Friday Evening Young People's Service

For prelude, the young people's orchestra played, “Greater is He.” Following this, the young people's choir sang, “I've Got Joy,” featuring Naomi Clapa as soloist. As the young people sang, you could really see the joy on their faces!

During the testimony service, Jon Barrett and Tyler Kaady sang, “Heavenly Love” then Jon testified. He told how the Lord called him all his life, time and time again, but he was stubborn and went his own way. Finally, when he was nineteen years old, he prayed and the Lord saved him. The Lord has been with him since then, and now he is thankful for a wonderful wife, and for the work the Lord has provided him.

Sasha Stobel said this week was very busy but last night she was able to really focus on the Lord as she spent time in prayer. The Lord is so faithful, He blessed her there as she prayed.

Natalie Newell sang, “You Are Holy,” for the last special. Brother Ryan Chasteen used Acts 2:1-4 as the text for his sermon. He spoke on the importance of receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and encouraged us to have a hunger. He said if we don't have one, we can ask and the Lord will help us. A hunger causes us to want to talk about the Gospel, and it will rub off on others. Brother Ryan went on to say that the Lord wants to bless us. He wants to have a young people filled with the Holy Spirit.

Sunday Morning Service

The service began with the orchestra playing, “How Beautiful” and “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” Then the choir sang, “The Solid Rock.” The Forerunner Quartet (young men's quartet) sounded great as they sang, “Slow Down Your Chariot.” This was just a taste of what we will hear on Sunday night, May 11, at the Mother's Day concert, where the Forerunner Quartet as well as other groups will be featured. Before the sermon Gary Wolfe and Butch Carey sang, “It Took a Miracle.”

For his sermon, Brother Darrel Lee read from Esther 4:13-14, and spoke about a time of opportunity. He explained that Esther had a moment of opportunity – she could do as her uncle Moredecai asked and be a part of God's plan to save her people. Brother Darrel mentioned that in planting, also, there are certain times and seasons. You must plant in the right season, otherwise you will not get results. God's Spirit calls each of us, and it is at that “moment of opportunity” that we need to answer. We cannot come to God in any season of life except the Spirit of God calls us. We want to make sure we answer when God calls. Listen here.

Sunday Evening Service

There were many pleased smiles as a Serenaders group of Erin Green (fiddle), David Mixer (fiddle), Michael McCarville (guitar) and Caleb Copko (bass), played several old hymns. For their last song, Erin and Michael sang, “This World is Not My Home,” in true bluegrass harmony while David and Caleb accompanied them.

Jodi Hinkle testified that she was 23 years old when she got saved. She didn't know anything about the Gospel so when she heard the story of Solomon and how he asked for wisdom, she asked God to teach her also. The Lord answered her prayer, and taught her very distinct lessons about right from wrong, obedience and respect.

Dee Cummins said she knew the Gospel when she was young, but was gone for many years, and married in adultery. When her mother died suddenly, in her grief she promised the Lord she would meet her mother in eternity. Years went by and the Lord continued to remind her of that promise. Eventually, fear fell on her that the Lord would come and she would be left. Finally she knelt by her bed and prayed, and the Lord saved her! He helped her out of her wrong marriage in a peaceful and orderly manner. She is thankful the Lord is working in her family.

Mimi Witham sang, “Lend a Hand” before the sermon. Brother Steve Mixer preached from Psalm 95:6-11. He warned us not to harden our hearts against God's voice when He calls us. Jesus is our intercessor; His Spirit calls us. God is the only one that can talk to our heart and show us that we need Him.

New Babies

Jamie and Casey Scholz have a new addition to their family. Cooper Gene was born April 2, joining big brother Dylan. Trevor and Tara Barre welcomed their first baby just last week. Cuyler Ty was born Thursday, May 1. Congratulations to these proud parents!

A link to last week's Portland Recent Happenings is available here.