Midnight Cry Messenger

• Main Article: Be Ready by Phil Enlow
  Things Jesus taught about His return and what would happen when He did.
• Philippines Trip Report by Jimmy Robbins
  A report of the 2007 Philippines Trip taken by Phil Enlow and Jimmy Robbins.
• A Testimony of God's Love by Wendy Downing
• God or Money by Greg Kasey
  Testimony of God's faithfulness when we put Him first in money matters.
• Faith by Andrew Murray
• As I Woke Up This Morning by Joy Dyer
  Thoughts on busy-ness and fellowship with the Lord.
• The Editor's Letter

Dear Saints,

This issue brings a slight change in size and format as it became necessary to seek a new printer and conform to their setup. We took the opportunity to experiment a little with style while we were at it.

Many things have happened since the last issue. Once again the Lord greatly blessed the youth camp as we gathered near Columbia, SC in early September. We continue to rejoice in His faithfulness to reach out and change lives.

I would certainly echo what Bro. Jimmy Robbins has written about our recent trip to the Philippines. What a time of blessing we experienced! We met so many precious brothers and sisters in the Lord. Only the Lord knows when we will meet them again, whether here or on the other side, but meet again we shall!

As Bro. Jimmy indicated there was not an occasion in which we were not keenly aware of our desperate need of the Lord - and He was always faithful to come and reach out to everyone present. How conscious we both were that this was something that God was doing and that, at best, we were merely instruments. We were very conscious of the prayers of many saints and just how much a part of it all they were. We had some of our people rising at odd hours to pray for different ministry events, allowing for the 12-hour time difference.

Then during Thanksgiving weekend we had out Thanksgiving Meeting and it is impossible to describe adequately. The Lord used many different men to express the words and truths He wanted us to hear. Every message was anointed and had an impact. One service (Thursday evening) was a powerful call to awakening and repentance for God's people. On Saturday evening the Lord principally used some of our younger ministers as He moved in and brought genuine Holy Ghost conviction upon many hearts. We saw the Lord touch the hearts of some for whom much prayer had gone up over a long period of time. Truly it is not what we can do; unless God steps in and works, all that we do is just empty religious activity. We may produce outward results but nothing eternal happens.

The Friday evening service was different in that it was primarily devoted to teaching. The Lord gave me a message entitled, "Countdown To Judgment," designed to paint a clear picture of where we are in history as well as what lies ahead. This message summarizes much of the content of the article series of a few years ago entitled, "Sudden Death Overtime."

Speaking of "Sudden Death Overtime" it has been edited and revised and brought together in book form and is now available. I would encourage our readers to obtain and prayerfully read it as I believe it contains much-needed truth for God's people. Closely related to this subject is our lead article, "Be Ready," which focuses on the many plain statements Jesus made regarding his return. The Dispensational "Rapture-Great Tribulation-Millennium-Little Season, etc." scheme is about all you hear on the airwaves today. Much as I respect some brethren who hold this view, I believe it is dangerous falsehood that leaves God's people unprepared for the things that are coming upon the earth.

I believe you will be blessed as well by the testimonies included in this issue. It is always an encouragement to hear how God has worked in someone's life, someone who in every way that matters is just like you!

We appreciate all the communications and prayers of our brothers and sisters around the world and pray God's richest blessings upon you.

Your brother in Christ,
Phil Enlow

It was September 18th, 2007 when Brother Phil Enlow and I boarded our plane for Cebu, Philippines. After approximately thirty-seven hours, we touched down at the Mactan Airport. How thankful we were to stretch our legs and get our blood pumping again. Also, we praised the Lord for His love and protection during this nine thousand mile trip.

After checking into the beautiful Plantation Bay Resort, we had some wonderful fellowship with Bro. Robert and his wife Sis. Dorothy...our partners and hosts for this worthy mission. I have purposely used these "formal names" due to the potential danger involved in the promulgation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We were invited to a dear Saint of God’s home along with some relatives of our host and various other guests which in all were about twenty-five. After a lively and wonderful worship service…everyone was seated…and ready to hear all things commanded of God. I spoke first about God’s sovereign grace…and how it is the goodness of God to lead sinners unto repentance.

