roddickton - apostolic faith churchapostolicfaith.org/world-reports/2018/2018-january.pdf · how...
TRANSCRIPT
1
Roddickton We would like to take this
opportunity to wish you all a Happy New Year!
May the Lord bless each new day of 2018 with His
abiding presence! “Praise the Lord; for the Lord is
good: sing praises unto His name…” Ps. 135:3. Let
us be thankful that all our needs, both physical and
spiritual are met. Surely, we are blessed beyond
measure.
Leading up to Christmas we can truly say that the
Lord was in our midst to bless and bless again! In
many services the Spirit fell, refreshing us with
showers from Heaven. It is glorious when the Spirit
falls and we surrender all to reach out for more of
God. On September 17, 2017, a sister received the
Baptism of the Holy Ghost in the testimony service
as she let go and let God have His way. Another
sister received healing for her body. One of our
newer converts describes that she is so overflowing
with the presence and blessing of the Lord that she
just don’t know what to do with herself! Pastor
Chris stood to preach and made the comment that
‘we cannot fathom the depths of His wisdom and
love. We sit in heavenly places and experience His
Holiness, His healing touch, His anointing on our
lives. Then we come back and try to tell it or
describe it. But it’s indescribable! It is pass
finding out!’
Another Christmas is behind us and we were so
happy to rejoice in the birth of our Savior one more
time. Many events took place at our church to
celebrate and share once again the reason for the
season, the birth of Jesus Christ, our wonderful
Lord, who came to save the world from sin.
On December 7, we held a Christmas Craft Night
for our children and youth. There were three
different age groups present and each group created
beautiful Christmas crafts which
included tree ornaments, Christmas cards and ???
Delicious refreshments were served ending an
evening enjoyed by all.
The Ladies Group held their annual supper on
November 28, 2017. A great evening of food,
fellowship and singing. Pastor Chris and Sister Pat
held two Christmas suppers this year to
accommodate all the members. The first one,
December 15th, was held for the seniors of the
congregation. A wonderful evening of fun,
fellowship and a great home cooked, hot meal with
pie and ice cream for dessert. On December 19th,
we held a supper for the younger group in our
church. This supper also turned out to be a
wonderful evening, well spent in fellowship with
God’s wonderful people.
2
Helping Hands concert, community breakfast,
programs, special services, gift exchanging all
added to the festivities of the season. Since our
three churches, Roddickton, Bide Arm and Englee
are in close proximity to each other, we take turns
hosting the Christmas Program each year. This year,
Englee was responsible and their program took
place on December 17. Musical selections,
children\adult singings and drama with Mary,
Joseph, angels, shepherds and other characters from
the Christmas story all added to make it a night of
celebration.
We were privileged to have Pastor Pierre Hancock,
his wife, Michelle, and their four children from Los
Angeles, California, visit us for Christmas. He was
scheduled to preach on Sunday morning of
December 24, but the service was cancelled because
of bad weather. However, the scheduled
Candlelight service went ahead in the evening at
7:00. The sanctuary was filled to capacity. The
senior and young adult choirs filed in carrying lights
as Pastor Chris Hewlett recited scriptures
concerning Jesus, the light of the world. To open, a
beautiful song entitled, “Shine, Jesus, Shine,” was
sung by the choirs. Selections from our children and
adults followed, including a great song entitled,
“Light of the Stable” sung by Pastor Pierre Hancock
and family.
The program was interspersed with joyful
congregational singing of the grand old Christmas
carols. What better way to spend Christmas Eve
than to be in the house of the Lord, blending our
voices in praise and adoration to Jesus, King of
kings and Lord of lords. Thank God for a
wonderful, spirit-filled evening of music and song!
