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The Apostolic Faith Church in Pullman, Washington, held special meetings on May 14-16. The Friday evening evangelistic and revival service began with        a serenade titled “There Is Power in the Blood Medley.” Then a mixed quartet sang “I Can Tell You the Time.” The congregational singing was led        by Samuel Oni, and then Lee Spakousky gave the opening prayer.
   
During the announcements, Pastor Olusola Adesope introduced the guest minister, Superintendent General Darrel Lee, and his wife Debbie. We were pleased        to have them join us. Following a duet of “Since Jesus Passed By,” Sister Debbie opened the testimony service. She had been saved at a young age,        and told of the power of God to save and keep one in the Gospel. Other testimonies were given by Caroline Ojeme, Pearl Oladele, and Ebenezer Ewumi,        and highlighted the power of God to protect and provide in times of need.
   
Before the sermon, Anne Oni sang “I Have Decided Medley.” Then Brother Darrel took his text from Luke 19:8-9 and preached on God’s power to save from        sin and make a change in one’s heart and life. Drawing from the account of Zacchaeus, he emphasized the steps to salvation and the change that        follows. At the close, many gathered around the altars, and there was a great prayer meeting.
   
An evening of music was presented by the choir and orchestra on Saturday, and about eighty-five were in attendance. After a short opening prayer, it        began with the orchestra performing “I Exalt Thee.” Then the choir followed, accompanied by the strings, flute, and piano, singing “O When the        Saints.” The evening continued with the musicians praising God through their instruments and voices. Vocal selections varied from solos to choir        numbers. Among them, a mixed quartet sang “I’m Winging My Way Back Home,” a ladies’ trio harmonized in “Amazing Love,” and a soloist sang “Reach        Out to Jesus.” Instrumental offerings included a violin solo of “Softly and Tenderly,” a flute duet of “Three Duets No. 2,” and two orchestra pieces:        “Soon and Very Soon” and “He Leadeth Me.”
   
 Near the close of the evening, Brother Darrel gave some brief remarks. He reminded the attendees that all can have a part in praising God if they will        surrender their lives to Him as the musicians have done. He also thanked God for the muscians, and gave a portion of his testimony. He said he        had witnessed a similar presentation of music when he first came to the Apostolic Faith Church in Roseburg, Oregon, and the music he heard that        day lifted his soul to Heaven.
   
The choir closed the program by singing “God Says You’re Gonna Make It,” and then Brother Adesope led in prayer. The evening of music was beautifully        rendered, and souls were lifted to Heaven in praise and adoration to God.
   
The Sunday morning service started with the string orchestra playing “Praise Him, Praise Him,” and then the choir singing “The Sweetest Song I Know.”        Following this, Femi Johnson led the congregational singing and Joshua Adaramola gave the opening prayer.
   
After announcements were given, the choir sang “Come, Holy Spirit,” and Brother Spakousky read the Genesis 2:18-24 for the Scripture reading. Then        Brother Johnson sang the last special titled “Lord, Send a Revival.”
   
For the message, Brother Darrel took his text from Genesis 3:20 and 4:1. Referencing the experiences of Adam and Eve, he focused on marriage and the        home. Specifically, he spoke on marriage as ordained by God, childrearing responsibilities, and the dangers of sin. He concluded by pointing to        the availability of redemption through the Blood of Jesus.
   
The service ended with another beautiful altar service. The power of God was felt as individuals renewed their consecrations on the altar. The saints        in Pullman were blessed by God throughout this special weekend and strengthened to continue to serve God faithfully and in purity as the coming        of the Lord draws near. We appreciate prayers for the work of the Lord in Pullman that God will continue to bless and increase the work.

