A special fellowship service was held at the Philadelphia church on Sunday, April 7, 2024. It was attended by 281 individuals and it felt like camp meeting! Visitors came from Washington DC; Reston, Virginia; Oceanside, New York; Wharton, New Jersey; and East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, arriving at 8:30 in the morning to join those who had arrived the day before to set up the hall. Sunday school began at 9:30 with the elementary class singing “This Little Light of Mine.” All the students and teachers had flashlights depicting them shining for Jesus in Philadelphia and in their local churches. That set the right tone for the day. Over one hundred people were in Sunday school and three classes were held: one for Beginners, one for Primaries and a combined class for everyone else taught by Bisi Odulaja from Wharton. Sunday school ended around 10:30, giving those present time to pray and prepare for the devotional service at 11:00.

The devotional service began with Sam Odulaja from Wharton playing a saxophone solo, “Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior,” followed by a combined choir from visiting churches singing “Worthy Is the Lamb.” Ene Ekpin, pastor of the Philadelphia church, welcomed everyone. Lana Alofe of the East Bridgewater church led the congregational singing, while Alfred Ikotun of Oceanside gave the opening prayer. A vocal duet followed, singing “Do You Know My Jesus?” Each pastor made a brief statement and asked someone from their congregations to give a testimony to the greatness of God. James Timbilla of Wharton reminded the congregation to pay close attention to the Word of God as the Second Coming of Christ draws nearer. 

Ayodele Mobolurin, of the Washington DC church, testified about God’s deliverance from a ghastly vehicle accident that claimed the lives of two people. He also testified how God miraculously healed him of cancer and healed his wife after a stroke. They were simultaneously down with these ailments, but the saints of God rallied round to assist. Funso Ojo from Oceanside testified about how God healed his wife from severe injuries she sustained from an accident. She was scheduled to undergo seven surgeries, but through prayer, they were canceled. Vida Magnusen, from Wharton, testified to the goodness of God, as she is eighty-eight years old and God is still keeping her strong. Christianah Adeika, from Reston, testified about the glorious manifestation of God in the Reston group, although it is small. She also mentioned how God answered the group’s prayer for a pianist and how God raised one from their midst. 

Another visitor shared that despite being born in the Gospel, he didn’t take his need for salvation seriously until he came to the United States. He testified that God has saved and sanctified him, and he is looking to God for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Debo, from the Philadelphia church, testified about how God brought him to the Gospel, and said he is praying to God to open doors that no man can close for the church in Philadelphia. After the testimonies, Brother James read from Revelation 1:1-8, and a vocal solo of “Mercy Said No,” followed.

District Superintendent Josephine McElveen began her sermon by reading the message to the church in Philadelphia, from Revelation 3:7-13. She admonished the church that Philadelphia means “brotherly love” and that they must show love to one another as saints. They were also encouraged to wait for God’s leading and to remain faithful to God. At the conclusion of the sermon, the congregation was told that God has an open door for them, but they must decide to walk through it. There was a closing prayer before the service ended. Chairs were used for altars benches, and many prayed until lunch was served.

A beautiful time of fellowship followed during the lunchtime meal, and then visitors returned to their different locations. The seed of the Gospel was planted in Philadelphia many years ago, and on April 7, 2024, the seed was watered. The prayer of those who attended is for God to now bring a great increase.