Pastor John Issa Of Swahili Service Springfield Mo Testifies Of Jesus As Lordhost Dennis Iverson sits down with Pastor John Issa for a detailed conversation about his life story, spiritual journey, and ministry work.Early Life & Faith Journey in DRC CongoBackground: Pastor John grew up in Makobola, a small village near Lake Tanganyika in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), living a simple lifestyle centered on fishing and farming.Transition to Pentecostal Faith: Raised in a Roman Catholic home, John went to live with his uncle—a Pentecostal pastor—following his father's passing in 1999. His uncle encouraged him to transition to the Pentecostal faith, leading him to pursue formal discipleship at CEP (Communauté des Églises de Pentecôte), where he was given a New Testament Bible and grounded his faith in core scriptures like John 3:16.Refugee Journey & Ministry in South AfricaEscape from War: Fleeing conflict in DRC in 1996, John underwent a long journey that eventually brought him to Cape Town, South Africa.Early Ministry Roles: Despite initial hesitancy and language barriers, local leaders called on him to interpret services between English, French, and local dialects. He later moved to Durban, where he joined Gilgal Christian Ministry under Pastor Peter Milen.Calling to Leadership: Church leaders progressively recognized his calling—raising him from an interpreter to an evangelist, then an elder, and eventually ordaining him as a pastor before his departure to the United States.Relocation to the United States & Swahili MinistryArrival in Springfield, MO: After nearly five years in the United Nations refugee approval process, John and his family were approved and resettled in Springfield, Missouri.Connecting with Central Assembly of God: Local believers helped connect John's family to Central Assembly of God. There, he met Pastor Jerry Spain, a former missionary to South Africa, who felt God had brought John to Springfield for a specific work.Growth of the Swahili Service: Following home prayer meetings and confirmation through dreams and leadership, Central Assembly hosted a dedicated Swahili Service. The congregation rapidly expanded from a small home gathering into a weekly service attracting hundreds of attendees.Key TakeawaysSpiritual Leadership & Submission: Both hosts emphasize the critical role of spiritual authority, humility, and submission in personal and ministry growth.Call to Action: Pastor John encourages believers to make discipleship a daily lifestyle and to actively imitate Jesus rather than simply admiring Him.Closing: The episode concludes with a prayer in Swahili.