A wonderful weekend of special meetings was held in Dallas, Oregon, from April 25-27. There were many visitors from Portland, Medford, Grants Pass, and Roseburg, Oregon. The theme verse for the weekend was Psalm 16:11, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Each message for the weekend discussed the need for the presence of God in one’s life and how to realize God's presence more fully. 

Friday evening began with Marcus Luka from Portland playing a trombone solo, “Wonderful, Merciful Savior.” Chris Luka, also from Portland, led a time of singing for each of the services over the weekend. To open the meetings, “The Family of God” was sung as people greeted one another. Brother Chris later called for a spontaneous choir of “Heaven Came Down,” inviting all who sang in their home choirs to join. Many testified of victories the Lord had given them. Heidi Sletmoe, from Grants Pass, shared how the Lord healed her in January after having very serious health problems over the past few years. Roberta Parker, of Portland, shared how the Lord was with her when her husband passed away suddenly a few years ago. For the last special, Rachel Boyce of Dallas and Mckenzie White from Grants Pass sang “O Praise the Name,” accompanied by their ukuleles. John Baros of Medford used Luke 10:41-42 and Psalm 16:11 as the text for his message. He talked about how people can sometimes be like Martha, overly focused on things that distract. Mary, as she sat at the feet of Jesus, chose the better part. Joy comes from the Lord, but individuals have to make a choice to continually sit at Jesus’ feet. Many prayed and some stayed very late at the altars seeking the Lord.

Saturday morning began with prayer and then Tony Boyce, pastor of the Dallas church, called for two volunteers to testify. Ruth Akinola, from Dallas, shared how she had a heart problem for four years and she prayed and asked the Lord to intercede for her. The Lord undertook and today her heart is healthy. Rachel Boyce told how the Lord had been drawing her closer over the last year and then in January, He filled her with His Holy Spirit. Peter Sletmoe of Grants Pass shared a devotional titled “Is God Reliable?” He used Genesis 16:1-16 and 21:8-21 as his text, and spoke of how Hagar was in the wilderness running from Sarah. God showed up in the wilderness and gave provision, instruction, and a promise. There is no need to fear the wilderness areas in life, God will show up for each one the same way He did for Hagar. Another time of prayer followed.

Saturday evening's youth service began with a violin solo from Ty Mom of Portland, playing “How Great Thou Art,” “The Lily of the Valley,” and “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” Later, a young men’s choir sang “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High.” Many young people testified of victories that the Lord had given them, including Mckenzie White and Ty Mom, who shared how the Lord filled each of them with His Holy Spirit earlier this year. Sabrina Thompson and Jeremiah White, both of Grants Pass, shared how they were wonderfully delivered from sin after going far from the Lord. Elijah Baros of Medford shared how he had been dealing with anxiety over something specific, but the Lord took it away. Rebecca Luka of Portland sang “He's Everything” for the last special. Brother Peter gave the message, taking his text from 2 Kings 2:4-15 and Romans 12:1-2. As Elisha had confidence in the God of Elijah, believers today can have that same confidence that God will show up for them. His wife, Heidi, had testified the night before of God’s healing, and Brother Peter mentioned a wheelchair that she’d had to use frequently. It was a constant fixture outside their house for going to the store or any number of other errands. He came across it recently as he was working on a project in his home and was reminded of how they did not need to use that wheelchair anymore! He pointed out that many people have spoken of God’s miraculous intervention in their lives, and those same experiences are available to anyone who surrenders.

Sunday morning began with Sunday school at 9:30, including a time of singing, and then each age group was dispersed to their assigned classes. At 11:00, Sunday morning worship service began with a Dallas/Grants Pass ukulele choir. They played and sang “In the Upper Room with Jesus” and “The Comforter Has Come.” Brother Tony asked Wendy Chasteen of Roseburg to give her testimony. Her husband, Jack, who is currently the pastor in Roseburg, had been the pastor in Dallas over twenty years ago. She recounted how Dallas was their first pastorate and spoke of all the blessings the Lord has bestowed on them through the years. Her testimony was followed by the Luka family quartet from Portland singing “Surely Goodness and Mercy.” The last special was a mixed trio singing “God Leads Us Along.” Brother John took his text from the theme text of Psalm 16:1-11. Psalm 16 relates King David's progression from desperation, to submission, to thanksgiving, to praise with a commitment and desire to please God, followed by contentment and gratitude for God's goodness. No matter what one may go through, this same peace can be found by seeking for God's presence to be near. Because of Jesus, believers have access to the Throne of Grace. The service was followed by a time of prayer around the altar as people sought to draw closer to the Lord.

Over the course of the weekend there was an abundance of wonderful food and fellowship before and after services. The weekend concluded with a lunch for all who attended. Many left feeling blessed by the messages, the time in prayer and the fellowship of the saints.