Century, Florida, Camp Meeting

July 26 – August 2, 2009

The anticipation of camp meeting could be felt as the choir opened the morning worship service with two rousing song selections. Reverend Eugene Segres, the pastor from Brooklyn, New York, chose for his text, Micah 6:6-8, and preached on the subject “Will the Lord Be Pleased?” During the Sunday evening service, Reverend Ene Ekpin, the pastor from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, encouraged the congregation with a sermon on “Believing.”

On Monday evening, Reverend Ralph Stephens, the pastor from Mobile, Alabama, preached about the importance of having faith, making the comparison that just as it takes money to make a purchase, it takes faith to receive something from God.

Reverend Henry Swanston, the pastor in Century, gave the Bible teaching on Tuesday morning about “Prayer,” and in the evening, Dennis Segres, from Aiken, South Carolina, preached on “Spending Time at the Mercy Seat.”

Wednesday was Women’s Day, and the morning service and afternoon workshops were conducted by the women. The theme was “Women of God, Yes, We Can,” and dressed in white, the women began the morning service by marching in and singing, “We’ve Come This Far by Faith.” An inspirational sermon from Helen Gaddis, of Anniston, Alabama, encouraged the congregation to open their hearts to Jesus. After a delicious meal was prepared by some of the women, afternoon workshops were held which included the topics: “Pursuing Holiness and Standing Firm in the Last Days” by Mary Oladele; “How to Identify and Operate in Your Calling” by Reverend Josephine McElveen; “Women, Be an Example and Let Your Light Shine” by Lessie Dixon; “Unity in Diversity” by Daisy Scott; and “God Is in Control” by Berthena Conyers.

During the Wednesday evening sermon, Reverend Walter Cobb, the pastor from Birmingham, Alabama, used the example of how even in difficult times, Jeremiah was able to put his trust in God and accomplish what God had called him to do. He encouraged those present to stay focused on their walk with God and not give up, so that one day they will attain their “crown of righteousness.”

On Thursday morning, the pastor from Columbus, Georgia, Reverend Edward Dixon gave a Bible teaching on “Good Choices vs. The Best Choice.” He brought out that “choosy people choose Jesus,” and the best choice is to let God do the choosing.

That evening, Ron Gaddis, the pastor from Richmond, Virginia, related how Elisha had a strong desire to receive what Elijah had, and he refused to let anything stand in his way of receiving it. He encouraged the congregation to have that same determination and to go after the Gospel with their whole heart.

Prior to the Friday morning Bible teaching, Reverend Dixon conducted a premarital workshop formatted as the “Ed Dixon Talk Show.” He invited different “guests” to give tips to the young people on choosing the right person to date and marry.

Reverend Bob Downey, the Director of North America Work, gave the Friday Bible teaching on “Your Relationship with God.” He emphasized that an intimate relationship with God will benefit one’s relationships with others, and he encouraged the congregation to do their part in drawing closer to God on a daily basis.

A young lady stood to her feet in the Friday afternoon young people’s service and imploringly asked the congregation to pray for her as she was going through a very difficult time in her life. The leader of the youth service, Dennis Segres, asked her to come forward, and all the ministers in attendance gathered around and prayed for her. When Dennis asked if there were other young people who wanted to be prayed for, many came forward and the youth service concluded with a wonderful prayer meeting in which many special blessings were received.

The choir opened the Friday evening service by singing “If You Make a Start for Heaven, Don’t Turn Around,” with Reverend Walter Cobb as the soloist. Reverend Bernice Pinney, the pastor of the Reed Road church in Houston, Texas, used Matthew 5:6 to encourage the congregation to “hunger and thirst after righteousness.”

On Saturday afternoon, a Bible Bowl patterned after the popular game “Jeopardy” was held, consisting of five rounds with four-person teams. Although some of the questions were quite challenging, the teams exemplified great sportsmanship, and everyone had a good time.

The tabernacle was filled to capacity for the Saturday evening concert. Reverend Duane Ross, from Richmond, Virginia, was the emcee and many beautiful and inspiring numbers were presented by various groups and individuals. All the participating musicians did an outstanding job, and the delightful evening of music ended with closing remarks and prayer by Reverend Eugene Segres.

All the services throughout the camp meeting were blessed with enthusiastic congregational singing, fantastic musical specials, and inspiring sermons, and the concluding services on Sunday were no exception. Many victories were won around the altars as hungry hearts sought to draw nearer to God. Those who attended Century camp meeting felt spiritually refreshed and encouraged as they headed home for another year in the Lord’s service.