On August 30, 2021, I opened up to our friends and partners about the heart-wrenching struggles we faced in the nation of Benin. Many of you may remember the circumstances surrounding the abrupt shutdown of our crusade, which led to significant financial losses and emotional turmoil. Without diving into all the painful details, I can share that it was an incredibly challenging time for me personally—only God truly understands the weight I carried. It was difficult to see the culmination of our financial efforts and hard work dissipate in an instant, and it was in these moments that I was reminded how ministry is not for the faint of heart.
Like the Apostle Paul told King Agrippa, “I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision.” Yet, obedience to that vision can become particularly daunting when the outcomes we experience do not align with our prayers and hopes. It's hard to maintain clarity of vision when engulfed in darkness, feeling as though we are facing defeat. In those moments, no amount of effort seems to change the situation, and despair can creep in, threatening to cloud our purpose and resolve.
During a long night of prayer and intercession, sitting alone in a pavilion, I began to feel the heaviness lift as dawn broke over the horizon. In that sacred moment, I heard the Lord’s voice speak to me: “Son, take this opportunity to sow seed into this nation, for the day will come when you will return to reap seven times the harvest of souls.” This promise resonated deeply within me, offering a glimmer of hope amid despair.
I’m thrilled to share with all of you that that time is now! In a remarkable testament to God’s faithfulness, He has opened a door for us to return to Benin this February for a fully funded crusade. Our crusade director, Darcy, reached out to inform us that the financial backing has been secured by the Benin Committee, and the pastors of Benin are eagerly calling us back to the country for a time of restitution. Everything that the enemy had stolen has been returned, and now it’s time for the four-day mass crusade that we have longed for.
The Lord revealed to me that 2025 would be a year of Restitution! I will never forget the divine words spoken to me in that pavilion over three years ago: “Son, take this opportunity to sow seed into this nation, for the day will come when you will return to reap seven times the harvest of souls.” I truly believe that during our February crusade, we will witness a harvest seven times greater than what we had anticipated in 2021.
This journey has taught us invaluable lessons about resilience, faith, and the importance of holding onto God's promises, even in the face of uncertainty. There were moments when I questioned our path, but God’s faithfulness has been a constant reminder that His plans are far greater than our own. As we prepare for this upcoming crusade, we are filled with anticipation and gratitude.
Thank you, partners and friends, for standing with us through this journey. Your support has been a lifeline, and together we are poised to experience a powerful season of restoration and renewal. This is truly a time of Restitution—a time to reclaim what was lost and to embrace the abundant blessings that lie ahead. Let us move forward in faith, ready to witness the incredible work God will do in Benin!
-Prophet Charlie Shamp