The 2021 annual youth weekend at the Apostolic Faith Church in East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, began on June 4 after three days of prayer and consecration    requesting that God would draw hearts to Himself. The Friday evening service opened with an organ prelude, followed by the choir singing “Our God Reigns.”    John Adebayo, the youth leader in East Bridgewater, welcomed those attending in person, as well as those participating online. Itunu Goudegla introduced    the theme song for the weekend, “Occupy Till I Come.” After the choir sang “When I Look into Your Holiness,” Lana Alofe, the group leader in East Bridgewater,    led the congregation in prayer. A newly married couple, Seyi and Alexis Alabi, shared their testimonies, thanking God for His help and protection during    their wedding, and the job He provided for Alexis after she relocated from South Carolina. Another testimony was shared by Joshua Anudu stating that    he was thankful that his father, who is in his seventies, is in good health. Before the sermon, Ayoola Olaoye sang “Find Us Faithful.” Kundai Kumutando,    a young minister who recently relocated to Massachusetts from Zimbabwe, took her text from Matthew 25:14 and encouraged the congregation to faithfully    use their talents for God. A good prayer meeting followed the service.

On Saturday morning, two seminars titled “Holiness in Our Finances” and “God’s Will in Our Careers” were presented by six panelists from branch churches.    The three panelists for “Holiness in Our Finances” were Ann DePaula from Bronx, New York; Joseph Asaya from Portland, Oregon; and Taiwo Oladapo from    Washington, D.C. They focused on how to honor God and maintain stable finances while faithfully doing God’s work. The three panelists discussing “God’s    Will in Our Careers” were Timothy Ajayi from Oceanside, New York; Bobby Toure from Brooklyn, New York; and Daniel Adewoyin from Wharton, New Jersey.    They emphasized that seeking God’s will when choosing a career is vital because He knows the end from the beginning. One of the verses they referred    to was Psalm 37:23, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” Thirty-six people logged into Zoom to take part    in the two sessions. Afterward, everyone had an opportunity to interact with the panelists and each other. On Saturday evening, recorded songs from    the Southern and Eastern District were featured on East Bridgewater’s Facebook page, and received around 280 views.

Sunday began with a Sunday school lesson titled “Teach Me to Pray.” Taiwo Ehineni used various illustrations on how prayer should include the right components.    He encouraged everyone to use the model of the Lord’s Prayer provided by Jesus as a guide.

The morning worship service began with an organ prelude by Folubi Awobayiku, followed by a welcome by the youth leader. The choir sang “Living on the Victory    Side” and “Draw Me Close to Thee,” after which the congregation sang the theme song and other selections. After the prayer by Victor Awobayiku, a mixed    quartet sang “Seeking the Lost.” The Scripture reading from Luke 19:12-13 was read by Sister Kundai. Before the sermon, Ayo Olaoye sang “Give of Your    Best to the Master.” John Adebayo took his texts from Luke 19:12-13 and Matthew 25:1-13, and brought out that God is looking for those who will be    faithful and righteous in His service. After the closing congregational song and prayer, the congregation went to prayer asking God to renew their    desire to be faithful in His work and truly occupy until Jesus comes.

There were around 570 views on East Bridgewater’s Facebook page, and two visitors attended in person for the first time. They said they had been praying    for God to lead them to where they should worship after recently moving to the area. They were warmly received and promised to continue worshiping    with the group. All who attended the youth weekend in person and online were blessed by the services. The prayer is that they will wholeheartedly occupy    in God’s service until Jesus comes.

The Apostolic Faith Church in St. Louis, Missouri, held a youth revival on June 11-13, with the theme “Back to Bethel: Upholding the Faith of Our Fathers.”    The Friday evening service began with a children’s choir singing “Jesus Loves Me,” followed by Jonathan Cantrell welcoming the guest minister, Esther    Olusanya, who attended with her family from Worth, Illinois. Alex Cantrell led the congregation in singing youth camp songs. Folu Olusanya testified    of God’s protection and provisions over the previous year. After Nathan McCarville sang “I Must Tell Jesus,” a few more testified of God’s faithfulness    and saving power, including Rebecca Oyedokun, Seun Ajayi, and Jackie Idowu. Before the sermon, Sister Alex sang “I’d Rather Have Jesus.” Sister Esther    read Genesis 35:1-7 for her text, bringing out that Jacob found himself in a situation where he had forgotten God, and needed to return to the place    where he had previously experienced God in his life. Sister Esther encouraged the backsliders and those who had never been saved, as well as anyone    who found themselves too busy for God, to return to “Bethel” and stay there until they experienced God’s power in their lives. The sweet presence of    the Holy Spirit was felt during the service.

