Page 161 - Unseen Hands by Nona Freeman

Molding a Church
Brother Ikerd rebuked him sharply, with the approval of the other preachers, then gave them a detailed lesson on church organization and proper conduct for ministers.
On the third day of the conference, the three brothers reported on the tracts in question. "They are well writ ten and completely scriptural."
The missionaries' admonitions and pleas for unity did not affect the board members, who continued to pour their verbal animosity on the gathering. Finally, Brother Harris suggested a recess, but before he could ask anyone to dismiss the meeting, a heavy spiritofprayerfell on every sincere person in the room. Simultaneously they called on the name of the Lord. Suddenly, Tekle stood, shaking as a leaf in the vdnd and spoke in trumpet tones. "I com mand the demons who are hindering God's work to leave this room at once." A chill settled over the place, and Amare and his four cronies stalked out.
Some time later, after dismissal. BrotherHarrisasked aquestion. "Tekle,wouldyoubewillingtostepdownand just pastor your church and let Amare be superin tendent?"
"I will be happy to do that, or anything you suggest, if I can only remain in fellowship with the United Pentecostal Church," Tekle answered humbly.
The missionaries went back to the hotel to seek God's will and wisdom. The Lord impressed Brother Ikerd to read I Kings 12:21-24. In that passage God restrained Rehoboam when he wanted to fight to unite Israel and Judah and sent His prophet to say, "This thing is from me." The missionaries went to Tekle at once and told him, "Get together the preachers whoare willing to obeythe discipline of the church. Now we know what to do."
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