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January - February 2000 The Sabbath Sentinel
Report from Gabon
Pastor Michael Porter
Greetings to you in the name of Jesus our Lord. I was a
pastor of Eglise du Gabon until in late 1998 (when) God
opened my eyes to the amazing truth. I was confronted
(with) this saving message by a preacher who preaches
through WORLD HARVEST RADIO INTERNATIONAL in Indiana,
United States. God spoke to me concerning the Sabbath
and the need to surrender my entire life to Him. The
preacher spoke on the second coming, the mark of the
beast, national Sunday law, etc. At first, I was not
comfortable with what I saw as a false teaching, but I
was compelled to keep on listening and judge with the
scripture. I tuned in each weekend and the Holy Spirit
opened my eyes to (see) the truth. I began to thank God
that I did not (turn) off the radio on the first
day. God brought a great change in my life and I made up
my mind to follow the true gospel and to keep His
Sabbath. I shared my testimony with my wife and she
accepted the message, for which I praised the Lord.
We became Sabbatarians at heart. During our national
convention my wife encouraged me to present the message
without fear and allow the will of God to be done. I
told her, "I will be mobbed," but through her prayers I
was fortified and I presented the truth as it was. At
the end of the convention several members besieged my
house and demanded my resignation, excommunication and
sack. The Church council gave me 2 weeks to vacate the
premises, as they accused me of preaching (a) false
gospel. God made it possible for us to leave unhurt and
33 people came out with me. We now meet for worship and
fellowship on the Sabbaths and week days. I am now
sharing a room with a brother in his house. My children
no longer go to school. We have no food and no money and
my wife had to return to the village as I can no longer
afford an accommodation. WHAT A GREAT PRICE TO PAY FOR
THE TRUTH. However, our nation is in a deep Spiritual
darkness and only this true gospel can set her
free. Since I embraced this truth, I have found peace,
joy and assurance. There is a freedom of worship in our
country but bible based Christianity is lacking
here. There (is) a mixture of paganism and Christianity
in worship in our country; almost all the Churches are
victims. Demons of alcoholism, sex, gambling and
ancestor worship are holding millions imprisoned. There
is a custom, or what would I call ... very common here,
(that) young girls and ladies are having children
outside of wedlock, and in most cases no one claims
responsibility for it. The situation is very appalling
and even the so called Christians are victims. Scarcely
you see a family without illegitimate children.
My only heart's desire is for the Sabbath truth to be
circulated all over Gabon and Central African region for
the salvation of man before He comes. We are ready to
stand (in) the gap lest we be destroyed. I believe God
led me to the truth at this time for a purpose and I am
ready. We are ready to circulate this truth to (every)
nook and cranny of Gabon, if supported. There is hunger
in the land, not of bread and wine, but for the
undiluted word of God. We need large quantities of
bibles for school students who crave them. God is
bringing revival to Gabon and we want you to help us. I
have a burden to go to villages, cities, towns, etc., to
circulate the message. We shall need large quantities of
books, bibles, tracts, audio/video tapes, study aids and
at least 10 copies of Study Bibles. Can you provide us
with any help? Above all we need your prayers to stand
firm and faithful, even in the midst of trial.
Let us hear from you; the night is far spent. Help us to
bring this light to Gabon and to other nations around
us. Remain blessed as we anxiously wait for our Lord and
Savior, Jesus Christ.
MARANATHA.
Yours in the blessed hope,
Michael Porter
Libreville, Gabon
Your English is very good for someone from
French-speaking Africa! We praise God for your growth in
His Truth, especially about the Sabbath. We will, God
willing, be sending you Sabbath materials, including
copies of The Sabbath Sentinel magazine. God bless you
as you stand up for Him!
Richard Nickels
Pastor Porter's plea for help in preaching the truth
about God's Sabbath is one example of the crying need
that the world has for the proclamation of His Sabbaths
and Laws- within the context of the Gospel dispensation
of the soon-coming Kingdom of God. As we continue to
grow in strength at BSA, we pray that we are better able
to accommodate such evangelistic efforts by those truly
committed to the Holy Laws of God!
Editor
TSS
January - February 2000 The Sabbath Sentinel
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