Special Meetings in
South Brook, Newfoundland

October 22-26, 2008

by Marlene Burton

The Apostolic Faith Church in South Brook, Newfoundland, enjoyed a wonderful time of spiritual refreshing during its recent special meetings. The meetings began on a chilly Wednesday night, with the first snow flurries of the season taking place outside. The choir opened the meeting with a number entitled “Sweet Heaven Awaits.” Reverend Rene Cassell, the district overseer of the work in Canada, took his text from John 10:18 and Matthew 26:53-54, and he preached about the “invisible cords” that held Jesus to the Cross, even though He could have called ten thousand angels to deliver Him. Some of these cords were: a desire to be loyal to His Father’s eternal purpose in providing a Savior for mankind; our sins—Jesus knew that if He failed, eternity without God would be our destiny; and the beautiful love that Jesus has for each and every one. Reverend Cassell then picked out various members of the congregation, and after reciting their individual situations, he stated, “Jesus knew you were going to need Him at this point in your life, so He stayed on the Cross.” There were many tears shed as those in attendance realized just how personal Jesus’ death on the Cross really was.  

The Thursday evening service began with a feeling of great rejoicing, which was felt even more during the testimony portion of the meeting. Kirby Hewlett ecstatically told about receiving a phone call from his son the previous Saturday night, requesting that his dad ask for prayer in church the following day because he was under conviction and wanted to get saved. The next day, Kirby’s son called again and said the prayers had been answered and he had given his heart to God! Reverend George Burton, the pastor of our church in Englee, Newfoundland, preached on “Is There Anything Too Hard for God?” using Genesis 18:14 for his text. He reminded the congregation that it doesn’t matter what circumstances they are facing or will face in the future—God is able to take care of each one.

Friday evening proved to be another terrific service. Reverend Fred Randell, the pastor in South Brook, asked Colin Burton to share his testimony. Last year, Colin was at death’s door and was unsaved. He was on life support and unaware of what was going on around him, but people were praying. As his physical situation deteriorated with each passing day, the doctor said the only thing that would save him was prayer. Just when it seemed that Colin was facing certain death, a minister in South Brook, Trent Newman, and a couple of others went to visit and pray with him, and they felt that God had answered prayer. The next day the doctors were amazed at how much Colin had improved, and it was not long before he was discharged from the hospital. A few days later, Colin went to church and gave his life to God! Another testimony was shared by Carrie Compton, whose daughter had suffered from serious problems due to the fact that many of the organs in her body were either malfunctioning or completely missing. After two major surgeries, the doctors said nothing else could be done; however, they underestimated the power of prayer! During a visit to Halifax for a second opinion and another round of testing, it was discovered that God had intervened and Carrie’s daughter was totally normal!

Reverend Vanzel Quinlan, the pastor of our church in Bide Arm, Newfoundland, gave a message on “What Went Ye Out to See?” from Matthew 11. Many complained about both John the Baptist’s and Jesus’ styles of preaching, even though they were completely different—yet the message of both John the Baptist and Jesus changed lives. It is more important to be in tune with what the message is saying rather than focusing on the messenger—God uses different personalities to complete His purpose for the moment.

Reverend Marjorie Reid, the pastor of our church in Fredericton, New Brunswick, preached on Sunday morning from Psalm 92:1. After asking the congregation to repeat this verse, she noted that one cannot be in tune with God and be unthankful—it just is not possible. When one is in love with God, he or she is automatically thankful!

On Sunday evening, Reverend Eric Compton, the pastor of our church in Birchy Bay, Newfoundland, used Romans 5:19 for his text, and he directed his message to the unsaved in the congregation. He reminded them to seek the Lord while He may be found, because there is coming a day when God will NOT be found! Earlier in the service, Frank Gillingham had given an inspiring testimony, and requested that the ministry anoint him after the service and gather with the congregation to pray that the Lord would touch his body. After he was anointed and prayed for, Frank was on his feet, rejoicing in what God was doing! Melina Randell, who has suffered with arthritis the past few years and has been basically helpless, was  wheeled to the front of the church in her wheelchair. However, it was not long before the wheelchair had to be taken out of the way so Melina could rejoice in what God was doing for her! This time of rejoicing went on for some time as many let their spiritual umbrellas down and received showers of blessings!

The South Brook congregation was encouraged by this time of spiritual refreshing, and believes the effects of the touch of God on these services will be felt for a long time to come!