“Surely, I Come Quickly,” was the theme for this year’s West and Central Africa (WECA) Camp Meeting, held August 9-23 at the campground in Faith City, Igbesa. The two-week event was filled with memorable moments, including the children’s programs, the annual concert, and a film presentation. Also, the Youth Corps parade, a water baptismal service for 929 candidates, and meeting after meeting pointing every heart toward the promise of Christ’s soon return.     

The ministers and workers gathered first on Friday, August 7, for a conference designed to encourage and strengthen them in the work. They were welcomed by WECA District Superintendent Isaac Adigun, who gave a devotional titled “All Gospel Workers Are Ministers.” Drawing from Numbers 3:5-6, he reminded the brethren that God is pleased by faithfulness rather than a person’s title. He urged every worker to choose active service and live in readiness to respond, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

Throughout the day, the conference featured a rich series of studies addressing financial stewardship, pastoral ministry, youth development, responsible use of social media, and the preservation of the Apostolic Faith heritage. In addition, a new program of ministerial development was introduced. Ministers were encouraged to register for courses on “Salvation” and “Sermon Preparation,” set to begin in October. The conference concluded with progress reports, singing, and prayer.

The official opening of the convention was ushered in with a Sunday school program. The children presented “The Parable of the Ten Virgins,” reminding the congregation to be ready for Christ’s return. The devotional service continued to highlight the camp theme. For the sermon, Brother Isaac took his text from Revelation 22:20 and assured all that the Second Coming is certain and imminent.   

In the days that followed, the camp theme continued to be prominent and inspire prayer. On Monday, many were stirred after viewing the film “The Gathering.” Even before the final credits, people filled the altars, praying fervently.

Each morning, Bible teachings laid a foundation for solid Christian living. During the first week, the topics presented were: “Three Steps: The Foundational Christian Experiences,” “The Importance of God's Word,” “Building for Eternity,” “Christ's Waiting Bride,” and “The Parable of the Ten Virgins.” In the second week, the subjects covered were “Restitution,” “The Essence of True Christianity,” “Christian Inheritance,” and “The Good News.”

Throughout both weeks, testimonies pointed to undeniable evidence of God’s power. One from Niger told of a Sunday school that was attacked by bandits, but by the grace of God it is now flourishing. Another from Niger told of two terrorist attacks near his home being foiled. A mother praised God that after much prayer, her son received a kidney. The son of a chief imam recounted how he was confronted by the Word of God early one morning while preparing to call Muslims to the mosque. This led him to surrender his life to Christ. Another testified of blacking out during a violent attack but being restored to life by Jesus. One brother thanked God that his daughter had delivered a baby boy after several years of waiting upon the Lord.   

Each week was filled with exciting activities for all ages. In the first week, the “Teen Challenge” took place. Teams from different regions competed in the game “Who Wants to Be a Bible Giant?” The team from Ekiti emerged as the champions and took home an academic scholarship. The concert, themed “Behold, He Cometh,” was highly anticipated. Every number thrilled the listeners, from “War March of the Priest” to “Great Mass in C.” During an intermission, Oludotun Ewumi, who is retiring as National Music Director, was honored for his long-time service, and Oyebode Odulaja was appointed to succeed him.

In the second week, two concerts were given: one by the grade school children and the other by the youth. Both had the theme “Surely, I Come Quickly.” A video depicting the Rapture played during the final song of the youth concert, “Where Will You Spend Eternity?”, prompting the audience to immediately go to prayer. Toward the close of the week, a water baptismal service was held for 929 candidates, the ordinances of the Lord’s Supper and Foot Washing were observed, and fifty members of the National Youth Corps presented a parade.

The Sunday services were also highlights of the gathering. The middle Sunday began with a children’s program titled “Preparation of the Bride for the Sudden Coming of the Bridegroom,” which encouraged all to have ready hearts. During the devotional service that followed, special guests were welcomed, including delegates from India, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Among these were Bill McKibben, Director of Asia Work, and his wife, Lori, representing the worldwide headquarters. Brother Bill delivered the sermon from Acts 1:1-9 on “Waiting for the Day.” He urged the congregation to make themselves ready for the day of the Lord’s return by watching and praying as admonished in Luke 21:36.

The final Sunday began with a children’s program before Sunday school. The students presented a drama on “The Parable of the Talents” found in Matthew 25. It was a timely reminder that every gift entrusted to a Christian is to be faithfully used. In the evening, the campers gathered for the final service. Joseph Omosanya delivered the farewell admonition, “God of Possibility,” declaring that God will fulfill all His promises and ultimately take His Church to Heaven. Then, in keeping with a long-standing tradition, the song “God Be with You ‘Till We Meet Again” echoed throughout the tabernacle. The altar filled one final time, and weeping was heard, not with sorrow at parting, but with the same spiritual fervor that had marked the fifteen days of the convention.

By the close of the camp meeting, nearly 13,000 had reported receiving something from the Lord, including salvation, sanctification, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, divine healing, and more. The saints departed for their various locations with hearts full of gratitude for the blessings poured out and with renewed expectation of the Lord’s soon coming.