Since Pastor Pierre Hancock didn’t get to preach for
us because of the cancellation, a decision was made
to hold a combined, evangelistic service on
Wednesday night, December 27, giving us the
opportunity to hear him before he travelled back to
the USA. The Hancock family opened with a
lovely song entitled, “I’ve got a Mansion.” Great
testimonies were given including Myles Hancock
who was also visiting for Christmas with his wife,
Stephanie, and family from Kitchener, Ontario. He
sang, “God’s Greatest Gift to the World” to open
the service for testimonies. He then told how he
was saved at a young age after thinking he would
just leave the gospel and church behind him when
he got a certain age. But there was such fear and
conviction upon him that he responded to the call of
God. Since then he has been serving the Lord with
no desire to give up. He is thankful to be able to
teach his children that Christmas is more than about
the gifts we receive, it is God’s great plan of
salvation. Many wonderful testimonies and
uplifting choruses followed. The special before the
Word was done by Hollis Cull entitled “It Still
Takes a Wiseman to Pray,” which went right along
with the sermon. Pastor Pierre Hancock took his
text from Matt. 2:10, 11. The wise men gave us the
example of giving gifts. Is the giving we celebrate
at Christmas only for Christmas? The wise men
recognized the gift even before they saw Him. They
saw the value in this child. He expounded on how
much these men gave to travel the great distance to
see and worship the Christ child. As we enter into
3
New Years can we evaluate what have we done for
God equal to what the wise men did? The best gift
that only we can give is our willingness to serve
God. We were encouraged to come to the altar and
recommit to God. The sweet Holy Spirit was in our
midst.
On December 31, a combined Watch Night Service
was held in Bide Arm. It was a snowy, wintery
night but there were still many saints who withstood
the discomfort of wind and snow to attend. It was a
lovely service opened with prayer then followed by
a Canning/Hancock family ensemble.
Pastor Chris gave his Christmas, New Years’
greeting and exhortation followed by a special by
Barbara Randell entitled “I Call Him Lord.” In the
middle of testimonies we were favored with a
special from Freeman and Glenda Cull entitled, “So
Many Reasons.” Before the sermon Wesley Cull
sang “More than anything in my Life, I’ve got to
Make it.” Pastor Michael Ivany used I Sam. 17:32-
37 for his sermon. This coming year we do not
know the Goliaths we will face but we can look back
and say God has delivered us before, He can and
will do it again! Is there a formula that we can find
in the Bible to make this coming year a success
story? We must be determined and he encouraged
us that Joshua 1:6-9 can direct us.
Englee - August 10, Bonnie and I arrived,
after a two week journey from Thompson MB, to a
wonderful welcome here at Englee. We were
privileged to have served at the Thompson church
for 6 ½ years. Our welcome at the Englee church
was complimented by a supper with the saints. The
moment we entered the door for that first meal we
could feel the love and unity of this congregation.
August 13, was our first Sunday morning here. Oh
how the blessings of the Lord flowed as we
worshipped in His presence. The evening service
was like the chorus we sometimes sing, “I tried to
tell it again and again but its better felt than told.”
Many made comments that it just confirmed our
move here to serve. Bonnie and I are so blessed.
Then on September 27, we were privileged to
prepare and host a supper for the saints. Once again
it was a time to bond in fellowship.
December 13, the saints met at the group building
for our Christmas potluck supper. A variety of
wonderful dishes was enjoyed by all in attendance.
Salads, turkey, other meats and casseroles along
with dessert, made the meal complete. Yes, it
appears we like to eat a little, lol, but we read many
accounts in the Word where Jesus and his followers
fellowshipped during meal time.
December 15, Bonnie and I were blessed to hold an
open house at the parsonage. Folks came throughout
the afternoon and evening to chat and enjoy finger
food. It was an awesome time indeed.
December 17, our Sunday school children and
church group presented an evening Christmas
program to a combined congregation. We were
blessed to have so many attend. The program was
introduced with a rousing musical by some of our
talented musicians. Following this the choir brought
a rendition of “Glory to God in The Highest.” This
4
was the theme of the program. The night brought a
variety of selections from the children and adults
along with congregational Christmas numbers as
well. It was a treat and a blessing to hear and see
our young people as they expounded upon the story
of our Savior’s birth. Near the end of the night a
young girl from our Sunday school came forward
with back-up singers and sang, “Hallelujah.” Her
voice was angelic as she sang, giving praise to the
King of kings who was born a humble babe so
many years ago. We are so blessed to have a
thriving Sunday school and awesome Sunday
school leaders who stop at nothing to learn about
and help present the gospel.
