Our recent ministry journey through the state of Punjab, India, was nothing short of transformative. From concealed churches in urban alleys to packed gatherings in rural districts, we encountered a deep spiritual hunger and an overwhelming openness to the message of the Cross. This was more than a series of meetings—it was a divine appointment, where lives were changed, ministers were equipped, and the fire of the Gospel was reignited in often-overlooked places.
A Hidden Church and a Mighty Move of God
In one major city, our hosts led us through a maze of alleys and gates to what appeared to be an unassuming structure. Once inside, we were stunned to find a vibrant, packed church hidden from the outside world. Over 60 pastors, leaders, and their spouses had gathered.
As I began preaching, the atmosphere was initially cautious. But as the Word unfolded—deeply rooted in Scripture—the congregation grew more engaged. Bibles opened, pens scribbled furiously, and the room became charged with expectancy.
After nearly three hours, no one stirred or seemed mindful of the time. During a time of prayer and ministry, the Holy Spirit moved powerfully—deliverance and healing broke out in visible ways. One pastor testified with tears:
“I always knew Jesus was wounded for my healing, but today I finally understood He also bore my shame. I no longer have to carry it—Jesus has replaced it with glory. I am not called to shame, but to glory!”
That hidden church, once silent behind closed doors, echoed with freedom, joy, and the undeniable presence of God.
Rural Punjab: Empowering the Overlooked
In the remote district of Moga, we met pastors from neighboring areas, many of whom had little formal theological training. Our translator, recently recovering from abdominal surgery, stood visibly weak. But as the message on The Divine Exchange flowed—particularly the truth that “Jesus was wounded, that I might be healed” followed up with my personal testimony of healing —his strength returned. With emotion, he later shared:
“I’m not just translating—I’m being healed. The message is flowing out of my own healing. Thank you for bringing it to us.”
The impact was profound. Many pastors, coming from Sikh backgrounds and farming communities, resonated deeply with the clarity and simplicity of the teaching. They left encouraged, grateful, and spiritually refreshed.
Amritsar: Light in a Powerless Room
The journey to Amritsar was delayed by traffic congestion and GPS confusion, stretching a 90-minute drive to two hours. We arrived just in time to find a packed church filled with eager pastors. Moments into the session, the power cut out. With only minimal battery lights and fans, we preached without microphones in the sweltering heat.
Yet the hunger of the pastors outweighed every discomfort. Their engagement was electric—attentive listening, clapping, and shouted affirmations filled the room. The teaching on The Divine Exchange stirred hearts and minds alike.
One senior pastor rose and declared:
“Thank you, Jesus, for taking my shame and replacing it with your glory. I lay down the burden of shame at the cross today!”
It was a vivid reminder that even in darkness—literal or symbolic—the light of the Word shines the brightest.
A Great Door Opens in Jalandhar
Our final stop was in Jalandhar. Due to budget constraints, only senior pastors were invited. Yet the room was filled beyond capacity. The teaching brought much-needed clarity to many scriptural questions that had long gone unanswered.
One pastor reflected:
“We often skim the surface. When people from other religions ask deeper questions, we cannot answer them. Thank you for helping us go deeper so we can minister more effectively.”
Though some were disappointed that others missed out, the meeting opened an unexpected door: we’ve been invited to return not only to Jalandhar but to other major districts as well. The pastors are even planning to host future conferences and outreach events at their own expense—a remarkable testimony to their commitment and vision.
A Region Ready for Revival
Our time in Punjab was marked by physical challenges—hidden churches, power outages, health concerns—but far more significantly, it was marked by God’s tangible presence and the deep spiritual hunger of His people. Pastors were equipped, lives were touched, and the Gospel was received with fresh revelation.
We return with full hearts, convinced that this was not just a successful outreach—it was the spark of something greater. The fields in Punjab are indeed ripe for harvest, and the laborers are rising in strength and boldness.
