Sacramento Special Meetings

By Dan and Anca Tivadar

Special meetings in Sacramento are always a blessing and this year's event, held from September 28 to 30, was no exception. The theme, “Called, and Chosen, and Faithful,” taken from Revelation 17:14, was highlighted throughout the special meetings. The week started off with prayer meetings on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings, when we asked God to bless and oversee all that would take place during the coming weekend.

As we walked into the church on Friday evening, the presence of the Lord was felt right away. There were about 230 in attendance (Sacramento's largest ever), and people filled the church beyond capacity. The evening began with a trumpet solo by Gordon Olson from Richmond, California, followed by the Sacramento choir singing, “Hallelujah, Hallelujah.” After the congregational singing, the Portland young men's quartet blessed us with a wonderful rendition of, “Keep in the Middle of the Road,” which appropriately received a round of applause. After some victorious testimonies, a trio from Roseburg sang, “A Living Prayer,” setting the tone for the sermon.

Our guest speaker for Friday evening was Reverend Pierre Hancock from Eureka, California. He took his text from Luke 7:36-38, using the woman who washed Jesus' feet with her tears and dried them with her hair as an example of true worship. He challenged the saints to not ask God for anything during the altar service, but to spend their time thanking and praising Him. He said, “Don't seek the gift, seek the Giver.”

Saturday morning started out with Reverend Clif Kasper taking a moment to thank God for what He has done in his life and reminding us that God holds the future in His hands. Following that, Reverend Hancock gave a seminar on the “Call of God.”

Lunch was served and then a second seminar was given by Lee Spakousky, from Richmond, California, on the cause, effect, and results of taking our eyes off God. He admonished us to be faithful until the end. When the seminars were over, there was an opportunity for fellowship, including basketball and shopping at the mall.

As evening approached, a barbeque dinner was served. After everyone had eaten, we all gathered on the lawn for a “singspiration.” Hot chocolate and a blazing fire were available to help provide warmth on the cool September evening. The presence of the Lord was also felt, as the songs of praise were lifted to the One who merits them.

Many visitors remained for the Sunday morning service, which started out with specials from Los Angeles, Portland, and Roseburg, and finished with a solo from Portland. Reverend Joe Bishop, from Woodlake, California, was the guest speaker for Sunday. He began by reading from Revelation 17:14 (the theme verse). Then he turned to Isaiah 43, using Israel as an example of the fact that the call of God is a personal call, and that He calls us by name.

Many visitors left after the morning service to return to their homes, but the Spirit of God did not leave, for He was indeed present at the evening service. The service began with two Sacramento specials and a solo from Richmond. As the service was ending, Reverend Bishop encouraged us to leave the meetings saying, “There is something different; I have a stronger purpose and a greater desire and determination in my soul to be one of the faithful.” He also said that we need to have a heart for God, so we can make a difference for the next generation. The evening concluded with everyone singing, “May Those Who Come Behind Us Find Us Faithful.”