On Saturday, the youth and adults gathered at the Cantrell house for lunch and outdoor activities. DJ Ojo led the worship singing on the acoustic guitar,    accompanied by Brother Seun on the keyboard, and Brother Jonathan on the electric bass. Then the young people split into three teams and played a Jeopardy-style    game focusing on the seventeen doctrines of the Apostolic Faith Church. Following the game, Brother Jonathan encouraged everyone to visit the church    website or app to familiarize themselves with the doctrines. The weather was hot and humid, but that did not hinder anyone from having a wonderful    time.

Sunday began with a Sunday school session, followed by a youth service. The prelude featured a violin duet by Clara and Karen Oyedokun and a trumpet solo    by Jason Idowu. The service also included special recognition of those who had graduated from high school, and those who were advancing to middle or    high school. A gift was presented to each of the seven graduates. After a duet sang “The Blood-Washed Pilgrim,” several gave victorious testimonies.    Before the sermon, Rebecca Oyedokun sang the last special. Sister Esther took her texts from Leviticus 10:1-2 (the account of Aaron’s sons suffering    the consequences of offering strange fire before the Lord) and 6:12-13 (God’s instructions for offering proper sacrifices). She encouraged the young    people not to disregard the things of God, and reminded them that God’s ways are doable for every generation. She used the example of her dad’s testimony    proving the faithfulness of God in his life, and she encouraged everyone to cling to God and be faithful.

The congregation in St. Louis is thankful for the visitors from branch churches, and for the blessings of God that were experienced throughout the weekend.

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From the Superintendent's DESK
John and Rodica Musgrave, and Harlan and Debbie Lee, have returned from their visit to our churches in Romania, and give this report of their final services there.

On Monday we drove to the Oltenia region of Romania on the southwest border, and the next day attended a service at the Capu Dealului church. The building    was full to overflowing with some standing in the entryway, and even out in the hall. Led by the pastor, Nicu Caclete, we enjoyed a wonderful service    with rousing music.

We attended a morning service on Wednesday in Motatei Sat where Mitita Udrea is the pastor. Though it was a weekday morning, twenty came to worship with    us. At the close of the service, we were thrilled when the invitation to pray was given, and a woman come forward and prayed through to salvation!

In the evening, a ladies’ conference was held in the sanctuary of the Craiova church with about seventeen attending.Sister Debbie gave a presentation on    “The Full Armor of God” with Emma Bora interpreting. At the same time, a ministers’ meeting took place in the Sunday school department. Both events    went very well, and then tables were brought into the sanctuary, and we combined for a fellowship meal.

On Thursday morning we went to Margaritesti to visit with the pastor, Aurel Cruceru, and his family. No church service was scheduled, but it was an        opportunity to catch up, and also for Sister Debbie and Sister Rodica to see the beautiful new church building, which was dedicated last year.        The church and property have been kept up nicely, and we had a lot of fun learning about how the various vegetables and flowers on the site are        cultivated. Before leaving, we were served a hearty country meal.

In the evening, we attended a service in Craiova where Pavel Balanoiu, who leads our southern Romania work, is the pastor. This is the congregation        where thirteen received the baptism of the Holy Ghost immediately after our last mission trip, this past February. The congregation was very welcoming,        and a good number were in attendance. Ted Bora, the Western Romania District Superintendent, was also with us, and he sang the last special. We        had a good service, and at the close, many went to the altar to pray.

On Saturday, we drove to Bucharesti where Gheorghei Macovei is the pastor. He is also the Eastern Romania District Superintendent. In the afternoon, a board meeting was held to discuss the work in Romania. Then in the evening, the ladies gathered in the former church building for a conference while the ministers met in the current church for a time of encouragement. The women seemed to thoroughly enjoy their opportunity to gather. Afterward, they were treated to light refreshments, including tiramisu, while the men settled for apples from a tree near the church entrance.

 We attended the Sunday morning worship service in Rimnicu Sarat. Crivisiu Ionel leads this congregation, which has much enthusiasm and faith. The little church was full, with about seventy people attending, including a number of visitors. For the music specials, we heard an accordion duet. Also, the Sunday school children sang as well as quoted their memory verses. There was a sweet spirit upon the service, and we had a good time of prayer        afterward. In the evening, we returned to Bucharesti for a very enjoyable service.

