From the Superintendent's DESK

The Australia camp meeting began on Sunday, September 25, in Sydney and continues through October 2. Sam Ajayi, Director of Australia Work, is participating remotely and sent the following report of the first few days.

The Lord is blessing the 2022 camp meeting in line with His anticipated presence. We held a workers' meeting on the preceding Saturday to kickstart the camp meeting. Great anticipation was in the air as evidenced by the brethren's determination to have a service on Monday, instead of the usual fellowship night.

At the opening Sunday devotional service, the prelude of “He Is Worthy” and “Magnify the Lord with Me” by the Melbourne choir was very inspiring. During the course of the service, a greeting from the Portland world headquarters was read, as well as those from other locations.

The opening message was taken from a portion of Ruth, chapter 2. It was noted that Boaz instructed his reapers to let handfuls of the wheat and barley fall to the ground on purpose. This was done so Ruth could glean them. It was emphasized that this camp meeting was set on purpose so the saints in Australia could glean spiritual truths from the Lord. In addition, Ruth was purposeful and industrious. It was noted that if we too are purposeful, the spiritual benefits will be great. The message did not quite conclude before hungry hearts fell on their knees, so much so that the closing prayer could not be offered.

We witnessed a similar hunger and determined attitude to pray in the subsequent meetings held Monday evening and on Tuesday morning. Then after the Tuesday evening evangelistic service, the concluding prayer again had to be skipped because people were already immersed in the altar service.

One of the inspiring testimonies we heard was from a brother who was saved at age sixteen. Some told him his salvation wouldn't last for two weeks. When he passed the two-week mark, they said it wouldn’t last through high school. He graduated with his salvation intact and they said it wouldn't last with a job, a marriage, a career, and immigrating to Australia. He said God has helped him to hold on tightly to his salvation against each and all of the odds!

As we thank God for past blessings, we are eagerly looking forward to greater blessings as the camp meeting progresses through this coming Sunday’s conclusion.