Midwest Special Meetings

By Rosemary Worthington

Revival! This was the theme of the Apostolic Faith Church Midwest special meetings held in St. Louis, Missouri, from February 15 - 17. Those in attendance were encouraged through God's Word, received blessings at the altar, and felt a refreshing from the Lord. They had wonderful fellowship and felt a special unity with the family of God.

On Friday evening there was a full house of expectant people who enjoyed singing together and listen to the testimonies. A trio from Madison, Wisconsin sang, and there were duets from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Van Buren, Arkansas, and St. Louis. Reverend Ritchie Ho from St. Louis preached a rousing sermon about the troubling of the waters at the pool of Bethesda. He brought out that God has victory for those who seek Him with all their hearts! There was a sweet spirit at the altars.

Saturday morning the group met for a time of prayer. After a solo from Reverend John Jordan from Richland Center, Wisconsin, Reverend Mark Worthington from St. Louis, gave a Bible study on revival, reading from Isaiah 40:3-5. Workers would level and straighten the highways to prepare for the arrival of royalty. He emphasized that Christians need to prepare their hearts for the King to come. There are many promises of blessings as a result!

The young people put on a concert in the evening called “Positive ID,” making the point that Christians identify with Christ in a positive way. There were fun and meaningful skits intermixed with songs, and then a heartfelt sermon by Margaret King from Chicago on the same theme. The evening was very enjoyable and profitable.

Sunday morning was a wonderful service with a full house. There were specials by a children's choir, a violin ensemble, a combined adult choir, the McCarville quartet, and inspiring testimonies. Reverend Randy Baltzell from Van Buren preached a moving sermon about the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Again there was a sweet altar service.

Then it was time for dinner! Jeff and Melissa Downey headed a team that served a delicious dinner of roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, fruit salads, and dinner rolls. Visiting guests supplied desserts. It was a great time of fellowship.

Sunday evening was a sweet service with more testimonies. Specials were provided by a male quartet, a duet from St. Louis, and a mother-son duet from Portland and St. Louis. Reverend Karen Storey from Chicago preached about when the Children of Israel were instructed to leave the temple by a different door than the one they had used to enter. Her point was that those present should not leave special meetings the same as they were when they came. It was a great challenge!

The Midwest special meetings were a great blessing! The special presence of the Lord was felt by all, and the family of God enjoyed wonderful fellowship. Many who attended could say they really did leave special meetings better than when they came!