On January 7, our Junior Sunday school came to the
parsonage for an open house. We sang some
Christmas choruses
and enjoyed
chatting and
spending a few
moments with the
youth. Along with
the chatting there
was food and drink for everyone. Some met under
the dining room table to eat while others just sat
around conversing together.
We attend each and every service expecting God to
move and we are never disappointed. Many times
the sick have come forward to be prayed for. We are
believing that 2018 will be a year of miracles and
blessing. We are looking forward to seeing souls
added to the church. From the Englee congregation
we wish you all a Happy New Year.
Winnipeg Christmas concerts and carols
are a medium of outreach for our organization to
reach individuals in the community. It is a time
when the salvation story of the Savior of the world,
Jesus Christ, is preached through songs, Bible
recitations and short drama.
As a small group in Winnipeg, our choir members
started the compilation of songs in late August and
choir practices started early September. We are so
thankful to God for the commitment and dedication
of the choristers to their call in the music
department of the church. The practices were held
on Saturdays and again after church on Sundays.
To the glory of God, more than the physical
preparation, the church, individuals and families
spent time praying for good weather and for good
turnout of the invitees.
Our host church offered us their main auditorium
for the program and everything required was put in
place. Members were designated with various
responsibilities and all were faithful in fulfilling
their part to make the program a success.
God answered our prayers, giving us a great day of
-21 degree temperature with the wind-chill. At
about 12:00 noon on December 23, members
gathered and everything was set for the program to
take off at 3:00 p.m. At the appointed time, the
choir filed in and the program was declared open
with prayer by Peter Oyeniyi who also made a
formal introduction of the program.
The first part of the program was led mainly by
Pelumi Enejoh, the music leader and various
renditions were offered. These include; “Ring the
Bells” - by Harry Bollback, arranged by Joseph M.
Martin, “Amen”! Tell it on the Mountain – arranged
by – Mary McDonald, “Hear the Bells” - by Will
L. Thompson; “Holy Night,” a solo accompanied
with the orchestra and the last piece before the
intermission was “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas” –
(Solo), arranged by Burl Ives presented by Pelumi
Enejoh.
5
Choir members: conducted by Sis. Pelumi Enejoh
The intermission was a time of recession for the
choir and announcement of our weekly programs,
while the Sunday school department and junior
choir presented their songs of the birth of Jesus
Christ, with Bible recitations and a short play
portraying the visit of the three wise men to Jesus.
The audience was moved with great excitement to
see the young ones, the future of the gospel,
displaying the Christmas story.
The second part of the program after intermission
was ushered in with Holidays for piano and strings
– “Festival of Lights” and “The Angels Sing” – by
Leonard Slatkin. The choir presented “You Raised
me up” – by Tom Fettke and a solo/choir “Mary’s
born Child” written by Jester Hairston.
Locally arranged pieces were presented in local
Nigerian languages; “Jesus! You are so good,” and
“Joy Through the year.” An acapella (vocal) song
was presented as the last rendition for the program
titled: “Going to Bethlehem.” It received a great
ovation by the audience to the glory of God.
Brother Samson Jimaza wrapped up the program
with appreciation to all and a short talk taking his
text from Romans 8:1, 2. Introducing the talk with
reference to a minor surgical operation conducted
on his left eye years ago and afterwards how the
vision was corrected. He emphasized his topic on
“Spiritual Surgical Operation” that God conducts
in the heart of a sinner and that is when such a
heart is free from guilt, condemnation and sin.
Various Bible references were read to buttress that
the message of the Christmas is centered on “Jesus
Christ” – Matthew 1:21 “…and thou shalt call His
name JESUS: for He shall save his people from
their sins” – the ultimate solution. He closed his
remark referencing Isaiah 55:6, 7. All those present
were admonished to take opportunity of the
presence of the Spirit of God, and His mercy
available to seek for the salvation of their soul by
repenting of their wrong doings. He warned “never
carry over the guilt, condemnation and sin from
2017 to 2018. Now is the time to settle it with
God.”
