The crusade in Eersterust was the largest crusade Joel Hitchcock Ministries had ever conducted in Joel's original home country, South Africa. While crusades in Venezuela, India and Malawi had been bigger in size (as many as 40,000 people in a single service) this crusade in Eersterust was as powerful in per capita salvations and was flavored with just as powerful miracles.
Originally 18 churches rallied to support Joel's crusade, making 500 of their members available to act as ushers, workers, follow-up ministers, etc. Unfortunately some internal strife among some pastors (not related to Joel Hitchcock) caused quite some pastors to pull out of the crusade, and said that they would announce to their churches that they should not support the crusade.
Not only was there disunity among the churches, but numerous warnings were given by some local people that Eersterust was notorious for it's gangster activities, and that it might not be safe. Joel and Heidi considered it to be just one of the many dangerous places they have ministered in, but Joel was concerned for his team from America. Assurance was given that they would be safe, and that they would be escourted out from the stadium after every service. Not once did we encounted any danger.
Then it was the vandalism. Thousands of posters were put up all over the city, and then removed by vandalists at night. Even one huge bill boards was torn down, kicked and broken in two. Someone commented that they suspected that it was the work of some bitter churches. Very sad indeed that the people of God would fight something that is designed to help their churches, because of their own internal strife.
Another person reported the presence of a satanist in our meeting--the least of all our problems. I would rather have a hundred satanists come against a crusade than 5 bitter pastors.
It was into this bee-nest that we went into to conduct the largest crusade this city had ever seen. God was faithful and the people came. The largest meeting attracted about 1,200 to 1,500 people.
Our ushers recorded 164 first time salvations! And another 106 more made a rededication to Christ. These numbers are wonderful, even though they seem pale compared to other crusades we have held around the world. About 500 made a decision not to consume any alcohol ever. This is remiscient to the Temperance Movement that spread all over America in the 1800's.
At least two people with prophetical ministries, the one not knowing about the other told us that God had used this crusade to break spiritual strong holds over the city. And God truly did a wonderful work.
CRUSADE HIGHLIGHTS:
This lady stood up from her wheelchair after prayer for her from Joel Hitchcock, Derek Grier, John Paul and Julie Lorenzo, Benedita Davis, and other local helpers
This precious lady was mute since birth. After prayer she started saying cylables and words after Joel.
This precious little boy was brought to the crusade by his mother. His feet were weak since birth and he could not stand for long or attempt to walk without falling. He was prayed for by Joel, John Paul and Dr. Grier. He then could run with no problems. His mother, never having seen him do this was overwhelmed, burst out in tears and gave the Lord the glory!
This cute little boy was totally blind in his one eye. Jesus healed him immediately when Joel and the team from the USA prayed for him
