From the Superintendent's DESK

Tolu and I, along with our children, are in Wales for the Western Europe Camp Meeting, which began on Saturday, July 20. We arrived in London on Friday and were greeted by brethren from our United Kingdom headquarters who gave us a beautiful bouquet of flowers. On Saturday morning, we made the five-hour drive to the campground site in Newtown, Wales. As others arrived also, there was great anticipation for what the Lord will do at this year’s camp meeting. We came expecting God to pour out His precious Holy Spirit on all the services, preparing hearts for Heaven and refreshing our souls. We were not disappointed in the opening days, as seen in the following report written by one attendee.

The first day of the Western Europe Camp Meeting was filled with excitement as attendees arrived from various church branches across Western Europe. Delegates came from Scotland, Ireland, England, Wales, France, and Germany to celebrate this special occasion. Adding to the significance of the event was the presence of Olusola Adesope, the newly appointed Superintendent General of the global work for the Apostolic Faith Church. He had travelled with his family all the way from our world headquarters in Portland, Oregon.

This year marked the 20th anniversary of using our beloved campsite, the Cefn Lea Park conference center. The atmosphere was electric with joyous reunions and warm welcomes. The air buzzed with excitement as old friends embraced and new connections were made, setting the tone for a wonderful camp experience.

As the evening settled in, a brief campers’ meeting was held to outline the guidelines and expectations for the duration of our stay. The meeting emphasized the importance of comporting ourselves in a manner befitting the values of our faith and ensuring a harmonious and enriching time together. The anticipation for the days ahead was palpable as everyone eagerly looked forward to the spiritual growth and fellowship that the camp would undoubtedly bring.

The next morning’s events began with a vibrant Sunday school session. Attendees of all ages gathered to learn and reflect on God’s Word in various classes tailored to different age groups. The adult class focused on an engaging lesson titled “Willful Service," based on Acts 26:1-20. This lesson emphasized the Christian duty to serve and do the will of God, inspired by the events of Paul the Apostle.

Following Sunday school, the devotional service commenced at 11:00 a.m. with a beautiful orchestration by a string ensemble, setting a reverent and inspiring tone. The choir then gave an uplifting rendition of “Almighty,” which moved the congregation. Further enriching the worship service was a heartfelt solo performance of “When the Holy Ghost Is Lifted.” The congregation then joined in singing several hymns before the opening prayer was offered by Brother Sola.

Our District Superintendent for the Western Europe work, Mark Mfandarahwa, welcomed the nearly five hundred in attendance and made several announcements. Among these, he formally introduced Brother Olusola and his family. He also read warm greetings from several church leaders around the world, including Isaac Adigun, the Western and Central Africa District Superintendent and Onias Gumbo, the Southern and Eastern Africa District Superintendent. The musical segment continued with the powerful anthem “Resurrection Morn,” filling the hall with a sense of hope. Following this, a mixed quartet sang “Trim Your Lamps and Be Ready,” a poignant reminder of spiritual readiness and vigilance.

Highlighting the camp theme of “Be Ye Therefore Ready,” the sermon was delivered by Brother Mark. He took his text from Luke 12:37-40, Revelation 21:4-7, and other Scriptures as he focused on the subject of “Eternity.” He encouraged the congregation to heed the signs of Christ’s soon return and seek eternal life now while there is still opportunity. He warned of the consequences of rejecting salvation, including the reality of eternal punishment in Hell. He closed by reminding everyone that Heaven is a beautiful place attainable by all. At the invitation to pray, many went forward to sort out their eternity with God. A closing prayer was offered by Toyin Emitola, pastor at Manchester, England, bringing the morning service to a reverent close.

In the afternoon, a youth service began with inspiring music. A brass sextet from Leicester, England, set the tone for the service with a “Hosanna Medley.” This was followed by a trumpet solo of “To God Be the Glory” and “Because He Lives.” Then he uplifted the congregation with “Faithful Is Our God.” Everyone was welcomed by Lara Shorinmade, the Western Europe youth leader. She encouraged the youth to use this camp meeting to reclaim any ground the devil had taken from them. Then, led by Tosin Olayisade of Peckham, England, the congregation enthusiastically sang several powerful songs, such as “How Great Is Our God” and “Our God Reigns.” This was followed by prayer offered by Laetitia Wright of Paris, France.

To open the testimony portion of the service, the youth choir from Birmingham, England, sang “Be Ready.” Then six young people shared heartfelt testimonies of God’s faithfulness. Each was met with a hearty “amen” from the congregation. Before the message, the youth choir from Bexley, England, sang a moving “At the Cross.” Then Sister Lara delivered a message on “The First Works.” For her text, she read Zechariah 3:1-4, saying God’s desire is to cleanse us and draw us closer to Him. She also said that our Christian identity should be reflected in our first works and actions. The service closed with an invitation to pray and many young people went to the altars seeking God.

The evening service began with a brass quintet performing “Worthy Is the Lamb.” Then a vocal soloist sang “Make My Life Beautiful.” The congregation joined in singing such songs as “Fill My Cup, Lord” and “Let Jesus Come into Your Heart.” Then Mathieu Bobo, the Paris pastor, led the congregational prayer. The first music special featured a youth choir, vocal solos, and Scripture readings from Revelation. It was titled “He Is Worthy” and set a reflective tone for the testimony service. One man testified that God is indeed worthy. He said he was a hardened sinner when God’s love conquered him. He praised God for turning his life around and making his soul beautiful. A woman thanked God for His healing power. A year ago, she couldn’t walk and was diagnosed with bone cancer. She saw many specialists who gave her no hope, but she relied on the mercies of God, and today, she is cancer free.

Before the message, the choir sang “Plenty of Room.” Then Ernest Akerejola, leader of our work in Australia, delivered a powerful message from Psalm 38:21-22. He highlighted that God is our present help in times of need and will not forsake us when we pray earnestly as the Psalmist did. He also emphasized the importance of drawing near to God to receive His help. In addition, he used the examples of King Saul and King Ahab to warn of the dangers of forsaking God. He concluded with a reminder of the beauties of serving God. As the congregation went to the altars, Francis Odudu, the Mainland Europe Regional Superintendent, gave the closing prayer.

We have had a wonderful first day of camp meeting. We have been blessed by the music and fellowship, inspired by the testimonies, and encouraged by the soul-reviving prayer meetings. The camp meeting is scheduled to continue through Sunday, July 28, and we look forward to what the Lord will do in the coming days, should He tarry.