DMI ministers in response to Isaiah 61:1, "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound."
Summary of Ministry Accomplished in 2006 By Deborah Wittmier
Those of you who have prayed, those who have given, look at the work that God has wrought:
Tanzania, Africa: We had the privilege of teaching the entire leadership of a particular denomination.They had not had any outside speakers since the original missionaries came there over a hundred years ago. Their concept of salvation was not scripturally sound, and they rejoiced to receive the truth. Over 600 people experienced the new birth as they called upon the Lord for salvation!
Kenya, East Africa: Through a leadership seminar, two conferences, teaching in a Bible school, speaking in churches and home fellowships, we actively shared the gospel (through teaching and demonstration) with at least 1,370 people!
Nepal: We sponsored our first city-wide crusade in Kathmandu, and had over sixty churches participate.This was history making for the Church in Nepal because for the first time ever they understood the truth that "In Christ, there is neither male, nor female." In their culture, women had not been allowed to accept their God-given places alongside the men. Men and women at this conference rejected and shook off hundreds of years of the traditions of culture. They embraced the truths of Scripture and declared before God their willingness to live according to the Kingdom that allows women to come forth in the fullness of their God-given identities. This takes radical courage and determination!
Thailand: New doors were opened to us here for ministry to leadership, and to many international missionaries. And the Lord has added another orphanage to our hearts!
Vietnam: Once again the Lord opened the door to a leadership conference in the underground church. Again the Lord brought forth the message to release the women from the oppression of the traditions of men and culture. Both men and women wept openly at the release God gave as they renounced the ways of men and embraced the way of the Spirit.
United States: Every ministry opportunity here in this country is just as precious to me as those across the world! I sincerely hope that YOU are one of those who experienced the love of God and the Truth of His Word, perhaps through one of these letters, a meeting, a retreat, a seminar, a speaking engagement, a tape, or as a result of my prayers for you.
To God's glory in 2006, Deborah Ministries International actively touched nearly 5,000 people spread across six nations with the love of God. In it all, one of the most amazing things is the "actively touched" part. None of these numbers are an estimate based on probabilities. They are people that I personally saw, most of whom I actually touched as I taught, prayed and ministered around the world. What a privilege and what a joy it is to be able to "participate in the good works that were fore-ordained for us to walk in." Amen?! As I ponder these things, once again I realize how blessed I am in you. I have such a strong desire that you would continually be strengthened and that you would be keenly aware of God's blessing on your life.
A summary of 2006 wouldn't be complete without pausing to reflect on the fact that it was a benchmark year: the year of our tenth anniversary. I certainly did not grasp the significance of that until the evening of our Tenth Anniversary Celebration. That night -- for me and for Deborah Ministries -- forever separated everything into "before and after." I thought my heart would not be able to contain the joy as letters from ministry leaders in every nation we have touched were read aloud during the ceremony, expressing gratitude for the effect we have had in their corners of the world. The words of encouragement and blessing opened the floodgates to so many wonderful memories of miraculous experiences! Though it was absolutely one of the most beautiful and meaningful events of my entire life, the defining moment came when the Lord used Dave Duell to prophetically impart the apostolic mantle. Do you remember that phrase "what you do to celebrate speaks prophetically to what you will be known for?" I had no idea that this celebration would be so profoundly defining to our future as a ministry--an apostolic ministry! Rejoice! God is good.