Roseburg Special Meetings

February 27 - March 1, 2009

by Vienna Adams

Special meetings at the Roseburg, Oregon, Apostolic Faith Church began with a Friday evening service. The theme was “Relax,” with the reminder that God has all things under control. Reverend Howard Wilson, the pastor of the Apostolic Faith Church in Richmond, California, was the guest speaker for the weekend. Visitors came from branch churches in Portland, Grants Pass, and Medford, Oregon; and Eureka, California, as well as other locations. After a wonderful time of prayer following the Friday evening service, many enjoyed a time of delicious cuisine and great fellowship.

On Saturday morning, there was a short time of prayer, and then Gale Wilson, from Richmond, California, gave a devotional on how one determines what he or she believes. She shared several personal illustrations of how she came to decide her view of her relationship with God. Her message was a stirring challenge to those present to study God’s Word and pray that they will know what to accept as the truth. After the devotional, lunch was served before some headed to the local YMCA recreational center for an afternoon of sports and games, while others chose to investigate the local shopping opportunities.

During the Saturday evening of music, presentations from various groups were enjoyed by all, despite a power outage that lasted for about an hour. Some of the specials were performed without lights or microphones, but everyone had a great time, nonetheless. Lit candles were displayed, and battery-powered stand lights were used to help the musicians read their music. Although the electric keyboard did not work, a regular piano was there to accompany the music selections. The good thing was that the lights came on during the concert, before the sun set and it became dark outside. The music presentations included the young men’s quartet from Portland, as well as ensembles from other branch churches.

Some had to leave after the Saturday evening program, but the church was still packed for the Sunday services. The Sunday morning meeting began with the combined orchestra playing two numbers. Reverend Wilson gave another excellent sermon on rededicating one’s life to God. The special meetings concluded with the Sunday evening service, which was held at an earlier time to accommodate the visitors from nearby branch churches. Reverend Wilson’s theme for the final sermon was “Revive,” giving the listeners an assurance of hope for the future. During the prayer meeting that followed, one received the experience of sanctification.

The fellowship, great sermons and devotionals, and awesome prayer meetings were all part of what made the Roseburg special meetings spectacular, and those who tarried around the altars especially enjoyed the sweet presence of the Lord. A camp meeting-like presence was felt as God richly blessed the entire weekend.