Camp Meeting!

Friday Morning Bible Teaching

The prelude began with the orchestra playing, “People Need the Lord” and “Wonderful Grace of Jesus.” Butch Carey then sang “Ride On, King Jesus.”

Alexis Rudolph testified that she received the baptism of the Holy Spirit on Thursday night. Victoria Udo, originally from Nigeria, told Alexis that she received the witness in a language that is spoken in Southeastern Nigeria called the “Ibibio” language. This was a wonderful confirmation to Alexis for what the Lord had done in her life.

Before the Bible teaching, Ginny Tompkins sang “All Your Anxiety.” Brother Darrel Lee’s theme for his teaching was “The Culture of Holiness.” His opening text was Deuteronomy 7:6 where Moses told the Israelites that God had chosen them to be a holy people and special above any other people upon the face of the earth. Israel was not holy because they were saved or had experienced sanctification, but in the sense that they had been separated unto God. Just as God chose Israel to reflect His glory to the surrounding nations in the Old Testament, God has designated Christians to reflect His glory to the world. In the Apostolic Faith Church, we have a culture of holiness that has been passed down to us, and we should strive to preserve it and pass it on to future generations.

Friday Afternoon Young People’s Service

The prelude began with the orchestra, led by Brother Don Wolfe, playing, “Americana Medley.” The choir then sang “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

Carla Schleicher testified that she has received several blessings during camp meeting that has encouraged her in her spiritual walk as she prepares to move away from home to attend college. Sherilyn Olson, who is currently in the United States Air Force, said that her next post of duty had been changed from Sacramento to Las Vegas. She prayed that God would make a way for her to go to Sacramento so she could be near an Apostolic Faith church. Although she was told that orders are almost never changed, God did make a way, and she will be stationed in Sacramento.

Before the sermon, Andrew Jensen sang “Wonderful, Merciful Savior.” Brother Pete Sferle, pastor of our church in Dallas, Oregon, used Isaiah 55:1-3 for his sermon text. The writer invited everyone who is thirsty for something from the Lord to come and receive. Just as our physical hunger and thirst requires continual replenishing, God wants Christians to hunger and thirst for more from Him. Things of this world leave a hunger for something different, but the Gospel satisfies over and over again. Jesus is still reaching out to fill those who are hungering and thirsting for salvation or deeper experiences.

Friday Evening Service

In honor of Independence Day, the congregation stood to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and recite “The Pledge of Allegiance.” The orchestra played “American Salute,” followed by the choir singing “I Hear America Singing.” The choir then sang “This Is America,” which features the theme songs from the different branches of the armed services. Brother Mark Worthington was the narrator, and as each theme song was sung, those who had served or are currently serving in that particular branch of service stood to be honored.

Mark Zetter, a Vietnam veteran, gave a very touching account of his tour of duty in Vietnam as a member of the infantry. He participated in many ambushes and battles with the enemy, and he is thankful for God’s peace in his heart in the midst of all the chaos. Mark’s mother, Melissa Zetter, was also asked to testify. She said she didn’t think she could take it when Mark was sent to Vietnam, but God helped her put Mark in His hands. Many times she felt prompted to pray for him, and she feels that those prayers helped bring him safely home.

Brother Gary Bertram of Tacoma, Washington, preached, using Isaiah 61:1-3 for his text. This passage of Scripture is a beautiful description of the office of Jesus Christ and what He was sent to earth to do. Bondage is a work of Satan, but Jesus came to destroy bondage. Just as Jesus delivered the Gadarene from bondage (Mark 5), He is still reaching out today to give deliverance from the many types of bondage that people experience because of sin.

Saturday Night Piano Concert

On Saturday night, a large audience turned out to hear twelve talented piano players present a beautiful concert on a total of five grand pianos. The musicians were divided into two adult teams, a youth team, and a youth duet. Brother Don Wolfe was the emcee for the concert. He introduced each pianist and told a few details about each one and some of their accomplishments. Each number was a masterpiece of team work as the pianists splendidly coordinated together to present each selection. For one of the numbers, Ashley Morgan sang “Amazing Love” as the youth piano team accompanied her. The audience was thrilled with the talent of these musicians who have dedicated their time and service to the Lord’s work, and rewarded them with a standing ovation!

Sunday Morning Service

The orchestra opened the service with “How Deep the Father’s Love,” featuring Shawn Worthington on the organ. The choir and accompaniment orchestra followed with “Revive Us Again.” Mimi Witham and Imelda Nedelcu sang “Saved by Grace,” and before the sermon, the choir sang “Somebody’s Praying” with Matthew Lee as the soloist.

Brother Darrel Lee read 1 Kings 21:2-3 for the text of his sermon. In this account, King Ahab wanted to buy Naboth’s property which had been passed down as an inheritance from generation to generation. In Ahab’s opinion, he had made a reasonable offer to purchase Naboth’s property. However, Naboth was not interested in selling, and he stood firm in his resolve to obey God. This story is a picture of how Satan tries to entice people for their souls. As Christians, God puts something in our hearts that says the Gospel is not for sale, and we will not sell out for anything the world offers. For those who are not saved, salvation will give peace in their hearts and victory for the rest of their life, a far better deal than anything that Satan has to offer.

