Philadelphia Special Meetings

April 12-19, 2009

A week of special meetings at the Apostolic Faith Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, kicked off on Sunday morning, April 12. Taking her text from Romans 8, Sharon Allen reminded the congregation that love is very simple, stating, “God loves us and He is willing to put His all on the line for you and me. No matter what they did to Jesus, His love for you and me kept Him on the Cross.” Sharon concluded the service with an invitation for people to pray—many responded and some surrendered their hearts to God. After the service, there was a time of food and fellowship.

On Monday evening, Pastor Ene Ekpin, from Philadelphia, encouraged sinners and backsliders to say, “I will arise and go to my Father,” as the prodigal son said in Luke 15:18, with confidence that God would have mercy on them just as the prodigal’s father showed mercy to him.

For his sermon on Tuesday evening, Daniel Nankay read Scripture passages where various individuals included the two words “remember me” in their supplications to God. One of the passages was from 1 Samuel 1:11, where Hannah prayed to God and asked Him to “remember her” and give her a male child. The two-worded prayer was powerful and she received what she asked for. The minister stated that a wholehearted prayer, even as short as two words, would meet God’s favor.

On Wednesday evening, Pastor Eugene Segres, from 265 Lafayette in Brooklyn, New York, referred to the text where Peter said, “I go a fishing” (John 21:3). After Peter and the others had fished all night and caught nothing, Jesus came on the scene and helped them fill their nets with a multitude of fish. Jesus then asked Peter, “Lovest thou me more than these?” Pastor Segres asked the congregation what “fishes” were in their lives, referring to the material blessings that God has given them. He said that Jesus’ question is still relevant today, “Lovest thou me more than these?” Pastor Segres stated that a Christian’s goal should be to fulfill God’s will in his life and follow Jesus’ command to be “fishers of men.”

Mildred Kromah took her text from Psalm 31:1-6 and 1 Samuel 30:6 for her sermon on Thursday evening, and she related how David encouraged himself in the Lord during times of trial and tribulation, and how he recollected God’s faithfulness to him. She said there were times when David was physically and emotionally drained, but he knew that God’s strength was sufficient for him. Mildred entreated the congregation to remember that God is still faithful and the Source of their strength today.

Eunice Ekpin preached on Friday evening about “How to Rise Up to God’s Standard,” admonishing the congregation to not let past experiences control them. Using several Scripture references, she challenged the audience to walk like overcomers, and said Christians need to rise to God’s righteousness and let Him help conquer every situation in their lives.

During the Sunday morning service, Bisi Odulaja preached on the need to “go back to Bethel.” He traced the story of Jacob’s journey to Haran and his encounter with the Lord at Bethel (Genesis 28:10-22). He brought out that years later, while Jacob was returning to his own country via Bethel, he had another encounter with the Lord (Genesis 32:24-30). Bisi stated that Christians also need to return to their “Bethel” from time to time to receive another blessing from God.

The special meetings wrapped up on Sunday evening with a message by Pastor John Smith, from Linden, New Jersey. He enjoined the congregation to have faith and resist the philosophy of those who say it is not possible to live above sin. He brought out that the Bible says the Blood of Jesus cleanses from all sin, and he exhorted the congregation to embrace their faith until the end and live victorious lives.

The week of revival services in Philadelphia was an inspiration to all, and it was a wonderful blessing to have visitors from the neighboring branch churches. The church members in Philadelphia thank God for a successful week, and for traveling mercies for all who attended.