Safe With Friends

Last week was the 64th Texas District Camp Meeting. To say we had a wonderful time would be an understatement! The comment I have heard the most from those who attended is, "This has been an "old time camp meeting". The spirit of Camp Meeting was filled with unity, therefore we had powerful moves of the Spirit. I was overwhelmed many times as I stood in the presence of God. The preaching of the Word by those who were chosen to deliver it to us was anointed and delivered with passion, clarity, and excellence! Bro. Wayne Huntley was our Evening Speaker. I really don't know why we have pews to sit on! He preached with such an anointing and I found it hard to sit down, as did many others! At times, the crowd was on their feet as he delivered his heart to us.It was wonderful having Bro. and Sis. Huntley with us. We enjoyed his preaching and her singing. The music and singing was absolutely heavenly. The music coordinators for the day chose songs from "yesteryear" coupled with songs of "today", bringing us into the presence of the King. Sis. Dedie Cooley was the Master Music Coordinator for Camp Meeting and chose all the music coordinators and specials for each day. WOW! Everyone was on the same "wave-length" and I don't know when I've been blessed by music and singing as I was this time. My soul was drinking in His presence as it flooded our hearts. For those who were unable to attend just know that you would have enjoyed being here.

We heard SOLID preaching and teaching! Bro. Dan Segraves and his wife were with us. He taught on Bible doctrine during the day. Bro. Donnie Hendrick preached about "Contending for the Faith". Bro. Jeff Story brought faith to our hearts when he preached, "Where Is God?". We heard about "Living In the Land of Hope" by Bro. Gene Holley from Wichita Falls. Bro. Brett Cooley preached a powerful message on repentance, "The Lost Message of Pentecost". All the messages were "meat for the soul" and anyone who wants to be saved could go to Heaven by listening and obeying what was preached at Texas Camp Meeting this year.

I am struggling to write this post because I have very deep emotions running through my heart and mind. There were times while standing in the presence of God that all I could think of was... "I feel so SAFE"!

SAFE...from "fear of the future" for the great organization we have chosen to be a part of.

I didn't hear one thing about "going back on the message of the Apostolic Church", or "loosening up on the standards of living" we have chosen to follow. I am happy to say, we heard what it means to "love God with all our hearts", "living a holy life unto the Lord", and "loving truth" more than ever before. We didn't hear "fluffy" preaching!

SAFE...for the future of my grandchildren. I believe "truth" is safe in the hands of the younger generation of preacher's and their wives. I feel confident that there are younger preacher's wives who are standing for the right and will help lead my granddaughters "in the way they should go".

SAFE...in the presence of my friends. Friends, who love me and would do anything for me. Friends, who are there in the good times and in the bad. Friends, who will pray for me and my family when we have a crisis in our lives. I had a friend say to me, "Isn't it wonderful being here with everyone when you're going through a trying time in life?" Yes...yes it is wonderful!

I AM SAFE

My husband called a long time friend on Saturday to just say he was happy to see he and his wife at Camp Meeting. While he was on the phone with him he said he wanted to tell me something. Wendell handed the phone to me. I was a little surprised, then I heard the familiar voice I had heard through the years. "Linda, I saw something the other night when you were standing talking to me and I have been praying for you. I just want you to know that God has heard your prayer..." He said more of which I will not disclose, but when I hung up the phone, I said to Wendell. "I feel SO SAFE! To know there are men of God who will pray for me (us) is overwhelming."

I am SAFE...because there are those who listen to the voice of God, and when they hear Him speak they take action. They do not use their "spiritual gifts" for their GAIN, but when God speaks to them they obey Him and follow the direction He leads. I know there are those I could go to at anytime and they would pray until...

I am SAFE...because I have a God that understands me and loves me even though I'm not perfect!

I am SO THANKFUL for the people I know personally that I can trust.

I am not afraid of loving, because...I have been loved.

I am not afraid of giving myself to others, because...I have been given to.

I am not afraid to reach out to those hurting, because... I have been reached to.

I am not afraid for I AM SAFE...in the presence of God and my friends.

I thank God for my heritage in the United Pentecostal Church. I am so glad I am a part of the greatest Apostolic movement that has ever been. And, as my husband said so adequately the other night..."I don't want to hear any griping about it." :)

Have a great week! I will try and be back in a few days. Crusader's Camp is starting in 15 minutes and I am EXCITED! I am going to make my way to the camp ground in a little while to see what is happening. It's going to be FUN!