The program was closed with prayer, then all
attendees were invited to a Christmas dinner. We
had close to one hundred in attendance including
about fifteen to twenty members of our host church.
It keeps getting better every year since 2015 when
the Winnipeg church started Christmas programs.
This new year of 2018, should Jesus tarry, we
believe God will make it even better than what
we’ve previously experienced.
South Brook First of all I would like
to thank God for His guidance and protection
through the past year, 2017. Christmas is always a
joyous time of the year as we celebrate God’s gift to
the world, His Son, Jesus Christ. Christmas is also
a time to give to others who are less fortunate than
we are. Every year our Sunday school takes part by
bringing a different item each Sunday to help fill the
Samaritans purse boxes. What a blessing it is put a
smile on the face of a child from another part of the
world, making them feel special.
6
On December 16, we held a church supper enjoying
sweet fellowship with fun, gift giving and singing
carols. On December 17, at 6:00 our Sunday school
children did an amazing job singing and reciting
their parts. A big thank you to Marlene Burton for
her time in organizing this program. On December
22, a luncheon was prepared for our Sunday school
children.
On the morning of December 24, the saints
participated in the twin ordinance. We had a great
time in doing what the Lord commanded us to do.
At 6:00 in the evening we held our candlelight
service. A beautiful poem was written and read by
Beatrice Gillingham and our singers did a great job
singing carols to the King of kings and Lord of
lords. Psalms 150:6 says, “Let everything that had
breath praise the Lord.” God is good.
We ended the old year with singing and testimonies
in which much appreciation and praise was given to
God for the past year. Concluding with prayer, we
stood around in a circle holding hands praying the
old year out and the New Year in. Let us continue
to pray and encourage each other. May we all be
blessed with good health and have a closer walk
with God. III John 2, “Beloved, I wish above all
things that thou mayest prosper and be in health,
even as thy soul prospereth.”
May God’s blessings be on everyone in this New
Year. May it be our desire to draw closer to Him.
Kitchener As we reflect on 2017 it
seemed that the year had passed so quickly, and
suddenly Christmas was upon us.
Christmas is a time of celebration, a time to give,
time to receive, a time to be with family and friends,
and it’s all possible because of the greatest gift ever
given “JESUS, God’s Son!”
On November 24, our celebrations began with the
youth and their families joining us for a wonderful
time of fellowship in our church basement.
Everyone seemed to have enjoyed the delicious
‘newfie’ meal that was prepared, along with all the
fun and games. We can truly say that 2017 was
another successful year with our youth. Looking
forward to see what God has in store for them in
2018. They need our prayers more than ever.
Please keep them upon our hearts.
On Friday, December 1, 6:30 pm was our Annual
church Christmas supper. We all met at the Harvest
Moon Family Restaurant at St. Jacobs. The event
was attended by families and friends, and the
evening was filled with games, music, singings, etc.
The delicious meal and fellowship was enjoyed by
everyone!
Rejoice! Our Saviour was Born! Christmas 2017
was fast approaching and that meant a lot of
practice, decorating and preparing for our Sunday
school Christmas program. Our gift giving and
final practice was December 17, 2:30 p.m. At 7:00
p.m. we began our Christmas program and there
was lots of excitement in the air. With the church
full of family and friends we started with the
Welcome and all the Sunday school students
singing “Hail, Hail, to the New Born King.” What a
great start to our program, seeing our children
lifting their voices and rejoicing over baby Jesus.
Our nursery is becoming so brave in doing their
recitation, singing “Happy Birthday JESUS,” and
they also did a musical. They definitely entertained
us!
Each class had their own recitation and song. They
all did an amazing job. One of our primary girls,
Charlee Randell did a solo entitled “The Little Baby
Jesus and Me.” Great Job. The primary children
7
sang an action song entitled “Rejoice with us this
Christmas.”
Again this year we were entertained by our Quartet
Lip Sync group. What great fun we can have and
enjoy while celebrating the birth of baby Jesus.
