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1. Why did you speak on this particular topic this year, and why such a message for ‘us’ as opposed to the Church at large?
I believe we, as a church, have been given a grace from God to understand the revelation of the gospel of ‘Christ and Him crucified’. That makes us special people, because we realise the mess our lives were in before we were exposed to this message. But today, our lives are a testimony to what this gospel has done in our hearts, how it’s transformed and restored us. I consider this a great blessing.
I wanted to stress to the church that they’re not just hearing preaching week after week; but that they’re being challenged to respond to God’ call upon their lives. We’re living in difficult times, and the greatest challenge facing Christians today is to stand firm in the midst of temptations, hardships, trials and persecutions. I wanted to ensure that Christians know what’s awaiting them, but also to encourage them to respond in faith to that call.
2. So, are you saying that there’s a specific call and vision for the CTMI network churches?
Yes, without a doubt, there’s a specific vision and mission ahead of us and we’re not going to take it lightly. It may appear strange that we talk about our CTMI churches specifically, but we cannot deny the fact that we have received this message of the cross, by the grace of God. This is why I wanted to make it very clear to every Christian at this conference… that this calling of the Lord is very important in our lives.
3. Would it be correct to say that we’ve received something unique from the Lord?
This isn’t easy to answer. But it’s clear from our travels through different countries; we see conference after conference where the message of the cross is not being preached. As far as I'm concerned, I would be ecstatic if I could find thousands of preachers preaching this message, but that is not presently the case. I don’t know why, but the Lord knows! This is why I’m convinced God has given us something special, and it’s one of the reasons I chose to talk about it at this conference.
4. Clearly, you believe a time of challenge is ahead of us. Why?
Temptations, persecutions, tests and trials are going to increase, and the crucified life is the only solution for us. When we, as Christians, are ready to identify our lives with the cross of Christ, in His sufferings and in His death, we’ll certainly be challenged like never before. But this is the only way for us persevere, to keep the faith, and to finish the race.
Added to that is the challenge of facing Christians who’ve never been exposed to this message. They’ve only heard preaching and teaching that encourages them to feed the desires of their flesh in an emotional way, or to fill their minds with knowledge in an intellectual way, or a combination of the two. This message will certainly cause them to persecute the church. Therefore, we’ll have to stand firm to defend the gospel of the cross without compromise.
5. Don’t you feel that someone from outside the CTMI network might struggle to understand what was preached, or find the messages a little ‘exclusive’?
Yes, to someone who’s unfamiliar with ‘our’ churches in the CTMI Network, and what we preach, it could seem exclusive. I say to them: ‘It’s perfectly normal to feel that way!’; but if they’re sincere and willing to listen to the message that has the power to change their hearts and their lives, the Lord will show them why it feels strange. He will give them the grace to take part in what, I believe, Christians worldwide are waiting and yearning for.
6. Listening to you preaching, it’s evident that there’s a connection between the vision – what’s ahead - and the building of the new auditorium at Trianon. Is that the case?
There’s definitely a connection with the vision and the new auditorium, which is currently being built at Trianon. We are so looking forward to what God has in store for us in this new venue. The CTMI ‘Family’ knows today that the Lord has called us to be a missionary church. I believe that’ll become increasingly more evident as we grow in our understanding of the gospel. We’re anticipating a very special and exciting time. Many will come from near and far to hear this message we’re carrying; and we’re trusting God for great miracles in the hearts and lives of Christians.
7. Arranging for the international visitors to spend the morning working at the building site was an intentional plan of yours. Can you explain what the aim was?
Yes indeed, being able to participate in some of the manual labour taking place daily at the construction site was an opportunity for the visitors to see that the message we preach is directly linked to the project under way at Trianon. This was part of what we wished to lay on their hearts during the week. We trust that the Holy Spirit made it clear that our vision is to see the gospel advance in this nation and throughout the world, and we all need to be concerned. We have the assurance that the new auditorium is going to play a significant role in this vision.
8. What do you feel has been the overall response to the vision of the church, which has been so clearly presented during the conference?
I’m confident that all the brothers and sisters throughout our church network, who’ve been carrying the vision of the church in their hearts, will be greatly encouraged. Our mission is clear, our hearts are united; and, because of the revelation of the gospel God has graciously given us, I have the assurance that His plan will be accomplished.
9. This year we had the privilege of hosting several pastors from other nations. What feedback did you receive from them, as well as the pastors from the CTMI church network?
It meant a lot to those who heard the message for the first time. It was definitely a challenge to them and, I believe, an encouragement as well. We can only trust the Holy Spirit to finish the work He has started in their hearts. I’m also confident the pastors from the CTMI Network now see the vision for the church even more clearly. I know that they will continue to preach the gospel that’s so desperately needed in the Church today, with boldness and conviction!
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