News & Letters

Go Ye, Heritage Int’l Ministries Says Yes Lord!

Go Ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen (Matthew 28:19-20).

Heritage International Ministries established in 2003, answered the Lord’s call to Go evangelize and teach. The first evangelistic trip was taken in September, 2003. In 2004, we were blessed to complete two evangelistic trips— March and October to Western Kenya, East Africa. In March, we traveled with a team of eight from Louisiana, Chicago, New Jersey and Mississippi. Both preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus, hundreds of souls gave their lives to Christ. This trip was to continue laying the foundation for a medical ministry and teach the Pastors through a Bible College. Our return trip in October was quite different from the others. Although few in number, our team of three was equipped as never before by God with “power to tread on serpents, and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy.” Luke 10:19 We all acknowledged the heightened level of spiritual warfare we encountered as we traveled from the border of Tanzania through Western Kenya to the border of Uganda stopping in several places to preach, teach and touch the lives of the people. The territory covered was tremendous, however, the victory over the enemy was magnified as God received the Glory for the hundreds of souls giving their lives to Christ.

Through the gracious contributions of our supporters, we were able to be a blessing to the local churches, pastors, and people. We sowed into the ministries that hosted us—Christ Heritage International Ministries, Bethesda Ministries International and Miracle Land Ministries, and Miracle Land Worship Center. The medicine and medical supplies contributed by the New Orleans Medical Foundation and Rhema Christian Church in Chicago was well received. We also brought a few bibles to distribute but the need for more bibles is tremendous; not just for the people but more critically for the ministers of the Gospel.

We not only taught the Pastors in an Institute, but we also baptized many and ordained for one ministry all the Pastors, Evangelist, and Deacons. The experience of walking to and from over four miles through the country side (a rocky terrain) to the river to baptize new converts, was one to remember. On another day we went deeper into the bush and mountain area to reach more people. I’m sure we traveled about 10 miles by car, 5 miles by truck, then 3 miles by foot. They ministry had established a church in that area to which the Pastors and evangelist would travel by foot or bicycle (if available) every week to minister and evangelize. God was allowing us to see the true work of ministry and to experience His word, when Jesus spoke to the disciples saying, “the harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few, pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, he would send forth labourers into his harvest.” (Matthew 10:2)

The most touching experience was to see so many children and babies taking care of themselves and each other. The pandemic of AIDS was quite evident with many dying and the overwhelming number of orphans. We saw little girls and boys five, six and seven years of age with babies tied to their backs. They seem to come faithfully each day to the crusades the same ones and would stay the entire service. We did not see them eat or the babies cry. There was so much hopelessness on their faces and the faces of the people, my spirit was grieved. As I asked God what would you have me preach to these your people, my African sisters and brothers. What would I say? The Lord answered, tell them I love them. Tell them about how much I love them, that I sent my son to take away their sins that they may have life eternal. Tell them how Jesus died, why he died and his resurrection. Tell them about my saving grace which I offer to them now. Tell them I have not forgotten about them. Tell them I found the three of you who were willing to sacrifice leaving your land, homes and families, and risk your lives just to deliver my message-- to tell them how much I love them. So everywhere we went, we delivered the Good news. We were all on one accord with the messages God had given us. By the time we were ready to leave and the gospel had gone forth, I saw there countenance change. Their hope was restored. Their lives were given to Christ!

Our work has only just begun. There are still so many souls to reach for Christ and poor to help.

By Dr. M. Thornton