Portland LINK

1 Fall Special Meetings

2 Special Meetings Youth Activities

3 Gallery PICS

4 World Report

5 Adult Bible Study

5 Words of Praise

6 Youth Focus in the Fall

Special meetings weekend opened Friday evening, October 4, with many friends visiting from nearby branch churches. Testimonies are always a highlight of our services, and once again they did not disappoint. Rob Parker told of the peace God gave him when he was saved at age fifteen, and how God has been with him in all the decisions of life. Heidi Sletmoe, of Grants Pass, Oregon, gave thanks for peace and protection when someone almost rear-ended her car as she was driving to special meetings. It was encouraging to hear how God has been working!

Guest minister Greg Bishop from Chehalis, Washington, preached from 2 Peter 3:10-12 on the importance of spending time and effort to grow in the Lord, saying that what will matter in eternity is only what one does for Him in this life.

On Sunday, the guest minister was Wayne Butler, from Port Angeles, Washington. In the morning he preached

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Fall Special Meetingsfrom 1 Peter 1:18-19 and used the analogy of redeeming a gift card to relate the need to receive salvation, which has already been bought and paid for by Jesus’ Blood.

Sunday evening was a youth service and once again, wonderful testimonies were shared. Austin Baltzell testified that he is thankful he can trust God and there’s no reason to worry or fear. Annika Ewers gave thanks for Christian friends at school and for God’s protection over her as a new driver.

For his evening message, Brother Wayne used John 1:1-5 and Genesis 1:1-5 to speak of God’s love for His greatest creation, mankind, telling how Jesus was willing to lay down His life to restore the beauty that sin had marred.

The Portland congregation is grateful for the opportunity to come together to worship God and learn more about His Word. It was a blessed time!

A P O S T O L I C F A I T H . O R G

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(Top) Greg Bishop of Chehalis, Washington. (Bottom) Wayne Butler of Port Angeles, Washington.

October 2019

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Young people from Dallas, Grants Pass, and Medford, Oregon, and Chehalis, Washington, joined our Portland youth group for a day of fun and inspiring activities on Saturday, October 5. About eighty of them met at “The Maize at the Pumpkin Patch” on Sauvie Island for an afternoon of wandering through the maze, eating treats, selecting pumpkins, and generally enjoying a beautiful, sunny, fall day on the farm.

This year’s “Maize” had a Big Foot theme—it was designed in such a way that an aerial view shows the legendary creature taking a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. From a ground view, it’s just a series of disorienting twists and turns among cornfield rows. However, with the help of strategically placed clues, most groups were able to complete the maze in only twenty or thirty minutes. Other farm activities included taking a hayride, stocking up on locally grown produce at a grocery store, and wandering about the vendors who were selling fall favorites such as caramel apples, corn on the cob, elephant ears, cider, kettle corn, and more!

At 7:00 in the evening, everyone met back at the Fellowship Lodge for a youth rally. The evening started with a Filipino feast including lumpia, seasoned chicken and pork with rice, and fresh, chopped veggies, followed by delicious

he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” Brother Ryan commented that every stage of life has challenges and opportunities, and some of the positive aspects of being young include better health, higher energy levels, a more adventurous spirit, and optimism about the future. He encouraged the young people to use those attributes for the Lord by participating in church services and church work.

Brother Ryan also spoke about two young people in the Bible whom God used: Joseph and Miriam. Joseph was punished for not compromising his integrity with Potiphar’s wife, and later God used him to preserve the Hebrew nation. Maintaining integrity was important then and it still is today. Miriam is thought to have been just twelve when she approached the Egyptian princess about finding a nurse for Moses, and God used her bravery to again preserve the Hebrews. Today, young people still need to show bravery by taking God-given opportunities to say a word for Him.

The session concluded with a confirmation that one is never too young to be used by God, and an encouragement to be an example for others, to testify, to prayerfully keep each other accountable, and to be bold for God. Following the lesson, there was an opportunity to pray.

cookies for dessert. After eating, the group moved to the general seating area and had a time for singing worship songs, including the Newfoundland favorite, “I Came Here Expecting God to Move,” as well as “This Is the Air I Breathe” and “Glory, Glory, Glory.” After sharing prayer requests, there was a time for testimonies. One young man said that he’d had trouble staying saved, but then God showed him that he needed to be sanctified. After praying and receiving sanctification, he hasn’t had trouble living with victory over sin anymore. Several shared that they were blessed the prior weekend at the special meetings in Sacramento, California. One said he was thankful that his employer allows him to always have Fridays and Sundays off work so he can go to church, and without even asking, he was also given this weekend and the following weekend off work, which made it possible to be at both the Portland and Seattle special meetings. Another young lady thanked God for her three basic Christian experiences, and also that God meets her in a special way whenever she needs something more from Him.

Ryan Erdmann was the speaker for the evening, and the topic was “The Value of Youth to Christ.” He started by reading Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God,

(Top) David Heintz and Caleb Copko lead the youth rally song service.(Bottom) Youth group at the pumpkin patch.

