South Pacific 2002 - the Solomon Islands Reports

The Storm

Saturday evening in the capital city was just like any other night.  Almost.  There were strangers in the city, and news was circulating about the music to be heard in the Market that night.  A huge sound panel and stage had been set up.  An SIBC radio crew were already there to broadcast the event live on FM.

Energetic praise songs bellowed out into the streets, drawing a crowd of onlookers.  Emma McPhail, YMG Team member from Great Britain, began speaking, asking the crowd and radio audience, "How will you weather the storm?" Emma was preaching from a familiar passage in Luke chapter 8 in which Jesus is being called upon by fearful disciples, who wake Him as their boat is being tossed in a raging storm.  As Emma preached and the YMG Team prayed, the crowd listened with growing fascination.  What Emma could not see, but the crowd facing Honiara Harbor did see, was a spectacular lightning display rolling inland. Heading directly toward the Market, a major storm was brewing.  Although lightning lit up the dark sky, there was no thunder, and Emma was unaware of the pyrotechnics going on just behind her as she shared.  Christ was there in the middle of the storm, she affirmed, and the Lord would help any who asked Him, just as He had rescued her from a life full of uncertainty and danger.

There was no hint to Emma of the divinely-cued storm angrily moving in behind her. "How will you weather the storm?" she pressed.  The people in the Market got the message.  Many of them moved forward to receive the Lord at the close of Emma’s sermon, deciding to let Jesus take on their personal turmoil.

And the harbor storm?  As it neared landfall, the brooding clouds and lightning split like a Red Sea reprise and went around the Market.  Not a drop of rain fell, though other parts of the city got a downpour.  The saints went on partying and praising until one in the morning.

This story and Matthew’s Story are only two of many in which the Lord confirmed the word as it was preached by Julie and YMG Team members.  Often God chooses to use a healing to demonstrate the truth of the gospel and the Lordship of Jesus.  Sometimes God chooses a sign that is specifically tuned to the people or person He is reaching out to, beautifully autographed with His love and wisdom.  God still speaks to people today by signs and wonders.  Young Ministry Group gives glory to God for showing His mercy to people in these marvelous ways, all over the earth.