Chehalis Weekend
of Special Meetings

Preludes tend to be a place to begin, but the Chehalis weekend of special meetings, from May 18 through 20, began with prayer. For this event, the prayer room was moved upstairs to a classroom, and prayer was in order.

The musical prelude on Friday evening was presented by Josh DeBusk who played a trumpet rendition of “The Battle Belongs to the Lord” and “Great Are You Lord.” Next came an encouraging time of congregational singing with Randy Macomber leading everyone in songs, with an emphasis on believing in a personal revival.

Following a list of announcements, the first special was Lisa, Josh, and Jill DeBusk singing, “Wonderful, Merciful Savior,” which set the tone for testimony time. Susan Baltzell opened the testimonies with a brief memory of their time living in Chehalis as pastor and wife from 1980 through 1988. Several visitors testified, and Dennis Buss wrapped up this portion of the service with a special tribute to his father, who had cancer, but God healed him and he didn't pass away until years later.

Reverend Dwight Baltzell, the guest speaker from Portland, Oregon, took his text from John 12:20-22 and emphasized the difference between seeing and really seeing. He told part of Walt Smith's testimony recounting how Walt heard God speak to him in the saw mill. Walt needed to see Jesus and that day he did. Reverend Baltzell told us we can see some things so often that we eventually don't really see them any longer. While his family lived in Eureka they drove past the redwood trees so many times that they failed to realize how awesome they were. Jesus meets with us so often that we may fail to know how much He wants to be a part of our daily lives.

After many people had a good time in prayer, they headed to the “Mexican Restaurant” in the basement of the church. Thanks to the creative engineering of Chris Henderson and crew, all who were there experienced a very tasty Mexican feast.

On Saturday afternoon a van full of young people from Yakima arrived just in time for a scavenger hunt. The group of more than thirty young people had a great time. Saturday evening they continued to enjoy fun and fellowship with others their age.

Sunday morning the Hendersons and the Boltes, two families in the Chehalis congregation, had many visitors for breakfast. One household fed more than twenty people! Then it was off to Sunday school and one of the largest Sunday school groups Chehalis has seen in quite a while.

The Sunday morning prelude started with Gary Riler playing on the saxophone, “Take My Life and Let it Be” and “How Excellent is Thy Name O Lord.” Then the choir sang “He Who Began a Good Work in You.” Voices through the well-filled sanctuary sang, “Wonderful Grace of Jesus,” “There is a Fountain Filled with Blood,” and “How Great Thou Art.” Before Reverend John Friesen read the Scripture lesson from John 1:1-14, Dean and Mireya Compton, from Yakima, sang, “Till the Storm Passes By.”

For his sermon, Reverend Dwight Baltzell read John 8:12 where Jesus said, “I am the Light of the World: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” Reverend Baltzell said that the Light to people's souls was established from the foundation of the world. This Light shines, reveals, and gives direction. Everyone was admonished to step in the Light and align themselves to the Light.

The last meeting was a young people's meeting and the church was full, including the balcony. Pete Sferle and many of the young people who attended from Portland had just returned the day before from a youth retreat at Seaside, Oregon. The inspiring testimonies set the stage for his sermon. His text was from 2 Peter 3:18, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” He noted the fact that everyone needs to mature. He also brought out 1 Peter 2:2, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” He mentioned his newborn son and how much he has grown, because he is taking in nourishment as he should. At some time in their lives, Christians must leave the milk for the meat of God's Word that they may mature in Christ. The prayer meeting that followed was a special time for all who participated. The Lord provided everyone with a weekend to remember in every good way.