Columbus, Georgia,
Revival Meetings

October 10-12, 2008

A weekend of revival services was held at the Apostolic Faith Church in Columbus, Georgia, October 10-12. The guest speaker for the weekend was Reverend William DuPont, the pastor of our church in Pensacola, Florida. The Friday evening service started with John Green, from Columbus, reading John 4:23, and he encouraged the congregation to be “true worshippers” as he led them in singing “In the Beauty of Holiness.” The choir sang “Guide My Feet” and “At the Meeting Around the Throne.” Before the sermon, Elizabeth Madden, from Atlanta, Georgia, sang “A Child of the King.” Reverend DuPont preached on being ready when Jesus comes again, using Matthew 25:13 for his text. The day of Jesus’ return is unknown and could occur at any time. Christians need to be watching and living every day as if this is the day when Jesus will come. Sinners need to realize that God’s mercy will not always be available, and today is the day they need to repent and receive God’s gift of salvation.

On Saturday, musicians from Columbus, Atlanta, and Birmingham, presented a concert. Timothy Dixon directed a ladies’ group in singing “Do You Know the Man from Galilee?” Lessie Dixon, the director of music in Columbus, welcomed everyone to the concert, and gave a special welcome to Reverend Walter Cobb, the pastor of our church in Birmingham, Alabama, and featured soloist for the concert. Christopher Dixon was the emcee for the evening. Reverend Cobb sang the following selections: “Bethlehem Morning,” “He Looked Beyond My Fault,” “How Can I Say Thanks?” “Follow Me,” “The Anchor Holds,” “Go Light Your World,” and “Nearing the Shore.” Also, the Birmingham choir sang “Have You Got Good Religion?” Part way through the evening, Christopher Dixon offered an opportunity for any of the represented churches to participate, and two young ladies from Pensacola and Century, Florida, sang “I’m Workin’ on a Building.” Christopher sang a couple of numbers that he wrote, “Sweetest Name” and “Hold On,” and a men’s group, comprised of current and former Birmingham members, sang “Jesus, the Light of the World.” And finally, Christopher and Catherine Dixon sang a song she wrote called “We Come.”

Following the musical selections, Reverend Dixon expressed his thankfulness for how God has been with him through the storms of life, and said he appreciates the support of the Columbus saints during his recent health issues. He also thanked the visitors from the branch churches for supporting the revival meetingsin Columbus. After the concert, hotdogs and chili dogs prepared by the young people were provided for all.

On Sunday morning, several additional visitors from Atlanta, Birmingham, and Anniston, attended the service. The congregation sang “Blessed Be the Name of the Lord” before a combined choir sang “Don’t You Want to Go to that Land?” Other congregational songs included “When Our Lord Shall Come Again,” “When We All Get to Heaven,” and “The Old Account Was Settled.” Reverend Sammie Fears, the pastor  of our church in Anniston, Alabama, prayed the middle prayer. Reverend Bob Downey, who attended the revival meetings with his wife, Cheryl, shared his testimony, and said that he is thankful for Reverend Florence Crawford, the founder of the Apostolic Faith work, and her stand for the truth. That is why we are blessed with what we have today, with Columbus being one of a thousand Apostolic Faith Churches worldwide who share together in the wonderful heritage that has been passed from generation to generation.

Reverend Dixon’s three daughters requested to be water baptized, and a short baptismal service was held before the last special. Reverend Dixon read Mark 16:15-18, and gave a brief message on water baptism, pointing out that it is an outward testimony of an inward change. John Green then baptized the three candidates, Martha Dixon, Mary Knight, and Catherine Dixon.

Before Reverend DuPont brought the message, Debra Fears, the wife of Reverend Sammie Fears, sang a rousing rendition of “It’s Real.” Reverend DuPont used Ephesians 6:10 for his text, “Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” He encouraged Christians to use what God has given them to win the victory and defeat Satan. God is working for the good of those who are serving Him, and Christians need to show the glory of God through victory in their daily walk. Christians can read the Scriptures, but they need to put the Word of God into practice and give the world proof of what God can do. They will face trials and tests in this life, but they do not need to depend on their own strength to overcome. They can depend on God, and He will give victory in every situation! Reverend DuPont encouraged Christians to not only believe God’s Word, but act upon it! God wants to show Himself mighty through His people today!

After the altar service, everyone gathered in the fellowship hall for a delicious meal and a time of visiting before departing to their various destinations. The weekend was a time of spiritual refreshing and encouragement for those who attended, and the prayer is that the revival spirit will continue to grow in the hearts of those who were inspired by the wonderful music, testimonies, and preaching during these revival services.