Jesus Festival in Buriram (Thailand). The Beginning
The Jesus Festival in Buriram was the first such event held by Christ for All Cities Ministries in Thailand. Pastors of 34 churches united, despite all hurdles, to organize such a historical festival in Buriram. The usher team—more than 200 people—was gathered from the churches of Buriram and its suburbs. A large team arrived from Bangkok and also from Ukraine and other countries. The believers from local churches were very excited, they expected that many people would repent and accept Jesus as their Savior. Everyone believed that the services with Pastor Henry Madava would mark the beginning of awakening and spiritual changes in Thailand.
Advertisement was initially placed on two radio channels, but later other radio stations offered their air time to advertise the Jesus Festival. Advertisement was also posted on 20 billboards and on many advertising panels. “We celebrate Jesus Christ, the Lord of miracles” was written on booklets sent out to every house of the city. Cars with posters and loudspeakers moved round the city under the police escort and invited the inhabitants of Buriram to attend the miracle services. A paramotor hovered over the city with a huge banner that invited people to attend the event. There were buses which transported people from ten suburban towns around Buriram to the meeting.
The time chosen for the Jesus Festival in Buriram was during the dry season, when rainfalls were not typical. However, it was raining heavily over the stadium on the both days before the festival at the same time when the event was planned. It did not allow the equipment to be well tested in advance, but all the constructions were put in place.
On the day of the first service, the preparations were in full swing—a stage, two big screens, a huge banner on the stage had been set up—when suddenly, just before the service began, thunder rumbled and a broad band of rain began to move towards the festival site. All those who saw it started praying and commanding the wind to take away the rain. The rain, having settled the dust on the field, passed by, and a rainbow appeared in the sky, a promise of God’s mercy and favor. People perceived it as a sign of God’s blessing.
People began arriving at the stadium in buses and cars, bringing the sick in wheelchairs, long before the service began. When beginning of the service approached, a variegated stream of people was filling the stadium. In total, there were approximately 5,000 people in attendance. After worship, dancing, and rejoicing, Pastor Henry began preaching. During the sermon, thunder suddenly rumbled again. The ministers exchanged glances, silently turning to God for help. The prayer team was notified, and they were praying fervently in their room, forbidding rain. Bright tendrils of lightning pierced the black sky. The first drops of rain fell on the stage, and the technical crew began covering the monitors and speakers with plastic film. Thick strands of heavy rain were clearly visible in the spotlight. It seemed the entire stage was about to be covered in a sheet of rain. But lo and behold! Only few drops fell from the sky, as if reminding us that the rain was real, as well as God’s hand, which covered the stadium together with thousands of people waiting for their miracle.
God never fails! He healed many people during the prayer for healing. A paralyzed woman stood up from her wheelchair, a dumb began to speak, a deaf ear opened.
Our mission is to change history by expanding the Kingdom of God among the nations of the world. Let us stand together firmly for the name of Jesus Christ. We are grateful to all the partners of Christ for All Cities Ministries for their prayers and financial support!
