This year’s Midwest Camp Meeting marked the 65th anniversary with 27 of those years at the current Pinecrest Camp in Fredericktown, Missouri. The event took place Wednesday, July 29, through Sunday, August 2, with delegates attending from thirteen branch churches. Among the special guests were the former Superintendent General, Darrel Lee, and his wife, Debbie, representing the Portland headquarters.

The opening service was a Bible teaching on Wednesday morning. It began with a brass ensemble playing a lively medley of hymns, including “Since I Have Been Redeemed.” Following the congregational singing and prayer, Jeff Downey, the Midwest Regional Superintendent and pastor at St. Louis, Missouri, gave a warm welcome. He also drew everyone’s attention to the anniversary with a reminder that God has been faithful through the years and hasn’t changed. He said to expect God’s continued blessings during the upcoming meetings.

For the message, Brother Darrel taught on “Holiness,” taking his opening text from Titus 2:11-12. He noted the difference between justification and sanctification, stating that the first provides forgiveness for committed sins and the second purifies the heart of the sinful nature. In closing, he called on all believers to live holy lives through prayer, consecration, and sanctification. A good altar service followed.

In the afternoon, the youth were encouraged by a message from Esther Olusanya, the Midwest Youth Leader, titled “Free Indeed.” Taking her text from John 8:36, she emphasized that spiritual freedom is more important than physical freedom. The message concluded with an appeal to the youth to allow Jesus to have complete control in their lives. They responded with heartfelt prayer.

In the evening, an evangelistic service began with a violin ensemble playing “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” For the message, Bunmi Omitoyin, the pastor from Minneapolis, Minnesota, read Isaiah 9:6 and preached on “Believing and Responding to the Report of Jesus.” Noting Zacchaeus, Bartemaeus, and the woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment, he said faith must be accompanied by action to yield results. The service closed with many consecrating their hearts at the altars of prayer.

Throughout the remainder of the camp meeting, prayer meetings were held in the mornings followed by Bible teachings on the subjects of “Holiness through the Ages” and “Finding Our Identity in Christ.” In the afternoons, youth services and activities took place.

In the evenings, evangelistic services pointed hearts toward Christ with stirring music, testimonies, and messages. The music included a string ensemble playing “Saved, Saved,” an African choir singing “Kumbaya, My Lord” in several languages, and a sibling quartet singing “Still Feeling Fine.” Among the testimonies, one praised God for help in overcoming fear to pass a driver’s exam. Another thanked God for a teaching position and the miraculous healing of her husband. Others told of God’s faithfulness to heal, protect, and provide.

The evening messages included Thursday’s “Come and Dine” from John 21:12, given by retired pastor Karen Storey. She spoke of the risen Christ inviting His disciples to a meal, saying this incident pointed to the greater spiritual feast that God would soon provide through the Holy Spirit. On Friday, Solomon Akinduro preached on “Spiritual Readiness” from Matthew 24:44. He said the greatest need anyone has is to receive forgiveness of sins and be ready for Heaven. On Saturday, Brother Darrel preached from Daniel 1:8 on “Remaining Committed to God.” He challenged the congregation to be steadfast in purpose regardless of life’s circumstances.

In addition to the church services, several other special activities took place during the five days. These included a water baptismal service for four candidates, a Bible Adventure Program for children ages three to eight, and the first annual African Night featuring African songs, languages, and cultural expressions. There was also a young people’s Bible Bowl contest consisting of five rounds of different types of quizzes. It was engaging and promoted fellowship while encouraging Bible knowledge. At the conclusion, the team from Van Buren, Arkansas, emerged as the overall winner.

The final service on Sunday began with an orchestra prelude of “Days of Elijah,” followed by the choir song “When We All Get to Heaven.” For the message, Joshua Idowu, the pastor at Worth, Illinois, took his text from Hebrews 4:12 and spoke on “The Power of Seeking God through His Word.” Citing Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian Eunuch, he noted that God continues to work on behalf of those who seek Him after revival services are over. He urged the congregation to continue to draw closer to God upon returning home.