In mid-April, the Eureka Apostolic Faith Church hosted its special combined meetings with visitors from the Grants Pass, Medford, Roseburg, Dallas, Portland, Sacramento, and Richmond churches.

Having Reverend Darrel Lee, from Portland, as the guest minister was a treat, as most of the saints in Eureka knew him as their pastor several years ago. He and his wife, Debbie, are very special, beloved people.

Friday evening was the kick-off, with a wonderful group of visitors and Eureka folks at the service. During the testimonies, some were thankful for the little things that God does, like providing a tank of gas or a job opportunity. Others testified about their salvation or other experiences. The theme, taken from Esther 4:14, “For such a time as this,” could be applied to Christians in individual and specific ways. The overall message was to take any and all opportunities to speak out and stand up for the Lord. There was a positive response to the message and a good altar service.

When the prayer meeting was over, everyone headed downstairs to the basement for some good old-fashioned fellowship, and indulged in homemade refreshments provided by the Eureka saints. Bonnie Jones had decorated the fellowship hall tables with little clocks and watches bearing the theme verse. After most people had gone to their host homes, and the few who stayed behind were cleaning up, one boy shouted, “I'm saved!” Those around him rejoiced because his name was written in the Book of Life.

On Saturday, the day started with a youth service featuring specials and testimonies from several of the visitors. Lorina Heintz played a lovely violin solo for the prelude, and an impromptu youth choir sang later in the service. Testimonies from Brian Hinkle, Maryann Spakousky, and others centered on their spiritual experiences and the provision of God. Tricia Spakousky sang a beautiful solo before the message. Peter Sletmoe, from Grants Pass, preached about the power God gives, and how people need to use that power to do what God wants them to do. He said that it is not what people know, but who they know. He also said that once a person is saved, they step into the bloodline of God, and become heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. He inspired the young people to dig in and take advantage of the time God has given them. Then there was a time for prayer.

After lunch, the “young” people (or anyone who thought they were young), were invited to a local auditorium for a couple of hours of roller skating and roller blading. No serious injuries were reported, although several of the older “young” people seemed a little wobbly. Even the youngest of the church goers were learning how to skate. Three o'clock came and everyone went their separate ways for a few hours–some shopping, some visiting, and many home for a nap!

A mini-concert was held at 6:30 that evening. It was a great evening of youth music, presented by some of the branch church visitors. There were vocal and instrumental solos, duets, and trios. After the music, Reverend Howard Wilson, from Richmond, preached a short sermon about the “right now moments” the Lord gives us, and extended an invitation to prayer. The presence of God could be felt. Several area visitors were present for the concert, which was very encouraging to the Eureka congregation. More pictures of the youth mini-concert are available here.

Sunday was a big day, starting at 9:30 a.m. with a church house full of Sunday school attendees. The morning service was also well attended. Milton O'Neill started the service with a melodious medley of hymns played on his trombone, and before the sermon, Daniel Mocan and a few others testified.

Reverend Darrel Lee gave the sermon, and emphasized the importance of “the moments” in one's day that are available to be used in ways that will impact lives for God. He said that regardless of whether or not the end results can be seen, there is still a responsibility to act. At the altar of prayer, people poured their hearts out to the Lord and asked for answers to the burdens on their hearts.

Many of the guests had to return home during the afternoon on Sunday, but a few from Richmond were able to stay for the final service of the weekend. After a good evening service, most of the Eureka congregation gathered at the parsonage for snacks and fellowship with the remaining guests.

At the end of the weekend, everyone who attended was able to look back and thank the Lord for His presence on the special meetings “for such a time as this.”