Special Meetings Youth Activities

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Gallery PICSphotos from our events this month

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(Clockwise from top left) Diana Erdmann shares with the young people; Jett Andersen grins big; Arthur Ruiz testifies; Grace Hinkle enjoys Sunday school; Henry Parker plays trombone; The youth choir sings; Steve Mixer preaches; Charlie Ivany loves Jesus; Stella Buckland is dedicated.

Excerpts from Wednesday, October 9 Many blessings were experienced during the weekday services of the Australia camp meeting, which is held annually in Sydney. We heard many inspiring testimonies. One sister testified to the power of the Lord to save and to keep. She said that her father was openly against the Apostolic Faith Church, and after she was saved, did many things to keep her from attending. Then the Lord miraculously intervened and saved her father. Before he passed away, he went around making restitution to the people he had been combative with.

For the final day of camp meeting, everyone came expecting a parting gift of blessings from the Lord, and He did not disappoint. One of the young people prayed through to salvation, and what a time of rejoicing we had! It was a great way to end the camp meeting.

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Excerpts from Wednesday, October 16 We are thankful to the Lord that the overall revival spirit that marked the Sydney camp meeting carried to the Melbourne weekend of revival.

On Saturday, the service began several hours early due to a scheduling conflict over the meeting hall. However, this turned out to be a blessing in disguise from the Lord. The message drew from Genesis 21:6 and 1 Samuel 2:1-4. We heard that God overturned the sadness of Sarah and Hannah, and He will do the same for us because He delights in us. We had a good altar service, and then there was time for a water baptismal service (pictured).

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Excerpts from Monday, October 21 Following the Australia camp meeting in Sydney and a weekend of special meetings in Melbourne, Sam and Shade Ajayi traveled to Perth on the opposite side of the country to visit our group which began there in 2013.

On Sunday, the joy and gladness of the brethren was very obvious. Brother Michael Chiutare, the appointed group leader, taught the adult Sunday school lesson on “Guidance.” He brought out the point that God’s guidance may not be as direct as we might think—just as it was with His leading of the Exodus in an indirect route. Brother Michael gave his testimony about how the Lord led him after he had received his Christian experiences, and how his residency in Australia came from the Lord in an indirect and unexpected way.

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Read more at apostolicfaith.org/world-reportWorld Report

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From the

Superintendent ’s

Desk

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Adult Bible StudyDave Green presented the session

on part 9 of the  Highlighting Our Heritage  series. This lesson was titled “Our Azusa Roots,” and he started by reading Mark 13:11, “But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.” He said the working of the Holy Ghost is very central to this topic because the Azusa Street Revival was the result of an outpouring of the Holy Ghost.

Brother Dave recounted some of the details of how the Holy Ghost fell in 1906. The lead up to the revival actually began a few years earlier with Bible students who had become convinced that the outpouring of the Holy

Ghost, as experienced at Pentecost, was available for hungry hearts today. Some of the students received the experience, as well as their teacher, Charles Parham, who then began to travel, telling others about it. William Seymour was one who benefited from his instruction, and he too began to travel, sharing this doctrine. Eventually, Seymour began holding cottage meetings on Bonnie Brae Street in Los Angeles, and there, on April 9, 1906, the Holy Ghost began to fall.

The group moved from Bonnie Brae Street to larger quarters on Azusa Street on April 14. There, the Holy Spirit continued to bless, saving, healing, and filling hearts. Florence Crawford came to the meetings after she had been saved and was longing for more of God. Soon she was sanctified and then filled with

the Holy Ghost. Feeling a strong desire to publish what was taking place, Sister Crawford, Clara Lum, and a few others began to publish a small newspaper. After visiting various cities in the Northwest and Midwest United States, Sister Crawford felt called to establish a work in Portland, Oregon.

Today the Holy Ghost is still working as He was on the day of Pentecost and at the Azusa Street Revival. There have been wonderful times of revival over the years, such as in 1948, 1968, and even more recent years. Brother Dave said that although the excitement and exuberance of a revival is wonderful, it is important to walk by faith daily when there is not a revival, consistently seeking the comfort, guidance, and intercession of the Holy Spirit. He is faithful to meet each need.

I’m thankful the Lord answers prayer. Recently, there was something weighing on me when I came to church, and I really prayed about it and asked the Lord to undertake. When I got home that night, I found out that He was already working. I’m thankful that we can go to Him; we can take our concerns and He is there. He has the power to do beyond what we could even imagine, and I’m really thankful for Him.

– Bobbi Downey

Tonight I am thankful for all the Lord has done for me and for saving me when I was thirteen. I met Sally Barrett at my nephew’s birthday party.

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with my aunt and I ran out of the house without direction. I didn’t know where to go but I got on the bus. As I was getting on another bus, I saw the Apostolic Faith Church in the Bronx. I got off the bus after two blocks and started walking towards the church. A sweet lady asked if I wanted to sit down at the outdoor service they were having. and she went to get me a chair. Another sweet lady told me that she felt like I belonged there. I knew that was God and that He wanted me to come home. I’m so thankful that I did. I know I’m a work in progress but I’m thankful that I belong to the Lord.

