From the Superintendent's DESK

Our congregations in Canada are enjoying the 2022 Canada camp meeting, which began in Roddickton, Newfoundland, on Sunday, August 7. John Musgrave, Director of Romania Work, and his wife Rodica are there representing the Portland headquarters.  

The first service began with the choir setting the tone for the week by singing “Set My Soul Afire.” The Scripture reading came from Joel 2:12-26, which is a plea for Judah to repent and a promise of blessings to follow. Before the message, Sadie Canning sang “When He Reached Down for Me.” Then Chris Hewlett, the Canada District Superintendent, preached from Psalm 85:6 on “Are You Ready for Revival?” Brother John said it was a very nice opening service to start the camp meeting.        

The evening message was taken from 2 Kings 2:1-3 and focused on following God. A good altar service followed, and there was joy in Heaven as one young lady prayed through to salvation!

On Monday evening, the congregational singing started with “We Have Heard the Joyful Sound,” which includes a call to Newfoundlanders to “Sing, ye islands of the sea . . . Jesus saves, Jesus saves!” A trio from Roddickton sang “Do You Know How it Feels?” Among the testimonies, Minnie Fillier told how God healed her at age two when the doctors did not think she would live. Another testified to being healed at last week’s youth camp. Before the message, Barbara Randell sang a touching “Walk Me Through.” The Langley pastor, Scott Wells, took his text from Matthew 6:6 and asked, “Do you have a need?” Then he spoke on the difference between needs and wants.

The Tuesday morning service began with a solo from Elianna Randell of Kitchener. She sang “Just a Closer Walk with Thee.” Another special was provided by a vocal ensemble from Toronto who sang “He Will Remember Me.” The testimonies, which were interspersed with beautiful choruses, highlighted the change God makes in one’s life at salvation. The teaching was given by Vanzel Quinlan of Birchy Bay. He took his opening text from 1 John 1:1-7 and spoke on “Christian Fellowship” and the importance of it. He said it begins with being in fellowship with God and in unity with fellow believers.         

In the evening, the music included a solo of “Thank You Jesus for the Blood” sang by Norma Rigor. The testimonies were inspiring and encouraging, and several lively choruses rang out between. The message was given by Randy Antalan, the new Bide Arm pastor. He preached from Matthew 6:19-20 about laying up treasures in Heaven. A beautiful altar service concluded with rejoicing when one woman gave her heart to the Lord.    

The next morning, a children’s special was given by sisters Charlie and Ada Ivany who sang “Jesus is Alive! It’s a Happy Day.” Another special featured sisters Barbara Burton, Winnie Randell, and Yvonne Randell singing “Whispered Prayers.” The three then opened the testimony service telling of the power of God. Before the message, Wilson Bushey sang “Lovest Thou Me?” Rene Cassell, the former district superintendent for Canada gave the Bible teaching on taking a personal spiritual inventory. He took his text from Proverbs 27:23-27 and said it is important to know where one stands with God.     

The Wednesday evening prelude included a joyful “I Just Feel Like Something Good is about to Happen” sung by the choir. One of the music specials was provided by the Wells family who also testified. Brother Scott told of coming from a broken home and believing that life was hopeless until the Lord saved him. Now he is thankful for a wonderful family and life. Another testimony came from Ford Hancock who is eighty-three and recently received salvation. For the last special, the Roddickton pastor, Michael Ivany, sang “No One Ever Cared So Much.” Then the Kitchener pastor, Robert Randall, used John 2:5 to encourage the church to do whatever the Lord instructs. The Spirit of the Lord was felt strongly throughout the service, and earnest prayer followed, with many seeking to be healed.

On Thursday morning, a minister and spouse meeting was held at the Roddickton church. Brother Chris addressed some administrative matters as well as spoke on the subject of “Harmony and Unity in the Ministry.” It was apparent from the fellowship that everyone was indeed in unity.

In the evening, a youth service was held, led by Brother Scott. For the message, Samson Jimaza, the Winnipeg Group Leader, read Revelation 21:27 for his text and preached on the subject of “Qualifications for Heaven.” 

The final teaching took place on Friday morning. The Englee pastor, Kirby Hewlett, taught on “Christian Perseverance” with an opening text from 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. A good prayer service followed with some recent converts praying earnestly at the altar for their deeper experiences.

The camp meeting is scheduled to continue through Sunday. We thank the Lord for the blessings already received and pray more will follow.