Pastor Kirby Hewlett thanked the Sunday school
students, teachers and department heads, Beverly &
Stephanie, for another great program this year. Our
program ended with the Christmas story being
portrayed by a skit called “O Rejoice.”
For our ending song all the Sunday school sang a
song “O Rejoice, its Christmas Time” and “We wish
you a Merry Christmas!”
We need to keep rejoicing not only at Christmas
time but all the year through because baby Jesus
was born to be our Saviour, our Prince of Peace and
our King of kings.
Birchy Bay As we welcome in another
New Year we can look back over the past few
months and see how the goodness of God has
surrounded each of us, helping us, guiding us, and
keeping us from day to day. We have had great
services here in Birchy Bay as we have faithfully
gathered to worship Him. One Sunday morning
stands out in particular. On November 4, during our
morning devotional service we began to sing, “Just
look up there’s a new dawn a breaking,” the Holy
Spirit filled His house in a sweet and wonderful
way. Each one present experienced a fresh touch
upon their lives. We all sat there basking in the
glory of our Lord.
During the fall and winter months as the ladies
gathered for our fellowship time, we took it upon
ourselves to kit prayer shawls. As we knit them we
pray for those receiving them that God would touch
their bodies, encourage them and surround them
with His love. Our group of ladies visited several
homes, presenting those afflicted with a shawl as we
reassured them we would pray for them. Many
were encouraged to know that someone cared for
them and was praying for them, but more
importantly, that God loved them and cared for
them. One of the desires of our ladies here in
Birchy Bay is to be a blessing to others as our Lord
permits us to do.
On December 10, 2017 we gathered at a senior
home in a nearby community for a great time of
fellowship. We sang Christmas carols and heard
from the Word of God the ever beautiful Christmas
story of our Savior’s birth. After the service we
served them refreshments. We also presented one
of the saints there a birthday cake since that day was
her birthday.
Also in December month, all the saints here
gathered at the church parsonage for an early
Christmas dinner. It’s always wonderful when
God’s children get together. Robert and I feel we
are so blessed to be part of the folks here as together
we serve God.
With this New Year comes new hopes and new
expectations of seeing prayers answered and souls
won for Christ. Let us all pray for one another and
continue in our Lord’s work.
Bide Arm Daniel 2:21 “And He changeth
the times and the seasons.” Every year we
experience the changing of time and seasons. As
we are now into the winter months, we can look
back and reflect upon the fall months. In doing so
we can say, though times and seasons change, God
never changes. We are thankful for His faithfulness
and blessings. On November 28, we held our
church Christmas supper at the fellowship center.
This year we invited people from our community to
attend. It was a great time of fellowship as we got
8
to meet and talk with some of our neighbors who
we don’t see regularly. During the course of the
evening, we did some singing that included all who
attended. Liam Cull treated us to couple of numbers
on his xylophone. The ladies from our church
provided us with a wonderful hot meal. There was
approximately ninety in attendance, including
children. It was an evening well spent as we shared
God’s love and blessings with family and friends
within our community.
As Christmas time came closer, many of our saints
were away to spend Christmas with their families.
We were blessed to have our oldest daughter, her
husband and our grandchildren come home and
spend Christmas with us. With so many gone, those
who remained at home were able to attend and
enjoy great Christmas services and fellowship with
the saints at our churches in Roddickton and Englee.
We are expecting God’s continued faithfulness and
blessings through the New Year.
Langley We have so much to thank the
Lord for!
The brethren here in Langley, British Columbia
have continued to feel the blessings to God through
the fall and into the winter months.
Our September saw a family fun and open house
event that certainly had God’s approval upon. We
published flyers throughout the neighborhood,
contacted friends and family to come and join us for
a day of fun and fellowship on the church grounds.
There was a bounce castle and dunk tank among
other activities plus concessions with popcorn, hot
dogs and snow cones. Everyone pulled together as
the family of God should and, to God be the glory,
it was a tremendous success. Although there wasn’t
an official new visitor count, we believe the new
faces mounted to over twenty. Praise the Lord!
October 29, we had the most wonderful news you
could ever hear and that was that a soul got saved!
Please keep this dear sister in our prayers as she
endeavors to please the Lord in her walk with Him.