Phil spoke about dinosaurs…"WOW…what a contrast." I’m just kidding. During our June MCM Convention Phil spoke in depth about the record in the book of Genesis concerning creation and the relative young age of planet earth. Everyone in the room listened with rapt attention. I suggest that you contact our web site and order a DVD copy of his message, "What About Genesis?"

After a powerful worship service, Brother Vic…Minister/Moderator had a fine group of ministers to introduce themselves. They were from various denominations…from both near and far away places…Many of these pastors were very poor…and it took a great effort for them to attend this meeting. What an opportunity we had to speaks words of encouragement to each of them.

The Theme of our entire mission trip was…"The Foundation of the Ministry."

In short…Let’s get back to the basics…Let’s get back to the Word of God. What does the Word say? I’m sad to say that many well meaning Ministers from the United States of America go over to foreign lands and teach nothing but man’s wisdom. Such as…Seven Steps to Financial Prosperity, Ten Steps to Building Your Church to Five Thousand Members, How to Get a Double Portion of God’s Holy Ghost Power, How To Take Your Ministry To The Next Level.

In contrast…what does God’s Word say? "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matt. 6:33.

"Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it" Ps. 127:1.

"And be not drunk with wine wherein is excess; but be filled with the spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." Eph. 5: 18-19.

Jesus is the Head of the church…there no higher level…Hear ye Him!

While waiting for all the preliminaries, I had a little time to gather my thoughts. I must confess to you that I had no confidence, no strength, no ability to speak, and to top it all off…what on earth could I say to these pastors to help them in their ministry? I felt so helpless…I closed my eyes and cried out to my Lord…Jesus! please help me…I can’t do this…My Lord said to me…get up by faith …and I will give you strength, courage, and the words to say. Praise the Lord…now I had the peace that passes all understanding.

I was called to the podium…I opened my mouth and began to speak out of my heart the words that my Lord gave me to speak. Praise God! It’s just like Jesus said it would be…Take no thought what you shall say…for I will give you the words to say.

This experience reminds me of what Paul the Apostle said, "And I brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God, For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." I Cor. 2:1-5.

Then Brother Phil spoke from 2 Timothy 1:7 about the Lord not giving us a spirit of timidity. The Lord blessed this message. At the end of this conference, the pastors were rejoicing. Praise the Lord for His faithfulness to help us in our weakness. I compared notes with Phil after we left the meeting…and he also felt weak, and incapable of doing or saying anything to help the pastors. I thank God that He is the one who does the work through unworthy vessels.

Bro. Vic, our Host, rents a space in the mall for his church. As we were arriving at the mall to have our Sunday service, we immediately saw fire trucks everywhere.

There was no visible flames in sight…so we went inside to the church facility to begin our worship service. The smell of smoke was increasing by the moment. Soon, the fire marshal ordered the mall to be completely evacuated. Bro. Phil had purposed to minister on, "Are You Ready?" This message was to describe what will happen at the Second coming of the Lord. The devil was happy that this very important message would not be preached…or so he thought. Not to be outdone, the staff and workers took the instruments and microphones to another location. Actually, we relocated on the old U.S. military base. Phil opened his Bible and delivered his burden. This message was very specific and very solemn. "As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be at the coming of the Son of man." I believe that this message stirred many…and they will never be the same. The devil lost another battle. To God be the glory!

Due To Space Limitations in MCM Messenger…I must be brief in this Report.

Next, we arrived in the beautiful Davao City, Philippines. After one day of rest….we were off to Panabo City, which is about forty-five miles from Davao. Once again the old devil tried to sabotage our plans. While on the way to Panabo City, a demon possessed man tried to commit suicide by darting in front of our bus. Surely, this was an attempt to thwart our mission. An angel of God stopped this man while in full stride…on a dime. He hit the side of the bus with his fist as we passed by to show his utter contempt. Just think…if we had run him over…the police would have come to investigate the accident…and we would have missed our Pastor’s conference in Panabo. Guess what?…the old devil lost another battle.

