Roseburg Special Meetings 2008

By Angela Rudolph

This year the special meetings in Roseburg were a combination of spiritual renewal and good, old-fashioned fun. Beginning on the evening of Friday, January 25, the joyous sounds of friends and family filled the church. Adding to the excitement was the presence of ministers and pastors from five branch churches. The platform resembled one of our summer camp meetings, as the brass quartet began to play the prelude.

Throughout the service, songs and testimonies focused on salvation and the wonderful Blood of Jesus. Our guest minister for the weekend, Reverend Tim DeBusk from Tacoma, Washington, preached on 1 Peter 2:6-10. He reminded us that Jesus did not come to save us in our sins, but came to save us from our sins. The prayer service lasted for over an hour, and the evening ended with a late-night dinner.

On Saturday morning, we gathered together in the sanctuary for a devotional Bible study given by Arthur O'Hare from Medford, Oregon. He presented us with a unique challenge: If we knew we had only six months to live, what would we do with our time left on earth? As we pondered this question, it soon became clear what our priorities would be, and thus what our priorities should be for our lives.

Saturday afternoon was busy as many of the young people participated in a variety of activities, ranging from a very challenging scavenger hunt to visiting the neighboring community of Sutherlin in order to view a giant bulldog! At around four o'clock in the afternoon, everyone came together again for an afternoon concert featuring music presented by members of the Roseburg and Medford churches. The sanctuary quickly filled with people and the glorious sounds of hearts praising the Lord. After the concert, many stayed and prayed. One young lady prayed for several hours and was wondrously saved! Those around her rejoiced as her name was written down in Glory. It was apparent that the Lord was working in lives and changing hearts.

A thick blanket of snow greeted us on Sunday morning and continued to get thicker as the choir sang, “Jesus Saves.” Reverend DeBusk used Mark 5:36 for his message which was on the power of the Lord. “Fear not!” he proclaimed. “God can do things we can't even comprehend. Get rid of unbelieving thoughts. God wants to do great things for you!” It was clear God wanted to do great things, and hungry hearts were not disappointed.

On Sunday evening, we gathered together one last time. The sermon text was Romans 8:19-26. The simplicity of the Gospel message was the central focus, and Reverend DeBusk said we need to recognize that now is our opportunity, and not to give up. The Lord wants to take us to higher ground; we need to dissolve all doubts. The prayer service that followed was truly heavenly, with one young man receiving his sanctification. As he left that night, he remarked, “These were the best two days of my life!” And everyone agreed.