During the Christmas season we held a singspiration
that was followed by food and refreshments. This
too was greatly blessed as we had nearly sixty in
attendance. As each family performed their special
numbers for the Lord, you could feel God’s
presence and experienced the uniqueness of the
Christmas season. Nothing brings people together
quite like celebrating our Saviours birth!
During our New Year’s Eve service, Pastor Scott
brought us a message from Ephesians 5:15, 16
where he encouraged us to “redeem the time.” He
had mentioned that though time has slipped away
and that time doesn’t stop for no man, we as
Christians ought to make the most of every
opportunity we have to benefit the cause of Christ.
We must redeem the time. Don’t let time waste
away!
Our first Sunday of the New Year, Pastor Scott
challenged us to live Holy in 2018. Although it
may not be esteemed in our society today, it is
vitally important that the child of God live a life that
is permeated with the Holiness of God. “Without
holiness no man shall see the Lord” Hebrews 12:14.
Fort McMurray Thinking of the
New Year we are reminded of the Sunday school
chorus “Countdown” 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Blast
OFF! We blast into 2018 with Victory in Jesus!
Happy New Year!
How great it is to serve a living God and to know
2018 could be the year Jesus will rapture His
children from this earth. We anticipate the grand
and glorious meeting when God’s children will be
together forever.
It is a privilege to share a little of God’s goodness to
us from this part of His vineyard. January 31, 2017,
watchnight service began with prayer at 8:30 pm.
The prayer and prelude helped us set the tone for a
great worship and praise service. We sang the
chorus, “We will Remember,” truly as God’s
children witnessed to the many victories
experienced in 2017; God was praised, the saints
9
were blessed, and our hearts were knitted together
in the unity of the Spirit. Marcy Cassell shared her
testimony of near physical death in 2017, but God
in mercy reached down and touched her. She gave
an inspiring and heart touching witness to God
showing up in her hour of need. We look forward
to hopefully having her write it.
The message from Luke 18:18-27 encouraged us to
examine our own life and identify one thing we can
give Jesus that will draw us closer to Him in 2018.
Around 11:00 pm we enjoyed refreshments
together, all ages shared in the fun, food and
fellowship. Before midnight we stopped to pray.
Once again the sweet fellowship of the Holy Spirit
touched our hearts. No New Year’s celebration can
compare with those who seek the Lord in prayer.
To conclude our watchnight celebration, our
children attached written prayer request to helium
filled balloons and released them to soar towards
the beautiful starlit sky. They too had been
encouraged to pray the old year out and the new one
in. Prayers are more than words, they are powerful
messages to God. He hears every single word.
When we talk to God, these special messages travel
quickly to God’s ears. Thankful for the Word of the
Lord being passed from generation to generation!
How thrilled we are
that God opened the
door for a Youth
Retreat in Fort McMurray, November 9 – 12.
Pastor Jeff Downey, Melissa, his wife, and
daughter, Olivia, came from Fort Smith, AK, to be
part of our first Youth Retreat!
Thursday evening we had ‘Meet & Greet’ at the
church. Upon the arrival at the church the
Downey’s received a warm welcome sung by those
who arrived early to be part of the welcome team.
God’s amazing love was felt and shared. Our first
evening got off to a great start. Pastor Jeff shared a
little about what God has been doing in their lives
and all three of the Downey’s were welcomed,
appreciated, and loved. A bond that only God could
make possible.
Friday, 4:30-7:30: We held a family event at the
Syncrude Sport & Wellness Centre. It was well
attended by all ages. How exciting to see so many
come together and enjoy a fun filled joyful event.
There were lots of activities, food and treats. Three
hours went by quickly but out of the time spent in
sharing, friendships were made and all who came
had the opportunity to see love in action. God’s
love. We give Him praise for providing the funds to
enjoy a relaxing time together.
Saturday, 2:00 – 4:00: Our service was held at the
church and was called Music & Praise. Our Sunday
school families were encouraged to use their talent.
What a blessing to listen to our local church talent!
The service included music specials and singing.
Olivia played her flute. She did an awesome job.
