The April Crusade in Daugavpils, Latvia, reached the whole region, and across the borders into Lithuania and the persecuted nation of Belarus (under totalitarian rule since 1994, governed by strict Soviet-era policies, evangelism is illegal in Belarus). Because of the financial difficulties here, not many could have afforded to pay their way; your gifts towards this crusade helped pay for 50 buses and minibuses to bring ordinary people - and pastors, bishops and church leaders - from across the region and across the borders. The buses you provided were the reason they could come.

Pastors and leaders who actually came from Belarus said they wanted to come so much, because they believed this crusade would be a very strong support for them, that the Lord would heal their wounded and tired hearts, and give them a hope and vision how to lead their churches forward during this difficult time. Evangelical churches are not allowed to hold any public events - many churches and pastors have been persecuted for their activities. Government propaganda is that evangelical churches are a 'dangerous cult', and the state authorities call upon their citizens to 'fight against' this 'cult' all over the country.

The provision of buses was also a channel for a great individual miracle! In Jekapils, one hour by road from our crusade, an 18 or 19 year old girl born deaf and dumb, by mistake got on our bus - it was not her local village bus, as she thought, but was bringing people to our meeting! All she could do was sit through the meeting until the bus went back! A sign language interpreter could not be found for the girl, but she was brought forward to David for personal prayer. The miracle is that although she had heard nothing of the message, God saw her need and as she went back home she began both to hear and speak! Everyone on the bus was a witness to this tremendous miracle!

Praise God, the ash cloud which was spewed out by the exploding volcano in Iceland, and which closed down European airspace for the best part of a week, did not stop the evangelism planned for 23, 24, 25 April in Daugavpils, Latvia! For the most of the preceding week David found himself stranded in Israel, having gone out there for just 2 days to meet with pastors. - He only had carry-on luggage with him! Desperate as he was to return to UK to collect his preaching clothes and preaching Bible, this proved impossible. Finally he flew into Latvia via Kiev, on the very first flight after Ukraine airspace was re-opened; his Bible was brought to him personally on the first flight out of UK, and his clothes arrived by taxi 4 hours before the meeting, having gone missing en-route!

In this city, which launched the first of Hiter's holocausts against the Jews in 1941, and hosted the 'University of Atheism' for the formulation of all atheistic doctrine for the whole of the Soviet Empire, the power of Christ was preached to thousands on this first night: the tremendous power Jesus has, His ability to understand circumstances beyond our control, and God's unusual way of dealing with problems and issues of time. Speaking from the story of Jairus' daughter, who died in the period of time in which Jesus stopped to heal the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:22), David proved that things which are impossible with men are still possible with God.

Almost one thousand unbelievers came forward to give their lives to Christ!

David held two meetings on Saturday, to bring believers to a new level of faith in God, and to bring others to Christ for the first time. David said the whole history of the Bible - from Moses to Jesus the Son of God - is that God has come down to deliver! He wants to be a Father to you. God sees and God knows: 'I have seen the affliction of My people, I have heard their cry, I know their sorrows,' God says to Moses in Exodus 3:7. When blind Bartimaeus cried out, Jesus heard and commanded him to come - Mark 10:46. Bartimaeus prayed a desperate prayer, "You are the Son of God - help!" God will spend all His energy - He sent His only Son - to find YOU and to help YOU: "I love you, I want to heal you, forgive you!"

These were were the largest Christian meetings ever held in the entire history of this region; never have people come to Christ in such numbers and never have there been such miracles of healing to confirm the Gospel. Even the most popular rock star in Latvia could not get these numbers for his concert a few weeks ago!

David held two meetings on Sunday, for the local churches together, and to bring unbelievers to Christ. David challenged the churches from Jeremiah 33:6 where God says, "I will bring health and healing and abundance to this city." David said, "You must learn how to pray for your city, for Daugavpils. It is your responsibility. You live here, God has called YOU to serve YOUR city, to evangelise, to pray and to see the glory of God. I have come to encourage YOU - this is only the beginning of a new power, new life, for your city - and through your city for your nation. I have come so that the fire and the power of God will come on you and give you new faith for what God can do!"

The deputy mayor opened the evening meeting, then spoke privately with David. She said, "People are in shock because of the economic situation. Thank you for coming to our city and thank you for the humanitarian aid. This event is very important to us, so that our people do not feel abandoned. But I recognise that not only material things, but spiritual things matter."

David spoke from Matthew 9:1 - the paraysed man brought to Jesus by his friends - "God is concerned for the individual, people like you and me. If you will believe for a miracle, God will not, cannot fail. Jesus has power on earth to forgive your sin and heal your sickness."

More than a thousand came forward to repent and be counselled. Among the healings an old woman testified she had walked with a stick since World War II. As she left the platform, she gave her stick away to one of the pastors and said, "That's it! Now I'm going to dig my garden!"

These were the largest Christian meetings (and the largest public event of any kind) ever held in the region; never have people come to Christ in such numbers and never have they seen such miracles of healing!

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