From the Superintendent's DESK

The West and Central Africa (WECA) camp meeting began on Sunday, August 13, with more than 14,000 gathered on the campground in Faith City, Igbesa, for the first service. The following report brings news of the opening day as well as the minister and workers’ conference that preceded it.

The theme for the minister and workers’ conference, held on Friday, August 11, was “Pure Religion.” This was taken from a Bible teaching given by the late General Overseer Loyce Carver.

The meeting was attended by over 5,000 and began with congregational singing followed by the opening prayer. During the announcements, Isaac Adigun, the WECA District Superintendent, welcomed everyone and expressed gratitude to God for blessings received at the previous camp meeting and throughout the year. He also encouraged those present to look forward to this year’s camp meeting with the expectation that God will hear and answer prayers again.

Brother Isaac led the conference anchored by James 1:22-27 and the points brought out in Brother Carver’s teaching. He said the subject matter of a pure religion applies to every Christian regardless of generation, culture, physical location, or position within the church. He exhorted the workers in the areas of integrity, unity, subjection to God’s order, and being steadfast in the faith. He also spoke on brotherly love, the consequences of rebellion, and holiness within. The meeting concluded with prayer and a time of fellowship among the delegates as they enjoyed a lunch of various local dishes.

On Sunday, the services started on a beautiful note. As the dawn broke, the tabernacle echoed with the sound of prayers filling the building and ascending to Heaven. A short time later, an organ prelude opened the Sunday school activities. Then the congregation sang heartily to the Lord before the opening prayer was given. This was followed by a children’s program titled “God Will Do Marvels.” The students assured the assembly that God would perform marvels during the camp meeting for those who seek Him. Everyone was then dispersed to individual classes by age and language to study the lesson titled “Paul's Defense of His Apostleship and Ministry.” Using text from 2 Corinthians 10:1-18; 11:1-33; and 12:1-21, teachers emphasized that a Christian’s priority should be to please God and maintain a consistent testimony.

The morning devotional service began with an orchestra prelude of “Marching Beneath the Banner,” after which the choir sang “Great Is Jehovah.” The congregation sang from hearts of gratitude as they blended their voices in hymns. Then John Bekoe, the Ghana District Superintendent, led the opening prayer. During the announcements, greetings were read from saints around the world giving assurances of prayer for a successful camp meeting.

The service continued with the youth choir singing “God Can” and a Scripture reading from Psalm 77:13-19. Before the message, a quartet sang “He Will Do It Again.” Then taking his text from Exodus 34:10, Brother Isaac emphasized that God is not limited in what He can do. Also, He will answer prayer in ways one would never expect. The congregation was urged to take their requests to God and trust wholeheartedly in Him. A good time of prayer followed the altar call.

In the afternoon, a youth service began with an orchestra medley followed by a choir number. After the announcements, the choir sang “By Faith” to open the testimony service, which was reserved for those who received an answer to prayer during the prior year’s camp meeting. One sister told how God granted her success in her exams and spared her from a terrible car accident. Another sister testified that God miraculously provided the funds for her final year at university. Also, a brother thanked God for providing him with a job.

A ladies quintet sang and then Brother Tobi preached from Acts 4:13, asking, “Have you been with Jesus, the Difference Maker?” He spoke of how Peter and John’s lives were impacted by being with Jesus. He reiterated that God will do marvelous things during this camp meeting for those who seek Him. He also advised the young people on things they can do to receive God’s blessing. The altars filled as the closing song and prayer went forth.

The evening service began with an organ solo of “Come Thou Fount,” followed by the choir singing “Jehovah Reigneth.” A male quartet sang “Do You Know My Jesus?” and later Festus Oniyide, the Faith City Regional Overseer, gave the opening prayer. Following the announcements, members of the choir and orchestra were given preference during the testimony service. One brother praised Jesus for rescuing him and his family from kidnappers. A sister thanked God for healing her of five years’ of blindness.

Before the message was a vocal solo of “He’s the One.” Then the word of exhortation was given by Beecroft Osirike, the pastor at Iheya. He read Nahum 1:12-13 and Mark 5 and assured the assembly that Christ came to give abundant life. He urged everyone to pray and seek salvation while there is time. As the altar call went out, the congregation made their way to the mourner's benches and prayed down the power of God.

God is already doing marvelous things at the camp meeting, which is scheduled to continue through Sunday, August 27. Let’s join in prayer and expectation that many more will seek God and receive His blessings as the services continue.