A new Apostolic Faith group was launched in Brisbane, Australia, with special services held on October 7-8. This new group resulted after a visit to the sunshine city in 2019 by Sam Ajayi, Director of Australia Work, and his wife, Shade. They went to distribute literature there, and the Lord opened the door.

The inaugural meeting on Tuesday, October 7, was supported remotely by brethren from across Australia. It began with an organ prelude from Sydney and a woodwind duet of “Fairest Lord Jesus” from Melbourne. Following the congregational singing, the opening prayer was led by Mabasa Mapfumo, the Brisbane group leader. He expressed gratitude to God for what He has done and in expectation of further blessings. One of those “further blessings” was announced later in the service. The congregation was informed that the city council had approved a new permit allowing them to meet weekly instead of twice per month. This good news was received with a loud, “Amen.”

During the service, three people testified of God’s power to save, sanctify, and baptize with the Holy Spirit as well as provide for various needs. Before the message, a couple sang “Love Lifted Me,” and the congregation was invited to join in. Everyone sang in appreciation of God’s love and forgiveness, which deliver from the miry clay of sin. For the message, Brother Sam took his text from 2 Corinthians 5:17 and stated that most people like new things, and God offers the best “new thing”: salvation. He stressed that salvation generates newness of life regardless of one’s age. At the close of the service, many tarried at the altars of prayer, including some visitors. 

The next evening, the prelude began with an organ voluntary from Sydney. Then, from the Melbourne congregation, a vocal ensemble sang “The Light of the World Is Jesus” and a soloist sang “It Pays to Serve Jesus.” Four inspiring testimonies followed from Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. One sister thanked the Lord for saving and keeping her. She also expressed appreciation for an Apostolic Faith Church in Brisbane, saying her family has missed having fellowship with the brethren since moving to Australia.

The service continued with a vocal solo that asked, “Where will you spend eternity?” Then the message, taken from Matthew 12:14-15, brought out how Jesus healed all who came to Him. Brother Sam noted that the root cause of illness can be traced back to the Fall of Man. He said this brought sin and sickness to every person, but the good news is that there is a cure. There is power in the atoning Blood of Jesus to heal all manner of sin and sickness for all who will turn to Him. Seekers were invited to the altars of prayer to experience God’s victory, and many went, tarrying long.   

The saints in Australia concluded these meetings grateful to the Lord for establishing another work in that country. Their prayer is that the promise of Joshua 1:3, given to the Children of Israel, will be fulfilled in Australia as well. It says, “Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you.”