While ministering in Panabo my mind simply froze in time…I could not capture my thoughts to speak. I bowed my head and began to pray…Praise the Lord! Jesus came to my rescue and broke the power of the devil’s attack on my mind. From that point forward I had great liberty to minister things that I had not even planned to say. God wanted His message to help this precious group of pastors.

Bro. Phil ministered encouragement to the pastors as he spoke on "Unique To God." This message gave the ministers hope…to realize that they are special in God’s eyes.

At the end of the service, Phil and I prayed for the pastors…what a sight to see…they were weeping and rejoicing that we had come to minister to them. All glory and honor be to our Lord and Savior.

We had three glorious days with a large group of pastors. Bro. Phil ministered on dinosaurs again. Everyone was glued to his every word. Between the both of us…We ministered on Unity In The Church, New Testament Christianity, Unique To God, The Spirit of Timidity Is Not From God, and many more vital teachings from God’s word. At the end of the pastor’s conference…we had prayer for all the Ministers. There was great liberty in all these services. Praise God!

This event was beyond description…hundreds of young people were gathered around the platform area where the musicians and singers were worshipping the Lord. The Youth Ministry conducted this meeting with great enthusiasm. They performed skits, gave compelling testimonies, and Youth Ministers preached with great fervor. Bro. Phil and I also spoke to the youth as well. I believe that many seeds were planted in this new area. In fact, recently the sponsoring church tells me that they are now picking up thirty-five boys and girls from that area to attend the local church. Thank God for every soul that is rescued and brought to the feet of Jesus.

The pastors in this area were very discouraged due to the lack of response of the people for many years. Some pastor’s were almost ready to give up. There was a strong "witchcraft" influence in this area. After two days of laboring in the word, God moved upon the ministers…There was a "Powerful Break-Through." When we prayed for these ministers…They were weeping, crying out to God, one minister repented for his backsliding…and God gloriously set him free. Praise God!

Also, we had two "Outdoor Youth Rallies." There are no words to describe these two services. All I can say is that…The Lord showed up in great power and anointing. Boys and girls were saved, demons were routed, and to God be all the glory.

Back To Davao City…Youth Service at Host Church…10/04/07

This was somewhat a sad day for Phil and me…because this would be our last service in Davao City with our Brothers and Sisters and partners in the Lord.

There were approximately three hundred boys and girls in attendance for this special service. It was a sight to see all these young people worshipping the Lord Jesus. He did say…suffer the little children to come unto me.

Phil and I both ministered with great liberty…and we said our good-byes with hugs and tears. We are grateful for the Lord’s special presence that night.

Pastor’s Conference…Cagayan De Oro City…10/06/07

We traveled by bus for six hours through beautiful mountains and tropical fields of delicious pineapples and banana trees. Truly, the Philippines is a beautiful country.

We met some of the sweetest people in all the world in this beautiful city. Phil and I both ministered with freedom at this conference. It was a joy to be with these pastors.

SPECIAL NOTE:

The host pastor…and several others prayed all night preparing themselves for this service. These dear ones were serious about God’s work.

Last Service at Host Church in Cagayan De Oro City…10/07/07

Brother Phil had a burden to minister on, "Are You Ready," once again. The congregation listened with total attention. As before, God anointed this message. I conducted the altar call…and a great number came forward. Only the Lord knows all that was accomplished in this service.

In Summary…

I have recorded only about ten percent of our trip. It would be impossible to mention all that we saw and experienced during this trip. The dear Saints in the Philippines are so sweet, kind, and hospitable…we will never forget them. We may never see them again in this life…but praise God…we will surely see them on the other side of Glory.

Phil and I want to thank all of our precious Brothers and Sisters from our four assemblies for their faithful prayers for us both day and night. We felt the prayers on a daily basis. We could not have made one inch of progress…had it not been for God’s help and your constant prayers. May God richly bless all of you...Just remember this…though you were not physically there…You were there with us in Spirit…we could not have made it if it were not for you…Thank You So Much.

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