A weekend of special meetings in Medford, Oregon, began January 12, 2024, and brought many visitors from our sister churches along the West Coast. The Friday evening service opened with a combined orchestra playing “Mighty to Save.” A Medford octet followed the orchestra, singing “I Will Meet You in the Morning.” Several attendees gave encouraging testimonies of God’s enduring faithfulness. Harlan Lee, the guest minister from Roseburg, Oregon, opened his sermon with the account from Mark 6:54-56, where it says, “...as many as touched him were made whole.” Brother Harlan challenged the congregation to reach out to Jesus to attain higher ground. 

Saturday morning began with a time of congregational singing. Ryan Trotter, from Chehalis, Washington, gave a devotional on the topic of “Fears” and encouraged the congregation to leave their fears with the Lord. Several shared how God had helped them during times of fear and doubt. 

The Saturday evening youth service began with a violin, trumpet, and trombone ensemble playing “His Name Is Wonderful” and “There’s a New Name Written Down in Glory.”  Following them, the youth choir enthusiastically sang “The Voice of the Lord.” Brother Ryan was also the guest minister for the evening youth service and he opened with the text from John 21:15-22. He put a special emphasis on verse 22: “Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.” Brother Ryan talked about how it is easy to look around and be more concerned about what others are doing or not doing, rather than what God wants us to do. He urged the group to focus on being the person God has called them to be, and to follow God wholeheartedly.  

Sunday morning included a combined orchestra playing “Holy Ground” and “Shelter in the Time of Storm.” A combined choir followed, singing “Heaven’s Jubilee Medley.” Before the sermon, Iudita Trotter from Chehalis, beautifully sang “The Blood of Jesus Is My Victory.” Brother Harlan opened his sermon with a text from Revelation 19:7-9, specifically focusing verse 9: “And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.” He reminded his listeners that as they receive invitations to special occasions that they look forward to attending, they have received an invitation to an even greater event that they should take extra care not to miss. It is important to be dressed for that event in the clean garment of righteousness provided to all through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Brother Harlan encouraged the congregation to “taste, and see that the LORD is good.”

The final service, Sunday night, opened with Ted Joli, from Medford, playing a trombone solo, “Onward Christian Soldiers” and “Sound the Battle Cry.” After prayer, a combined choir sang “When We All Get to Heaven.” Before the sermon, Andy Chasteen, also from Medford, sang a moving song about the Lord’s return, “Come, Jesus Come.”  Brother Harlan took his text from the theme verse of the weekend, Jude 3: “Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” Brother Harlan discussed how everyone has been called to the Gospel. Everyone has been called to contend for the faith and the doctrines which were preserved and delivered by those who went before. They were earnest contenders who passed on the same teachings that had been delivered to them. Brother Harlan challenged the congregation with the probing question, “Are you a contender, or a pretender?” The congregation was encouraged to take responsibility for the faith they have been entrusted with. 

The meetings were a blessing to all who attended. Everyone went home encouraged and inspired to earnestly contend for the faith!