The 20th annual Benin camp meeting took place July 19 to 26 at the Djeffa campground with over 6,000 in attendance. Delegates came from our churches in Ivory Coast, France, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, Togo, and throughout the Republic to participate.

Preceding the event, ministers and workers gathered for a conference to gain valuable training. Video clips were played of the Superintendent General, Olusola Adesope, speaking on “Servants of Jesus Christ” and “Attributes of an Effective Minister.” Other important topics covered by various speakers were: “Ministerial Responsibilities,” “Ministerial Identity,” “General Instructions for Services,” and “Who Are Good Workers?”

The opening service on Sunday, July 19, was led by Marcellin Kploka, the Benin Country Leader. It celebrated the 20th camp meeting as well as the donation of a new four-keyboard organ. For the sermon, Dotun Ewumi, the Director of Worship for Western and Central Africa, highlighted this year’s camp theme of “Liberation.” Taking his text from Isaiah 61:1-3, he said spiritual freedom is more important than physical freedom. It offers peace of mind, love, and joy while here on earth as well as the hope of Heaven.    

In the following days, “prevailing prayer” sessions were held in the mornings, Monday to Saturday, and for two hours at night, Tuesday to Friday, with many praying fervently. Also, the Missions Department organized outreach to the local community. Each morning, Tuesday to Friday, a group took the Good News of salvation into the neighborhoods, inviting people to attend the meetings.

Daily Bible teachings offered guidance for a strong Christian walk. The topics were “The Three Christian Experiences,” “Forgiveness,” “The Christian Home,” “The Test of Faith and its Reward,” and “The Reality of Heaven and Hell.” In the evenings, evangelistic services encouraged all to draw closer to the Lord. In all these meetings, testimonies highlighted God’s power to save, heal, protect, and more. One man said he was kidnapped by ritualists, but when the saints prayed, God miraculously delivered him.

The youth took part in camp meeting activities through Sunday school, programs they presented in the tabernacle, a children’s concert, children’s church, and youth services. One youth service was replaced with a timely workshop titled “Christians and Social Media.” It included a discussion about the advantages and disadvantages of using social media platforms. Also, advice was given concerning proper online conduct.

Other special activities during the week included the annual concert, attended by thousands, and a film presentation on “The Hidden Power of Prayer,” resulting in sincere prayer. Also, the saints enjoyed observing the ordinances of “The Lord’s Supper” and “Foot Washing.”

Throughout the week, God was seen moving in a mighty way. He held back torrential rains, which had caused flooding in the weeks preceding the camp meeting. Also, two children went missing, but after earnest prayer was made for them, they were found. On Saturday, 291 candidates were baptized in water, and overall, 1,511 blessings from the Lord were recorded. It was a week of celebration, prayer, and rejoicing for all who attended.