One of our young Sunday school boys asked, how
can she do that? A brother mentioned while
listening, he thought, what will music sound like in
Heaven? It was Veteran’s Day so we dedicated a
portion of time to honour those who served our
country. Rochelle Reid shared a little about a
soldiers life, being a dedicated solider herself, she
certainly made it heart feelable. She then led us in
“O Canada.” Always a blessing to give God thanks
for our country. Rochelle was presented with a
lovely arrangement of flowers. A little token of
appreciation for her giving to help keep our land
with God’s help, glorious and free. Pastor Jeff gave
the Word encouraging our children and youth to
follow Jesus. After the sermon everyone was
invited to pray. Once again God came and blessed
us with His presence. All who attended were
presented with a devotional or a Bible. What a
great sight, standing around a table filled with
God’s Word and everyone picking their gift. Truly
God blesses us over and over, again and again.
Saturday evening, 5:30 – 7:30: What a great
crowd turned out for our Pit Fire event! Alvin
Cassell provided wood for the fire and he and Craig
arrived early to get the fire burning. Shortly after
5:30 pm a lot of people had arrived and many
brought treats to be roasted. Probably too many to
10
share, but it even included dry capelin to roast on
the fire. Yes! We had a fisherman in our midst!
Pastor Jeff came to help fish our young people and
every event served its purpose, prayer, fun, food and
fellowship! Whatever anyone came to be part of,
there is no doubt they could feel the love of God.
Sunday: Sunday afternoon service was another
time of praise and worship. Our young people and
Sunday school children participated in the music
and singing. Sister Melissa along with Olivia did an
object lesson on Jesus washing away our sin stains.
Melissa certainly had everyone’s attention. Another
great lesson from God’s Word. They also taught us
two new Sunday school choruses which the kids
loved. Supper was provided by our ladies. Once
again we enjoyed good food and fellowship.
The best for last! For several months we had been
asking the Lord to bless us with a church where we
could hold a water baptismal service. We worked
on trying to make it happen but doors remained
closed. We left it with God and knew His timing is
right. God answered prayer and the answer came
on Wednesday, November 7. A local pastor who
had received the request but didn’t get to it,
remembered the call and called to say, we want to
help make it happen. We were thrilled and certainly
blessed the Lord for opening the door. When the
saints knelt to pray before the service the sweet
Spirit of God just showered down His blessing! It
continued to pour down as the musicians beautifully
played, “Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus,” and “How
Great thou Art.” Olivia, brother Foluso and Caleb
from Edmonton played their instruments along with
Fort McMurray musicians. It sounded heavenly.
The Spirit moved and wonderful testimonies were
shared, including several who had planned to follow
the Lord through water baptism. Pastor Jeff gave a
Spirit filled heart stirring message. The Spirit
continued to move in a special way. When Pastor
Jeff and Stefan stepped into the pool, the glory of
the Lord came down. Four sisters and one brother
followed the Lord through the water. What a
wonderful time of rejoicing. We left praising God
for what He had done all through Youth Retreat
2017!
Such a happy feeling to go through the waters and
know you are another step closer to the Lord. What
a blessing it was to witness my daughter going
through the waters as well. After the baptism
service on our drive home, my daughter and I were
talking. She told me that when she was being
baptized she prayed that the Lord would make my
feet better. For fifteen months I had pain in my feet.
I had a condition called plantar fasciitis. It hurt to
stand for any amount of time, it hurt to walk. It had
gotten so severe at the end it was hurting all the
time. I’m so thankful to say that the Lord heard and
answered her prayer. After church that night I
didn’t have any pain in my feet. The next day no
pain and so on. The Lord healed me that night and
took that pain away. I’m so thankful for what the
Lord has done and is continuing to do in our lives.
May 3, 2016 - January 3, 2018: In between those
dates there is certainly more details of God’s love,
kindness, mercy and goodness than what we can
share. May 3, 2016 a wild fire sweep through Fort
McMurray destroying everything in its path. God in
His mercy brought the people out alive, but
hundreds of homes were destroyed. 733 Beacon
Hill Drive (parsonage) was reduced to ashes. The
good news . . . god gives beauty for ashes. A
beautiful 3 bedroom house. There will also be a
completed basement, Lord willing. A place where
we can share times of fellowship when the church
rental is not available.
