The Seattle, Washington, Apostolic Faith Church hosted a weekend of special meetings at the Cornet Bay Environmental Learning Center on Whidbey Island over the weekend of September 12-14. The theme for the weekend was “Revive, Refresh, and Renew,” and God certainly answered many of the prayers of those who attended to do just that. Over one hundred people gathered for a relaxed weekend of fellowship through singing, church services, activities, and meals together.

On Friday evening, the weekend started with dinner and everyone singing around a campfire before locating their cabins and claiming their bunks. Saturday dawned a little foggy over the bay, but the sunlight broke through just in time for the outdoor morning devotional. After a good solid breakfast and more singing, Reverend Wayne Butler, the pastor of our church in Woodlake, California, and featured speaker for the weekend, read Scriptures and gave some thoughts about revival. He encouraged each person to let revival begin with them, and then watch it spread to others. In keeping with this same theme, Joe Burton, from Port Angeles, Washington, reminded the attendees that daily refreshing is needed now just as it was for the Israelites in the wilderness when they received a fresh supply of manna each day. Tony Boyce, from Dallas, Oregon, illustrated the truth from Isaiah 40:30-31 that “even the youths shall faint and be weary…but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength.” Tony had Jacob Burton jump up and down on one leg as long as he could to demonstrate that even young people get tired and need to be “renewed.” After Tony finished talking, everyone was given the opportunity to reflect on what had been shared and to ask God to apply it in his or her life.  

After lunch, Saturday afternoon was spent enjoying the beautiful weather and gorgeous setting, and participating in fishing, hiking, building and then launching bottle rockets via an air compressor, crafts, and playing games. Whether catching one of over two hundred fish, or putting together bottle rockets to shoot across the camp, everyone enjoyed participating in the activities and fellowshipping together. Before dinner, a baptismal service was held at a nearby lake. Joe Lockett, who had received his sanctification the Wednesday night before, expressed a desire to be water baptized during the special meetings. When Reverend Larry Friesen, the pastor of our Seattle church, asked if anyone else wanted to be baptized, his granddaughter, Amanda Friesen, stepped forward. Those who attended returned to the camp rejoicing with the two who were baptized during this special time.

Saturday evening’s service was joyful as the group sang and shared the goodness of God. Ten of our branch churches from the Northwest were represented over the weekend, and an individual from each church testified during this service. The testimonies demonstrated the power of God to touch anyone, regardless of background. During his sermon, Reverend Butler challenged the congregation to draw closer to the Lord. A bonfire, singing, and conversation finished a wonderful day of sweet fellowship with God and His family.

Children’s services were also conducted on Saturday and Sunday for those in first through fifth grades. They enjoyed crafts, games, stories, and worship together. With the help of adult volunteers, and the assistance of object lessons and activities, the children learned about following Jesus. On Sunday morning, a shorter service was held so that the campers could get ready for a camp inspection at noon. This did not deter the sweet Spirit of God as the congregation worshiped and prayed together. Reverend Butler spoke about when Jesus asked the man by the pool of Siloam, “Wilt thou be made whole?” Reverend Butler asked the congregation the same question, and suggested they respond to it on a personal level to see what God would do for them.

After the morning service, the campers packed up and departed to their respective locations. Many felt revived and refreshed by the Spirit of God through His Word and prayer, His beautiful creation, and fellowship with the saints throughout the weekend.