From the Superintendent's DESK

Darrel Lee and John Musgrave have been in Huambo representing the Portland headquarters at the Angola camp meeting, which began on Sunday, September 15. They arrived Thursday, accompanied by Onias Gumbo, the District Superintendent for Southern and Eastern Africa (SEAR), and received a warm welcome. Inside the airport, a smiling delegation met them, including Antonio Castilho, the Angola District Superintendent, his wife, Ana, and several board members and provincial leaders. Then as they exited, a group of young children, dressed in black and white with red bow ties, sang a welcome song with enthusiasm.

The team was greeted again as they approached the campground for the evening evangelistic service. Many saints, including children waving red balloons, lined the pathway singing, smiling, and waving. The service was held outdoors to accommodate the large crowd. It began with an organ prelude of “The Solid Rock,” followed by the choir singing in Portuguese “Let All the People Praise Him.” The congregation sang heartily before being led in prayer by Paulo Sacoca, the Bengo pastor and provincial leader.

Before the message, Rachel Qubl sang in Portuguese, “Step by Step, I’m Going to Jesus” and Brother John greeted everyone on behalf of the Portland headquarters. Then, he took his text from John 12:24 and noted that God’s Word is powerful, like a seed that eventually becomes a great crop. He reminded everyone of how Brother Castilho brought the seed of the Apostolic Faith Gospel back to Angola, saying the congregation represents some of the fruit from that one seed. As the service closed with the song “There Is a Fountain” and prayer led by Brother Castilho, there was a tremendous response at the altars.

The next morning, Brother John wrote, “We enjoyed a beautiful time of fellowship and unity in our Friday morning teaching service in the campground tabernacle.” Though the singing was in the Umbundu language and not understood by all 1800 in attendance, the same Spirit was felt throughout the congregation.

For the message, Brother Darrel took his text from 1 Corinthians 1:9-10 and spoke on “Unity.” He said unity is not the same as unanimity or uniformity; it is not having the same likes, dislikes, and habits. Instead, it is working toward the same goal or purpose, which for Christians is the furtherance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. At the close, there was a good response to the altar call, with many bringing their chairs to the front for a place to pray.

The evening evangelistic service swelled to standing room only in the back. It began with an organ playing a medley of hymns. The choir then sang “I Am His and He Is Mine” in Umbundu. During the announcements, it was noted that an ordinance service would immediately follow.

The message was given by Brother Onias on “The Value of Your Soul.” Reading from Matthew 6:19-21, he said that wealth, pleasure, security, and worldly pursuits add no value to the soul. He also reminded everyone from Romans 6:23 that a sinner’s wages are death, but God offers the free gift of salvation and eternal life. At the close, the congregation sang “Nearer My God to Thee” and went to prayer for a short time.

The message for both the “Lord’s Supper” and “Foot Washing” were given by Brother John. Taking the first text from 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, he emphasized the blessings of obedience. Then, reading from John 13, he stressed the need to follow Christ’s example to end up with the good results of “happy are ye if ye do them” (verse17). A sweet time of prayer and fellowship followed as the two ordinances were observed.

On Saturday morning, there was rejoicing and singing as a water baptismal service was held for 151 candidates in the Cuando River, about twelve miles outside of Huambo. Then, in the afternoon, a workers’ meeting was held for pastors, ministers, and Sunday school teachers. It opened with a song in Portuguese: “Work Until the Lord Returns.” Then everyone was led in prayer by the national Sunday school superintendent, Jose Lumbungululu. After several short exhortations, a message was given from 1 Corinthians 3:6-9, highlighting several topics related to Sunday school. These included that it is a great outreach opportunity and should be targeted for different age groups. Also covered were teacher qualifications, study recommendations, and servant-like leadership. The meeting closed with prayer.

On Saturday evening, a concert highlighted the talent, hard work, and enthusiasm for the Gospel shared by the choir and orchestra members. It began with a processional into the building followed by a welcome song and prayer. The first half featured moving choir numbers such as “Arriving in Jerusalem” and heartfelt vocal trios, duets, and solos like “Jesus Is Precious to Me.” The second half featured an enthusiastic male quartet, the orchestra, and a lively violin trio. God’s presence was felt throughout, and this was evidenced by the hearty “Amens” from the audience.

The farewell service of the camp meeting on Sunday morning began with a brass ensemble playing “Fill Me, O Lord.” Then the choir sang “My Only Joy Is in Jesus.” During the announcements, Brother Castilho recognized visitors, including our team, first-time attendees, and representatives from the different provinces. The choir then sang “I Belong to Jesus” and Matthew 24:36-42 was read for the Scripture reading.

The last special was a vocal duet of “Where I May Be with Jesus, I Will Go.” Then the message centered on “The Rapture of the Church” with text from Matthew 24:27. It brought out that the Rapture will be sudden, but not unexpected. Just as in Noah’s day, when he could be observed preaching righteousness, warning of the flood, and building the ark, signs of Christ’s return are prevalent. The two thousand in attendance were urged to avail themselves of salvation and live righteously in this world, ready to meet Jesus in the air. At the close, many moved their chairs to the altar area and began praying. This prompted Brother John to comment, “The people of Angola know how to open their hearts wide to earnestly seek God.”   

As we thank God for the blessings of the Angola camp meeting, let’s pray He will continue to guide our efforts in that country. Today, Brother Darrel, Brother John, and Brother Castilho met with Angola’s United States Ambassador for help in registering our work there with the government. They also sought advice in obtaining visas for the Castilhos that would allow them to attend the 2025 Portland camp meeting. God went before them and good instruction was received, which is already being implemented.

Pray for Brother Darrel and Brother John as they depart Angola but continue traveling in Africa.