2007 Gospel Jubilee
in Richmond, Virginia

by Michael Douglas

June 7 through 10 of this year marked the fourteenth year that saints from different parts of the United States have journeyed to Richmond, Virginia, to enjoy challenging sermons and seminars, anointed music, life-changing prayer meetings, plus food, fellowship, and fun. The guest speakers this year were Ron Gaddis from Los Angeles, California, and Jerry Smith from Linden, New Jersey. Every night the Lord met needs and the crowd grew.

On Saturday morning, the weekend events moved to a local middle school where about 430 people met to enjoy the presence of God and each other. The day began with Bible-based seminars for several age groups and categories. In addition, this year there was a Youth Forum for ages thirteen to twenty-five. The Youth Forum consisted of a large group, which was divided into smaller groups according to age. A topic of interest was given to the smaller groups to discuss and report back to the larger group. There was also a panel of six youths and a panel of six youth leaders. The panels were exceptional at responding to the issues presented. One participant declared it to be a “blessing to hear the youth take a stand” among their peers.

These teachings and discussions were followed by a grand lunch prepared by the Apostolic Faith Church in the Bronx. The afternoon General Session opened with two selections from the orchestra titled, “Bach: Two Joyous Chorals” and “Here I Am to Worship.” After a selection from the Jubilee Children's Choir, “I'm Walking in Authority,” and prayer, the first annual Bible Bowl Tournament was introduced. Youth groups from seven churches participated, including Brooklyn and Hempstead, New York; Washington, DC; Richmond, Virginia; Rocky Mt., North Carolina; Aiken, South Carolina; and Atlanta, Georgia. The tournament was a Jeopardy-style question and answer game. The categories included questions from the Book of 1 John through Jude, the basic doctrines of the Apostolic Faith Church, and tithing. As each round passed, the audience cheered the young people's efforts. After three rounds of elimination, the final round included Aiken, Atlanta, and Richmond. The Bible Bowl champions this year were from Atlanta!

After a song, a soul-stirring message was given by Jerry Smith. He encouraged everyone to “wait for the promise.” He declared that now is “no time to get lazy.” Even though the Lord tarries, everyone should be aware and remain ready for His return. Following a time of prayer, the crowd moved to the gymnasium.

In the gym, the traditional volleyball tournament was replaced by a basketball tournament. To minimize the time for the tournament, teams were combined from the different regions. Generally, half of each game was played by the men of the competing regions, and the other half was played by the ladies of those regions. Several of the teams came complete with their own cheerleaders. The single-elimination competition was won by the southern region.

The Gospel Jubilee culminated Sunday morning, when everyone returned to the school auditorium to enjoy a time of worship. Our first song proclaimed “How Great Thou Art.” Between the singing, testimonies, and preaching, God's presence was manifested. Ron Gaddis preached from Proverbs 29:18 and stated that spiritual vision is the ability to 1) see God's presence, 2) perceive God's power, and 3) focus on God's plan in spite of the obstacles. There were no altar benches available, but after the message many came forward to pray. After the prayer meeting, an invitation was given for any who had received a definite experience from God to come forward to the microphone and share what the Lord had done for them. At least three came forward to tell of being saved, as well as one who was sanctified. The Bible states that Heaven rejoices over one redeemed soul, so what about three? There was also one who received the baptism of the Holy Ghost.

There isn't enough that can be said about the commitment of the parents, youth workers, pastors, and those who prayed, and sent donations to help make this a successful event. Only eternity will tell of what the Lord has accomplished through these gatherings.