Modern-Day Tent Makers
Special Report: International Rhema
"It's like setting up a 5,000-member church for 21 days . . ."
Kevin McNulty's throat was raw from preaching nine hours a day under the big yellow-and-white-striped tent in Armavir, Armenia. The mass of people listened intently, hungry for more. Some showed up out of curiosity. But most came eager to hear the Gospel and witness the power of God in demonstration.
Kevin didn't know that after preaching all day, he would spend another two hours praying for the thousands who came with their illnesses to the big tent. He didn't see it as a sacrifice, though. He knew that some of those people had driven 3,000 miles just to hear the Word and receive a little light in a dark world.
This is what Kevin, a 1981 and 1982 Rhema grad, and his wife, Leslie, who attended Rhema in 1987, are called to do. In 1997 the Lord dealt with them to buy a tent and evangelize the former Soviet Union. When they shared their vision with the late Dr. T.L. Osborn, he firmly responded, "No, that's not God!"
The McNultys were taken aback.
Dr. Osborn then asked, "How many republics are in Russia? How many regions?"
After thinking for a moment, they replied, "One hundred."
"It looks like you need 100 tents," Dr. Osborn said matter-of-factly. "Now that's an idea big enough for God to get involved in!"
The McNultys' 100 Tent Project was born out of that conversation. In a matter of seconds, their vision expanded exponentially. Instead of believing God for one tent, they were challenged to purchase 100 gospel tents to evangelize each of the republics and countries of the former Soviet Union!
A Traveling Church
When Kevin and Leslie descend upon a city, they don't go alone. They travel with a core group of leaders. "It's like setting up a 5,000-member church for 21 days," says Leslie. Believer's classes and healing courses are taught, along with prayer meetings and leadership meetings. Since alcoholism is a huge
problem in the former Soviet countries, people are available to help those with addictions.
Over the past 16 years, the McNultys have raised up and taught many leaders how to do tent evangelism and mass evangelism. In May, with winter's chill still lingering in the Russian air, Kevin and Leslie hosted their 13th Annual Evangelists Conference. Eighty dedicated evangelists converged on Moscow to share their stories, be recharged, and spend long hours charting plans to spread the Good News.
One by one, the regional evangelism leaders gave their reports. As they spoke, the urgent need to reach the lost became even more apparent. Evangelist Tatiana, who lives and ministers in Siberia, reported that a lack of money for vehicle fuel and maintenance had hindered her team's efforts to reach a particular village. When they finally were able to get there, a village leader asked, "Why didn't you come earlier? Half of the village is in the cemetery from suicide!"
Similar isolated villages are scattered across Russia's vast expanse. People are without jobs and entertainment, and poor roads make travel difficult. Liquor becomes their closest friend. Both young and old get drunk and decide that death is better than life in the village.
It's estimated that 80,000 to 100,000 villages and towns throughout Russia have never heard the saving message of Christ. Kevin and Leslie want to change that.
Although there is still much work to do, 60 tents have been either bought or made. When the 100 Tent Project began, the McNultys bought tents in the United States and had them shipped overseas. Now they own a tent factory outside of Moscow. They bought their first tent for $25,000. Today, they can build a tent for $6,000. They have an opportunity to purchase land that will enable them to expand their tent-making operation. When the land is purchased, they will be able to start up another factory to build rental tents for the Moscow region. They estimate that one tent rental will generate enough income to build a new gospel tent!
For Kevin and Leslie McNulty, tents represent souls. And they are dedicated to getting their evangelism teams everywhere from remote, forgotten villages to the robust, thriving cities of Russia and Eurasia.
Next Stop: India!
In a land where 330 million gods are worshipped, Kevin and Leslie McNulty are answering the call to tell a nation of 1.2 billion people about the one true God. Approximately 16 years ago, the Lord spoke to them about evangelizing India. He also told them to wait for the right time. That time came in 2011 when a great door of opportunity opened for them.
The McNultys will reach into all of India's 28 states through two types of television programs: 30-minute broadcasts on Christian channels and 15-minute broadcasts on secular stations. Both programs will be produced in the Telugu and Hindi languages. Follow-up for new believers will be handled online through Shores Institute and Miracle Echo Media. After the broadcasts have aired, Kevin and Leslie will hold mass crusades, particularly targeting Odisha, where persecution of Christians has become common.
'I Can See! I Can See!'
Ponama had to be helped up the platform stairs. Once on stage, with what was left of her hand, she proudly waved a small white paper. Her smile was undeniable. God had worked mightily in her life.
This small woman was one of a busload of lepers who, days earlier, had secretly sneaked in to Kevin and Leslie McNulty's crusade in Madurai, India. They kept to themselves at the back. They had to. They knew that if anyone in the crowd of 60,000 realized they were there, a riot would have started.
But this day, 60-year-old Ponama happily waved a doctor's certificate declaring her healed of this insidious disease. She wanted everyone to know she was free! As she opened her mouth to tell publicly what God had done for her, she suddenly gasped and exclaimed, "I can see! I can see! I can see!"
Leprosy had not only taken some of her fingers, it had also left her blind. In His great love, God healed her and restored her sight!
Prayer Focus
» Purchase of two pieces of property in Moscow to allow for the development of the business office, the expansion of meeting facilities, and for rental tents to be produced.
» For the completion of 100 tents in Eurasia.
» The opening of a new tent factory in Estonia.
» The TV broadcasts in India on Christian and secular channels.
» Provision for the "5 Loaves, 2 Fish" education and feeding program in India toreach 12,000 children every day.
» For the completion of the world headquarters of Christian Adventures and Shores Institute.
TO LEARN MORE
about Drs. Kevin and
Leslie McNulty, go to
KLMcNulty.net.