By Brian Jacobs

 
God is good all the time, and this certainly proved to be true during the recent weekend of special meetings in Port Angeles, Washington, on April 19-20. Although rain (and even a little snow!) fell outside, inside it was a time for showers of blessing. In addition to the local folks, we enjoyed the support and fellowship of visitors from Seattle, Tacoma, Chehalis, and Neah Bay, Washington, as well as Portland and Medford, Oregon.

The weekend began with a Saturday evening youth service. Rachel Ward was in charge of the music for the evening, and organized a worship team to lead the singing. A variety of testimonies brought out the fact that nothing is too big or too small for God, whether it is repairing broken lives, providing guidance for important decisions, or even getting uncooperative cows out of the way! Ryan Trotter, from Chehalis, was the speaker for the evening, taking his text from 1 John 5:4, “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” He contrasted this verse with the people Jesus encountered in Matthew 13:58, where “he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.” We all like to win—to be on a winning team—and there is victory in the Gospel. Ryan encouraged us to maximize our faith and use it to overcome the hindrances in life's way, because whatever our need, God is waiting to answer and be “a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). After a good time around the altar, refreshments were served next door in the “Parsonage Underground Restaurant” (the parsonage basement).

The Sunday morning service began with music directed by Reggie Macomber, from Chehalis. Then the wives of the visiting ministers gave their testimonies, continuing the theme that the Lord is the answer to every situation. The guest minister for both services on Sunday was Reverend Nolan Roby from Medford. Speaking from Philippians 1:12, “…the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel,” he encouraged us not to let our worlds be small, and to be victors over circumstances, not victims of them. Paul was writing from a small prison cell, but chains and walls could not constrain God's ability to work. Joseph was sold as a slave into Egypt, but God was with him. Reverend Roby reminded us that there are no coincidences, no casual acquaintances. God brings people into our lives so that we can be a light for Him. After the prayer service, lunch was served next door, so no one had to go away physically hungry, either.

The evening service began with a brass prelude, taking advantage of the talents of a number of our visitors. Gary Bertram, from Tacoma, led the congregational singing. Reverend Roby took his text for the evening from Isaiah 42:1-4. He reminded us that Jesus is the Answer to every question, the Solution to every problem. Those who come in contact with Him are never the same again. Those who come to Him, He will in no wise cast out. Following the altar service, we gathered once again for food and fellowship, and then said our farewells.

The Port Angeles congregation expresses their appreciation to all who came and blessed them with their presence, as well as those who could not be there in person, but supported the special meetings with their prayers.