Saints from Los Angeles, California, to Seattle, Washington, and points between gathered in Medford, Oregon, on January 17-19 for special meetings that celebrated "The Love of God." The weekend’s focus text was Ephesians 3:19, in which Paul encouraged the church in Ephesus “to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.”

The weekend opened with special music arrangements and congregational singing. The audience joined in singing Robert Lowry’s Welsh revival classic, "Here Is Love," proclaiming:

On the mount of crucifixion,
Fountains opened deep and wide;
Through the floodgates of God’s mercy
Flowed a vast and gracious tide.
Grace and love, like mighty rivers,
Poured incessant from above,
And Heav’n’s peace and perfect justice
Kissed a guilty world in love.   

During the testimony session, Diane James, of Medford, told about experiencing the Lord’s joy of salvation. Jordyn Sletmoe, also of Medford, reported God’s help at a recent job interview. Roberta Parker, of Portland, Oregon, declared that she had experienced Jehovah’s deliverance from sin, but also deliverance when she was a student at school, in her professional career, in family matters, from physical affliction, and most recently, from a broken heart after the passing of her husband.

Pierre Hancock, pastor in Los Angeles, preached from Ephesians 3:19, expressing that the knowledge of God’s love exceeds philosophical context and intellectualism. Rather, knowledge of God is experienced in the depths of grace demonstrated by Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary. Brother Pierre reflected on the paternal love of a father and grandfather. God’s love toward individuals abounds beyond measure, and the believers' love toward God increases as they learn to know Him more intimately.

On Saturday morning, the group gathered for songs, encouragement, and prayer. Alex Wilson, of Seattle, led the devotional, citing 1 John 3:1, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.” Brother Alex demonstrated that though people say they "love" many things, real love exceeds how people feel about personal interests and preferences. Real love is a deep and reciprocating devotion, and that is the type of relationship God desires to have with each person.

The youth led Saturday evening’s service with special music, congregational singing, and testimonies. Brother Alex preached from 1 John 4:15-18, reminding those present that there is no fear in God’s love. The group was encouraged to abide in God’s love rather than dwelling in fear’s torment. Brother Alex illustrated the point by saying that learning to ride a bike requires both feet to be on the pedals, in a full commitment to forward momentum.

Sunday’s activities began with Sunday school. At the morning service, the audience filled the chapel and many were left standing along the perimeter and singing from the lobby. The service began with the congregation singing: “The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell, it goes beyond the highest star, and reaches to the lowest hell.” Brother Pierre preached from Ephesians chapters 3 and 4, conveying the mystery of the Gospel: Christ’s love, demonstrated in meekness and humility, is for Gentile and Jew alike. God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ is available to all humanity, regardless of heritage or background. 

The combined weekend concluded on Sunday evening with the congregation singing: “Amazing love, O what sacrifice, the Son of God given for me; my debt He pays and my death He dies, that I might live.” Brother Pierre preached from John 3:16. The group recited the verse in unison, and a distinction was made between knowing that verse in one's head versus the heart. Brother Pierre articulated that God’s gift of love is intentional and purposeful: He didn’t give to be generous; He gave to save souls.

The weekend was an encouragement to all who attended.