 All of the churches visited during this trip showed improvement in both the physical and spiritual aspects. We return home very thankful for all that        God has done during our visit.
We too thank God for what He has done in Romania, as well as for His guidance and protection for our team during this trip.                                   

A total of sixty-nine young people (excluding adult attendees) from different Apostolic Faith churches in the Philippines, participated in the 2019 Youth Special Meetings held at the headquarters church in Bagong Sikat on October 30-31.

The two-day program, which had the theme “Preparing for the Future,” was planned and organized by the camp director, Maria Mercedez Dancel. It was composed    of two Bible studies, a sports-fest, a fellowship night, and a morning devotion—all of which were done to strengthen the bond among the children    of God and to solidify the spiritual standing of each soul.

At 9:00 a.m. on the first day, an opening program commenced the special meetings. Reverend Joseph Ruiz gave introductory remarks. He stated that everyone    could contribute his or her part in order to make the meetings memorable, but the Lord had the power to make them an extra special experience. His    words of wisdom inspired the young people not to leave the premises without receiving the Holy Spirit of God.

The first Bible Study began right after the opening program, and was led by Reverend Jamindre Torres. His teaching focused on the signs of the times, emphasizing    that the coming of the Lord is soon to happen. He described the events which will occur in the future, according to the Bible. This reminded the hearers    that they must be spiritually ready and remain grounded in the Word of God until the Rapture of the saints, so that they will be worthy of receiving    the gift of eternal life.

Robert Ruiz headed the sports-fest held on the campground that afternoon. All the young people were eager to participate in the activities prepared by    the leader. The sports-fest lasted for four hours and the activities were greatly enjoyed by the youth. However, in the end, it was not about winning    the games, but having fun with their brothers and sisters in Christ.

At 7:30 that evening, the fellowship night started in the garden of the church. The area was beautifully lit, board games were provided, and food was prepared    which made the night truly one-of-a-kind. The young people from different locations had the chance to showcase their God-given talents by singing praises    to the Lord in front of the crowd. This part of the special meetings was one of the favorites since the youth had time to fellowship with each other,    and most importantly, worship God in one accord.

On the second day, the morning devotion at 6:30 a.m. was led by Reverend Fernan Fiegalan, who based his comments on Acts 11. The young people talked about    the steps they needed to take in order to receive more from God. Brother Fernan pointed out that they must not be satisfied with just knowing God,    but rather,  must aim to associate themselves with Him to establish a stronger relationship. He emphasized that it is essential to press on, seeking    deeper things from God.

Brother Joseph delivered the Word of God during the second Bible Study, entitled “Eternal Inheritance.” The youth were reminded that no earthly inheritance    can compare to what God has prepared for His children who remain faithful to Him until the day He comes. Brother Joseph emphasized that claiming this    eternal inheritance will only be possible if one receives the salvation of God and accepts Him as his Savior. He reiterated that God must always be    the number-one priority. The message touched the hearts of the attendees, and during the altar call, all the saints prayed in one accord and the Spirit    of the Lord came down in a special way. Many were saved, sanctified, and baptized by the Holy Ghost.

The special meetings came to an end with a closing program, which started right after the second Bible Study. Despite being physically exhausted, the young    people gave all their strength and voices in singing short choruses all for the glory of God. Brother Joseph gave his closing remarks, saying he had    been truly blessed by what he experienced in the gathering, regardless of how short it was. He reminded the young people that they are the hope of    the church and expressed his desire to see all of them still striving to serve God in the next special meetings if the Lord tarries. Moreover, he pointed    out that it will not be long until these young people become pastors and leaders in their respective churches. These words inspired the youth and hopefully    gave them the courage to keep their spiritual fire burning.

In the end, despite the sadness of leaving their brothers and sisters in Christ and facing the reality of the world, the young people were filled with    joy and power from God. All were equipped by the lessons they heard, ready to spread the Gospel to every nation, and prepared for the second coming    of God. The 2019 Youth Special Meetings was truly fruitful, and the presence of the Lord was felt by every saint.