Revival!

We have experienced an extremely powerful three days during the Transformation Revival. The teaching of Pastor John Schmidt and the preaching of Pastor Alvin Bernstine was simply beyond measure. The testimonies flowing from the people of God was a true reflection of the impact of this series of services. Every since we began this campaign we have seen God moving! The daily readings along with the small group meetings and Wednesday sessions have made for a journey that truly transforms lives. I hope you are experiencing change. Are you?

Pastor Schmidt skillfully emphasized the key elements of this study: Prayer, Presence, Gifts and Service. I hope we can all repeat them with ease and not only say them but live them out! It is so important that we are praying regularly. This means not simply praying in a crisis or when asked to do so, but living a life of prayer. How is your prayer life? Is it healthy? I certainly hope you will take advantage of this season of transformation to make the most of your prayer life.

Then we were taught the importance of Presence. Being there is key to making meaningful things happen. The people of God should be together for worship, fellowship and work. Your presence for church services is vital to your growth in faith and practice. (We all have hand-outs from each lesson shared by Pastor Schmidt. I hope we will refer to them often as we reflect on what we have received.) We must be present in mind and body. That is to say that our focus and energy must also be where our bodies are. God will not mark us present if our minds are elsewhere!

On Friday the emphasis was on Gifts. We heard a powerful perspective on giving! When our gifts are motivated by love it makes our giving more purposeful and dynamic. God loved us so much that he "gave," and our love for God should prompt our giving. I hope you got that! Throughout the teachings of the week, we heard the importance of Service. Every person has a God-appointed place to serve within the body of Christ. Through prayer and the encouragement of more mature believers we can all come to know our place in the family of God. Every person's skills and abilities are vital to the good health of the entire body. We must emphasize faithfulness as another key element to making it all work. It is my prayer that the people of God will grow in faithfulness.

Now, to the subject of "Trees." Pastor Bernstine blew us away each evening and each message had something to do with trees. The first tree was an unproductive tree that was given grace through which Pastor Bernstine declared "A Great Chance for a Great Change." The second tree was a fig tree that failed to produce and was cursed by Jesus because of the lack of productivity. It took up needed space, extracted nutrients from the soil, and received sunshine and care without producing any fruit. The next tree was used to make bitter waters sweet. Pastor Bernstine reminded us of the fact that moving with God requires us to take the bitter with the sweet. Wow! What great preaching.

This revival was a special blessing to me and I'm sure you were blessed as well. What message spoke to your spirit the strongest? What did you hear God saying to you through the lessons and the sermons presented by these men of God? Did the ministry of our Psalmist: Bill Moss, Jr. speak to you in any special way. Let us hear from you... Pastor E.L. Branch