Sunday Afternoon Young People’s Service

The prelude began with the orchestra playing “Shout to the Lord” and “Now Is the Time to Worship.” The choir then sang “All God’s People Said Amen.”

Chris Luka said that it has been one year since the Lord healed him of kidney stones. After suffering from them for several years, he has not had any trouble with kidney stones since the Lord healed him. Debbie Mazurczak is thankful she has had the Lord to lean on since learning that her mom has cancer.

Before the sermon, Ben Clapa sang “Thank You for Giving to the Lord.” Brother Ben Marincus, from Medford, Oregon, used Song of Solomon 2:15 for his text. When the grapes in the vineyard are tender and vulnerable, little foxes can destroy the vines and the grapes before they have the opportunity to mature. God is calling young people in their tender years to get rid of the “little foxes” that will spoil the vine. Some “foxes” to watch out for are: “the fox of seeking happiness at any cost,” “the fox of personal pleasure,” “the fox of procrastination,” and the “fox of justified excuses.” If Christians will take care of the “little foxes” in their lives, they will bear the fruit that God has for them.

Sunday Evening Service

Brother Darrel asked for testimonies from those who were thirty years old and younger. Crystal Hanson said she had to take some tough classes in college, but as she prayed, God was with her and her life was a testimony to her peers. Josh Henderson is thankful that God was with him during his basic training, and he was able to share his testimony with his fellow soldiers. David Ekpin testified that he got saved last Friday night.

Before the sermon, Emily Buss sang “He’s Been Faithful.” Brother Paul Akazue, from Lagos, Nigeria, used 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 for his text. We can have confidence that the Bible is true when it says that one day our mortal body will be changed to an immortal body. Our new immortal body will not have the limitations that we experience in our mortal body. This is the hope of every Christian, and we are looking forward to the day when the trumpet sounds and we experience the glorified body that God has promised to us. It is important that we strive to be like Jesus here on earth so that we will be like Him when He appears (1 John 3:1-3).

Monday Evening Youth Concert

The concert began with a brass ensemble playing several numbers including a medley of “I’ll Fly Away” and “When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder.” The Forerunners Quartet sang several terrific selections including “Excuses,” a humorous song about the excuses that people give for not coming to church. The Portland young ladies’ quartet also sang several excellent numbers including “Little David, Play on Your Harp” with Cheryl Paulsen accompanying on the harp. The Chehalis young ladies’ trio favored us with several beautiful selections, including “Hold On,” a song that says we need to hold on to God when the hard times come. The Portland young men’s and young ladies’ quartets combined to sing “The Power of Your Love.” Phillip Lazau, a young man who has been attending our Sunday school for some time, played a magnificent accordion solo called “Chardis,” which thrilled the audience.

Those that attended this concert were inspired by all these young musicians’ talent and willingness to dedicate their service to the Lord, and this evening of music was an enjoyable outcome of all their hard work.

Tuesday Bible Teaching

Kacie Monk played a French Horn solo “Strauss Horn Concerto in E-flat” – Last movement. Then a 6-8 grade Portland girls choir sang, “Follow Medley” with “Take My Life, Lead Me Lord.”

Brandon Frymire testified of the Lord’s protection when he was fighting in Iraq. After he got home, the Lord saved his soul, and this Monday he received his sanctification. Jane Akazue told how the Lord saved her soul August 7, 1983. She was fearful that she couldn’t keep it, but God has kept her and she encouraged the young people that God can keep you.

A ladies group from London sang, “Heavenly Lord,” before the message. Brother Howard Wilson, pastor of our church in Richmond, California, gave the teaching on Wise Evangelism, using Acts 12:24 as his starting text. His focus was on how the Word of God grew and multiplied. He spoke of five evangelistic styles the apostles used and explained how we can apply each one in today’s world. They included: Corporate Worship, Open Air Evangelism, Home Evangelism, Apologetic Evangelism, and Discussion Evangelism. Brother Howard reminded us that the Lord has called us to be workers to evangelize the world, whatever chance we have.

Tuesday Evening Service

Janie Ewers played an impressive solo on the violin which included, “O Sole Mio” and “Scene de Ballet.” Gary Wolfe and Butch Carey then sang, “I Am Free.”

John Jordan testified how the Lord saved him in 1982. He had not realized it would be so wonderful! Maxine Lee is thankful the Lord has been with her recently when she was close to death, and has given her more time with her family.

Carol Morgan sang, “How Long Has it Been?” before the sermon. Brother Kirk Hewlett, pastor of our church in Fort McMurray, Alberta, preached from Luke 15:1-7. He spoke of God’s great love for those who are lost. Brother Kirk compared this to a shepherd counting his sheep and realizing one is missing. He will search until he finds that lost one. Once when moose hunting Brother Kirk got lost and was so thankful to be found by a search party that night. One of the first people he saw was his own father, who said if it took all night he would have searched. That is how our heavenly father is; He loves us so much He keeps on searching for us. Those who are lost just need to recognize that they are lost, and then respond to God’s call.

After service there was much rejoicing as one young lady prayed through to salvation.