– Yosady Baltzell

She invited me to Sunday school and said it would be fun. I started coming and would study my lesson just to please her, but the Lord used that to get His Word down in my heart. That following camp meeting I got saved. Giving my heart and life to the Lord was the best decision I’ve ever made and I want to serve Him all of my life.

– Sherri Buckland

It’s time today to give glory to God because He has been faithful to me. I wasn’t raised in a Christian home but I’m so thankful that God’s mercy and grace reached me and my sister. Years ago, in New York City, I had an argument

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Words of PraiseTonight I am thankful for all the

Lord has done for me and for saving me when I was thirteen. I met Sally Barrett at my nephew’s birthday party. She invited me to Sunday school and said it would be fun. I started coming and would study my lesson just to please her, but the Lord used that to get His Word down in my heart. That following camp meeting I got saved. Giving my heart and life to the Lord was the best decision I’ve ever made and I want to serve Him all of my life. – Sherri Buckland

It’s time today to give glory to God because He has been faithful to me. I wasn’t raised in a Christian home but I’m so thankful that God’s mercy and grace reached me and my sister. Years ago, in New York City, I had an argument with

on me when I came to church, and I really prayed about it and asked the Lord to undertake. When I got home that night, I found out that He was already working. I’m thankful that we can go to Him; we can take our concerns and He is there. He has the power to do beyond what we could even imagine, and I’m really thankful for Him. – Bobbi Downey

my aunt and I ran out of the house without direction. I didn’t know where to go but I got on the bus. As I was getting on another bus, I saw the Apostolic Faith Church in the Bronx. I got off the bus after two blocks and started walking towards the church. A sweet lady asked if I wanted to sit down at the outdoor service they were having. and she went to get me a chair. Another sweet lady told me that she felt like I belonged there. I knew that was God and that He wanted me to come home. I’m so thankful that I did. I know I’m a work in progress but I’m thankful that I belong to the Lord. – Yosady Baltzell

I’m thankful the Lord answers prayer. Recently, there was something weighing

Bobbi Downey

The last Friday in October was the monthly youth focus session, which began with a filling dinner of pulled pork, baked beans, coleslaw, and pumpkin pie for dessert. Following the meal, the group was divided into two teams for a quick trivia game that involved identifying Bible characters from a few clues given by the moderator, Clark Wolfe. After the game, Erik Calhoun took prayer requests and led the group in prayer.

The speaker for the evening was Cheryl Downey, who gave a presentation she had recently done at an adult Bible study on the topic of end times doctrines. She began by commenting that everyone is concerned about the future, and that is especially true of young people since their futures tend to be more unknown than that of someone older. She shared Romans 15:4, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope,” explaining that the Bible teachings on the end times are meant to bring comfort and hope about the future. Sister Cheryl also commented that although believers have been waiting nearly two thousand years for His return, that event is sure to take place someday.

the nations to fight Jesus again, and they will be quickly and soundly defeated by God. Then, Satan and those whose names are not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will be judged by God and sent to eternal Hell in the Lake of Fire. Sister Cheryl reminded her listeners that a belief in Hell is becoming less palatable in United States culture, yet the doctrine is not dependent on popularity; it is true because it is in God’s Word. Only those who have had their sins forgiven through Jesus’ sacrifice will enjoy the

new Heaven and new earth that God has prepared. The Bible description of that eternal home make it clear that it will be a true paradise.

Sister Cheryl closed with a reminder that the important thing is to be saved, and to stay focused on God until He calls us away. Brother Erik also gave a few closing remarks, reminding everyone that God does not want anyone to be scared of the end times, but it is His will for everyone to be spared His judgement and to be with Him eternally in Heaven. He encouraged anyone unsaved to pray and be saved that night.

Sister Cheryl spoke in detail about what the Bible has to say regarding the end of this age. She explained that Jesus’ Second Coming is in two parts: first, the Rapture will take all believers out of the world before the Tribulation period; second, Jesus will be revealed at the end of the Tribulation. She described the signs that will precede the Tribulation, including wars, natural disasters, and widespread disease, and also spoke of the events that will take place during the Tribulation: twenty-one judgements

of God will be poured out on the earth and mankind. During that time, the Antichrist, with the aid of the false prophet, will become a cruel ruler, and about half of the world’s population will die. Sister Cheryl reminded everyone that it is vital to be saved and ready for the Rapture in order to miss the devastating suffering that will happen during the Tribulation.

The presentation also described how the Tribulation will end at the Battle of Armageddon, where Jesus will return and defeat the armies of the kings of the earth and throw Satan into the bottomless pit. Christ will then establish His one thousand year Millennial Reign, where the Raptured saints in their glorified bodies will rule with Him over the people who survived the Tribulation (still in their earthly bodies). At that time, the curse will be lifted and life will be similar to what Adam and Eve first experienced in the Garden of Eden.

At the end of the Millennial Reign, Satan will be loosed and will convince

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“. . . it is vital to be saved and ready for the Rapture in order to miss the devastating suffering that will

happen during the Tribulation.”