In happy anticipation of this year’s annual Western Europe Camp Meeting, saints began arriving on Saturday, July 19, at the Cefn Lea Park conference center in Wales. The meetings officially started the next morning with Sunday school for all ages and continued through July 27.

The opening devotional service featured a prelude by the youth orchestra. They gave a beautiful rendition of “Light Medley,” which was followed by an uplifting “Sing” by the choir. This set the tone for a week of worship and drawing closer to God. The congregational prayer was offered by Darrel Lee, the former Superintendent General. He was one of several special guests, along with his wife, Debbie, and their daughter and son-in-law, Rob and Alicia Parker, who had traveled from outside Western Europe. Others included Eastern India District Superintendent Raju Rayudu and his wife, Suvarna; Tony Boyce, who pastors in Dallas, Oregon, and his wife, Dawn; and Isaac Adigun, the West and Central Africa District Superintendent, and his wife, Stella. Brother Isaac gave the Scripture reading from Isaiah 60:1-3, which encompassed the camp theme of “Arise, shine; for thy light is come.”

During the announcements, camp meeting greetings from various parts of the world were read by Mark Mfandarahwa, the Western Europe District Superintendent. Included were encouraging words from Superintendent General Sola Adesope. He said, “We pray the meetings will inspire fresh consecrations and bold commitments across all generations so that the whole of Europe will be won for Christ.” For the message, Brother Mark highlighted the camp theme from Isaiah 60:1 by encouraging all to “Arise and Shine.” He said Jesus is the Source of the light that everyone needs in their lives. He will reveal and drive out all darkness. Many tarried in prayer afterward, seeking for the light of Jesus to shine in their lives.

In the afternoon, a youth service was held, and Lara Oguntoke inspired all with a message from 1 Kings 19:12-13 on “Listening for God’s Voice.” In the evening, a string quartet began the evangelistic service with “Grace Greater than All Our Sin” and a ladies’ ensemble from France sang a moving “The Holy City.” Toyin Emitola, the pastor at Manchester, England, preached from Matthew 5:14-16 on “Made to Shine.” He reminded all to stay connected to Jesus to show forth God’s glory as He intended everyone to do. Afterward, God blessed mightily around the altars.

The remainder of the week began with early morning prayer meetings followed by Bible teachings. The teaching topics included “Qualifications for Heavenly Citizenship” by Ola Balogun, the pastor at Peckham, England; “The Holiness Way of Life” by Brother Darrel; “The Baptism of the Holy Ghost by Brother Isaac; and “Christian Fellowship” by Brother Tony.

In the afternoons, youth services alternated with children’s church. Wednesday was eventful with a worker’s meeting, minister and spouse breakfast, and youth concert. The concert was titled “For All He Has Done, For All He Will Do.” The youth from Western Europe presented classical, traditional, and contemporary music that provided an awesome time in God’s presence.

In the evenings, evangelistic services inspired all to pray. Among the testimonies, Sister Debbie told of growing up singing Gospel hymns around the piano with her family. She said the Lord used those songs to speak to her heart. As a young person, she received her three Christian experiences, and these gave her a good foundation for making decisions later in life. Following her testimony, a man praised God for lifting him out of the depths of depression after the deaths of his parents and brother. Also, a young lady thanked God for bringing her through a surgery and causing her body to heal completely. Another woman praised God for providing her with employment.  

On Saturday morning, everyone gathered in the auditorium for an ordinance service. During the meeting, Brother Mark announced the retirement of Mathieu Bobo as the Paris pastor. Then Sister Patricia was ordained as the new Paris pastor and the board members prayed over her. As the ordinance service continued, everyone enjoyed a blessed time of fellowship. In the afternoon, a water baptismal service was held for twenty-five candidates. Then during the evening service, on behalf of the saints in Western Europe a gift of appreciation was given to the Lees for their many years of service.

The final service closed with Manchester choir singing the traditional “God Be with You ‘Til We Meet Again” and a time of prayer. The Light of Jesus shone brightly at the camp meeting, and it is expected that attendees will return home shining that Light to others.