God is good and in His strength we are looking
forward to marching in step with Jesus in 2018!
******************************************
They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their
strength. It’s always a wonderful time when we get
to have a youth retreat. Sunday evening water
baptism service was filled with the presence of the
Lord. Brother Bob reminded us how great it is to
go through the waters and be renewed. As the
young people went through the waters we felt and
11
seen God’s Holy Spirit move and it reminded us
how good it is to serve a living God and how
blessed we were to have a youth retreat in Fort
McMurray.
Edmonton Christmas is always a happy
time in different parts of the world. The beautiful
Christmas carols, and Christmas songs over the
radio, the exchange of gifts, the delicious meals, and
most of all, the remembrance of God’s wonderful
gift of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ our
Savior, to save the world from sins. This past
Christmas at Apostolic Faith Church Edmonton, we
were blessed to have the Sunday school children
present the story of Christmas in the form of a play.
The songs, and memory verses all remind us about
God’s love to the world. The Children’s program
started with a Piano Solo. One of the children
played Sonata, Tempo di minuet by Ludwig Van
Beethoven. Other songs rendered by the children
included: Joy to the World, While Shepherds
Watched their Flocks by Night, Silent Night, etc.
Recitations from the Bible included: Matthew 1:21
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call
his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from
their sins.” Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a child is born,
unto us a son is given: and the government shall be
upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called
Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The
everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Luke 2:
8-10 “And there were in the same country
shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over
their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord
came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone
round about them: and they were sore afraid. And
the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I
bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be
to all people.” etc. We had the opportunity to also
present both a shortened version of the children’s
program, and a Christmas concert at two retirement
homes in Edmonton.
This year, we were blessed to have brethren join our
church group in Edmonton. Towards the end of the
year, we were also blessed to have some brethren
visit our church group from Winnipeg. During the
morning service, on the last Sunday of the year, we
were admonished to uphold the standards of the
gospel, to ensure that our children will receive the
gospel in the original quality, as it was, when we
were growing up. For the last Sunday of the year,
and the New Year service, we rented a hall for the
whole day. This gave some brethren the opportunity
and time to stay behind, pray and fellowship
together till the New Year. It is indeed a good
experience to have a place where children of God
can meet together in sweet fellowship, without
being in a rush that the rented time is up. Please,
pray with us that God will increase His church in
Edmonton, and also provide a permanent place of
worship for His children.
Thanks be to God for the gift of His only begotten
Son, Jesus Christ. May God help us all to follow in
His footsteps, by offering our lives as a living
sacrifice unto Him continually, until we shall all be
with Christ in His glory, in Jesus Christ’s name.
Amen.
Calgary We praise the Lord for His
mercy and faithfulness in our Calgary church here
in Alberta. The Lord has blessed us indeed in this
past year: many prayers have been answered, bodies
healed and victory over sin won. We are most
especially grateful to our eternal King for
protection. A sister got into a minor accident on a
major highway here in Calgary, the day before New
12
Year’s Eve and the Lord protected her, she came
out unscathed. It was a very icy and slippery day,
she was stuck in a perpendicular position on the
busy highway for forty-five minutes before help
could get to her but the Lord protected her the entire
time. We praise the Lord for His protection.
We are thankful for the many blessings. Our young
people, faithfully serving the Lord, continue to take
up musical instruments. We have now a beginner
on the violin, two beginners on the piano and one on
the trombone. We are looking forward to closing
this year with a bigger church orchestra. The Lord
has also greatly added to our number. We have
seven families worshipping with us now with thirty
people faithfully coming out every Sunday to
worship with us. Our weekly prayer meetings have
also been blessed with many answers to prayers.
We are hoping and praying that in this New Year,
the Lord will deepen our love and desire for Him.
We have much praise in our hearts and we look
forward to even more testimonies and victories won
in the coming year.
Pictures are during some of our Sunday
school classes!