In August 2024, Elsie and Danny, Directors of DPM-India, led a team to Sri Lanka that included New Zealand Trustee Alan and his wife Lynda. After conducting a Youth Leaders training camp in the eastern province, they ministered at conferences organized for pastors and leaders in the southeastern provinces, some of the least-reached areas of Sri Lanka with the gospel.
The first meeting took place in Ampara district. In addition to pastors, leaders from various church ministries were invited, as many places have very few churches. In one location, the local team noted there were only four churches, many of which operate under significant opposition.
Teaching from Derek Prince's message, "The Rod of God," Elsie spoke about the dual roles every Christian is called to fulfill: both king and priest. In Ampara, a pastor’s wife came forward after the meeting and said, “We’ve been taught the Bible, but today I learned about the authority within us. To be honest, I never knew such authority existed. From now on, I will use it to win souls for the Lord and defeat Satan. I’m leaving here with courage and enthusiasm."
The next conference was in Monaragala, where the workers expressed their gratitude:
"Such meetings are rarely organized here, and we are thankful that this is the first time it’s happened in our area."
Elsie taught from Derek’s message on the Cross, which deeply touched the participants.
One person shared:
"I’ve preached on Isaiah 53:5-6 many times in my ministry, but I never realized the depth of the verse and the eight exchanges it speaks of. I also didn’t understand divine healing, but today you’ve taught me how to experience it. Thank you."
The following day, the team traveled to Kataragama, one of the regions in Sri Lanka with the fewest churches. The message of the Cross not only strengthened those present but also brought deliverance. A sister who had been suffering from a brain tumor for many days was freed from a strong demonic bondage by God's power.
In the various places the team ministered, they often heard testimonies of people being healed while listening to the message—many from long-standing issues. Others experienced deliverance from the bondage of the enemy through prayer.
Next, the team held a conference at a church in Tissamaharama, founded by Pastor Lionel, Sri Lanka’s first modern martyr. In 1983, Pastor Lionel began his ministry in this area, where there were no Christians. After five years of service, in 1988, he was brutally stabbed and shot while playing with his 11-month-old child. Despite the danger, Pastor Lionel’s widow continued the ministry amid severe opposition. In 1997, while the church was being built, it was bombed and destroyed, but she stood firm, forgiving those who attacked her. Today, she leads a church with over 400 members in the area. Through the team's visit, the local churches were encouraged and emboldened.
The final meeting took place in Matara District, where about 150 pastors and church workers gathered. The Spirit of God moved powerfully during the event.
At the end, one minister said:
"We received clear truths from God’s Word. As Christians, we often talk about healing, but the reality is that we don’t have it. Today, we’ve been taught how to receive it, and we believe we will bless many others through this teaching."
In just five days, the team met with and ministered to over 700 pastors, workers, and leaders, encouraging, strengthening, and blessing them through the teaching of God’s Word.
