Langley, BC, Special Meetings

February 15, 2009

by Olusola Adesope

The Apostolic Faith Church in Langley, British Columbia, Canada, held special meetings on Sunday, February 15, with the theme being “The Love of God.” Since revival is never worked up, but prayed down, a week of evening prayer services preceded the special meetings. In addition to those from Langley, attendees included many from branch churches in Tacoma, Seattle, and Yakima, Washington. Gary Bertram, from Tacoma, who attended the meetings with his wife, Sandra, was the guest speaker for both services.

The day started with Sunday school, and Katrina Wong opened the session by leading the group in several familiar children’s songs, after which classes were available for all ages. The morning service began with Nancy McMillan playing “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” on the piano, followed by “Lovest Thou Me?” sung by Shola Akindele and Foluso Olubunmi. Sandra Bertram testified that she began attending Sunday school in Tacoma when she was around five years old, and just before her twenty-first birthday the Lord saved her. She is grateful for the peace of God in her heart even though there seems to be no peace in the world today. Brenda Bishop said that she is thankful for the wonderful fellowship she has enjoyed with the family of God through the years. For seventeen years, she and her husband were privileged to worship at our church in Tacoma, and since moving to Yakima, the Lord has blessed them with another wonderful church family. Before the sermon, Susan Olubunmi sang “My God Is Real.”

Using 1 John 4:9-10 for his text, Gary Bertram preached a stirring message on the love of God that sent Jesus to this world to die for our sins. He encouraged the congregation to determine, as Paul did, that nothing will separate them from the love of God. Many responded to the altar call, and it was indeed a sweet time of prayer as many victories were won!

The Sunday evening service was another special time of fellowship with the Lord. Katrina Wong played “I Love the Old, Old Story” and “Amazing Grace” on the piano, and then Reverend Bob Bishop, the pastor of our church in Yakima, led the congregation in singing several inspiring songs. To open the testimony portion of the service, a male quartet sang, “I Remember the Time.” Reverend Mel Hiatt testified that he has enjoyed being saved for over eighty years, since he was five years old. Verna King spoke of being grateful for God’s healing touch and for how He has blessed her marriage for the past thirty-nine years. Mark Babor said he is thankful that when he was far away from God and living on the streets, Jesus found him and saved him. Ahmad Tadbir told of being involved in a different religion, but he met Jesus and received true salvation.

For the last special, Reverend Bishop sang “More of You.” Then Gary Bertram wrapped up the special meetings with another powerful sermon on love. Taking his text from 1 John 3:1-3, he encouraged the congregation to embrace God’s divine love by praying through to their deeper experiences and drawing closer to the Lord. There was a wonderful time of prayer as many poured out their hearts to God. Following the altar service, a great time of fellowship was enjoyed by all, along with a delicious spread of pizza, salads, fruit, and ice-cream cake.

All who attended these special meetings felt God’s love and the benefits of being part of His magnificent family! Those who received special blessings around thealtar will remember these meetings as a time of spiritual growth and renewal.