away from the speaker towers, until Dr. Youngren asked those who had been healed to come to the front to share what God had done. Dozens of miracles occurred as God confirmed His word with signs and wonders. A deaf/mute boy spoke for the first time in his life. Cripples threw away their crutches. Deaf ears were opened. A woman who had walked stooped for many years straightened up as Jesus healed her spine. Dr. Youngren announced, Today, all things are possible! 2004-06-07T23:16:00+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/semarang_festival_2003/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/semarang_festival_2003/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/4semarang_large.jpg The preaching of the Gospel, confirmed with signs and wonders, shook the entire region of Semarang during the 5-day festival as over 130,000 Indonesians attended the closing service. Day after day, newspapers gave full-page coverange, reporting on the details of Peter Youngren’s sermons and the testimonies of healing. 2003-07-03T23:26:01+00:00 http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/medan_festival_2003/full_story http://www.etal.no/celebration/festivals/medan_festival_2003/full_story /images/uploads/main_images/5medan_large.jpg Some evenings, the stadium was covered in water but the people’s hunger for God was greater than the inconvenience of torrential downpours. God bore witness to His Gospel by raining down miracles! The blind saw, the lame walked, the deaf heard and more than 100,000 Indonesians received the Salvation book followup for new believers. Over 75% of those in attendance were Muslims. Hundreds phoned in miracle testimonies after listening on the radio as each Festival Rally was broadcast to the entire region. In a separate seminar, 2,600 pastors and church leaders received Great Commission training from Peter Youngren. 2003-07-03T23:25:00+00:00