Reverend Bill McKibben, the pastor of our church in Medford, Oregon, and Director of the Asia Work, and Reverend Bob Bishop, the pastor of our church in Yakima, Washington, recently attended the third annual camp meeting in Seoul, South Korea. The theme for this year’s camp meeting was “Receiving the Baptism of the Holy Ghost.” In addition to those visiting from the United States, representatives from seven Apostolic Faith churches across South Korea attended this five-day campaign, with a total attendance of around 160 people.

The Korean pastors and ministers gathered for a meeting and training session on Wednesday afternoon, prior to the first official service of the camp meeting on Wednesday evening. Reverend McKibben and Reverend Bishop were the featured speakers for the camp meeting, and their sermon topics included “Spiritual Thirst,” “Hearing God’s Call,” “Waters to Swim In,” “Seeing God’s Glory,” and “Staying with the Ship.” Bible teachings were also given on the three foundational experiences of salvation, entire sanctification, and the baptism of the Holy Ghost.

There were many who willingly worked together to make this camp meeting successful, doing tasks such as taking turns with the cooking and clean-up for each meal, and participating in the general clean-up of the church, which was filled to overflowing with people most of the time. Others devoted their talents and time to the music, and it was a blessing to hear the combined orchestra present a prelude to each service, along with a joint camp meeting choir and special vocal numbers featuring those from the branch churches.

As the camp meeting progressed, the intensifying hunger among the attendees to receive from the Lord became very evident. It was thrilling to see believers gathering in prayer at the close of each service and interceding for one another. God wonderfully responded, and individuals were saved, sanctified, and filled with the promised Holy Spirit. The testimonies from those who had received something from the Lord during this camp meeting were an inspiration to all. The presence of the Lord was especially manifest during the prayer meetings following the Friday evening and Saturday morning services. On Friday evening, it seemed as if the windows of Heaven were opened as the “latter rain” was once again poured out upon those who tarried before the Lord. One of the sisters received a wonderful reanointing, and as many around her began to rejoice, the Spirit of the Lord came down and blessed in a mighty way. The following morning, after the teaching on the baptism of the Holy Ghost, there was again a “stirring of the waters” around the altar. Another sister, who has been helping with the interpreting over the past few years, was hungry to receive this promise from the Lord. She had been praying for her baptism, and God had been near many times, but this particular morning faith took hold in her heart, and the Holy Spirit filled her to overflowing. Such rejoicing and sweetness can only be felt in this kind of prayer meeting this side of Heaven.

Reverend McKibben and Reverend Bishop had to leave the camp meeting on Sunday to return home, but on Sunday afternoon the Korean attendees were blessed with a media presentation describing the Apostolic Faith Church outreach around the world. On Sunday evening, the camp meeting concluded with a wonderful concert performed by the combined orchestra and choir, along with individual solos and ensembles from the South Korean branch churches. During this camp meeting, it was once again a privilege to see, hear, and experience the blessing of the Lord as everyone joined together in unity. Please pray for the many who received experiences from God at this camp meeting, and for the progress of our work in South Korea.