Portland LINK

1 Getting Ready!

2 Getting Ready! (continued)

3 Gallery PICS

4 World Report

5 Thankful for Summer Blessings

6 Pray One for Another

6 On the Spot

Youth camp 2019 began Monday morning, July 29. Campers from the Portland and Dallas churches, as well as from the branch churches in Washington and British Columbia, Canada, converged at the Mayfield Lake campsite. Most of the 290 attendees, including staff and students, arrived by noon, full of energy and excitement. The theme this year was “Jesus Is Coming Again,” with the key verse from 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ

shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” The theme song for the week was “Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me),” and the chorus tells the entire Gospel story.

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Getting Ready!Upon arriving at camp on

Monday afternoon, the students took their personal belongings to their cabins and then gathered to go over the rules and expectations for the week. This was followed by lunch and then the first in-cabin devotional time of the week. Each day, the devotions focused on a different aspect of the theme. On Monday the lesson was titled “Jesus Is Coming again” and gave campers an overview of what the Rapture is and how important it is to be ready for it. Tuesday’s lesson was titled “Be Ready

Today!” and highlighted the importance of living as if Jesus would return today. The third devotional was “Stay Ready” and gave campers tools for maintaining a consistent walk with God. Thursday’s lesson was “Tell Others to Be Ready” (continued on page 2)

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

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(Top) A young Serenaders’ group plays, led by Curt Cook. (Bottom) Young friends excited for a week of fun.

“The theme this year was ‘Jesus Is Coming Again,’ with

the key verse from 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17.”

August 2019

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Getting Ready! (continued)and related the responsibility of believers to share the Gospel with others. The final lesson was called “On Our Way to Heaven” and highlighted what eternity in Heaven will be like. The spiritual truths that were taught during the devotions are so important for making good choices in life, and it is our prayer that every camper will remember and apply these lessons in their future decisions.

Each day after the devotions, there was free time when campers could go swimming or paddle boating at the lake, make crafts in the craft barn, play sports like volleyball or basketball, go down the giant waterslide, and more. Many also participated in tournaments for shuffle board, soccer, hula-hooping, and other sports, with prizes awarded to the champions on the final night of camp. There was also a game hut with Uno and other games. A highlight was the lightning chess tournament. The winner there seized the championship in just four moves! The sports and activities directors made sure that all of the kids had plenty to do, whatever their interests were.

The kitchen staff helped keep everyone happy with delicious meals all week long, including favorites like homemade pizza, burgers, and tacos. The week ended with a pot roast dinner and shave ice dessert. If that weren’t

On Friday evening the awards for the tournaments were handed out. Then everyone watched a slideshow of photos from the week. At the close, Wayne Butler showed videos of whales and other sights he has seen on his fishing trips. He told a story of how one night a sparrow landed on the boat, sixty miles from land. Brother Wayne and the other fishermen were amazed to see it so far from shore! As it sat on the boat and recovered from its long flight, Brother Wayne told it, “The Lord knows where you are, little bird.” The Bible says God cares for each sparrow, and He cares even more for each of us. The kids were encouraged to pray each morning, “Lord, keep me today,” and to say at night, “Thank You

for keeping me today.” The days will pass, and soon the Lord will have kept them a week, a month, and then a year. Eventually they can all have testimonies that the Lord has kept them for many years.

Youth camp activities closed late Friday night with a bonfire and snacks outside the chapel. The students returned home the following morning, happily exhausted from a fun week with friends and having many invaluable moments with the Lord.

enough, campers also had access to treats at the concession stand every afternoon and evening. It is safe to say that no one went hungry at youth camp!

Chapel services were held every morning after flag raising, and also two evenings after flag lowering. The chapel services featured VERY enthusiastic group singing, music specials, and inspiring testimonies of God changing lives. Many testified of times they needed the Lord and He had helped, and others spoke about recent victories including experiences received at this youth camp!

Monday evening the preacher started with a question: What place in the world

would you like to visit? Ukraine, Africa, Paris, and Antarctica were a few of the places shouted back to him. Then he asked, “What if you got a call offering you an all-expense paid trip? The only catch is you won’t know for sure when someone will come to pick you up. Would you do it or would you decide to wait before accepting, possibly missing out on the opportunity?” He pointed out that Jesus has already paid the price for every person to go to Heaven, but no one knows when He’s coming back, so everyone needs to be ready at all times!

“The spiritual truths that were taught during the devotions

are so important for making good choices in life . . .”

(Far left) Jeremy Heintz testifies during a chapel service. (Left) Shyla Piper and her girls share quiet time outdoors.

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Gallery PICSphotos from our events this month

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(Clockwise from top left) Dave Stehlik and Jim Lambert chat; Beginner’s Department girls sing; Kristi Riler plays a flute solo; Liam Martin thanks God for salvation; David Heintz and Jeff Bishop watch over the campers at youth camp; Katia Fedosov sings; Alina Lucescu dozes; Cousins Kingston and Chayse Andersen share a laugh; Christina Larrechea testifies.

Excerpts from Monday, August 5 The 2019 Korean camp meeting was held in our Seoul, Korea, church from August 1-4. Director of Asia Work, Bill McKibben, was there with his wife, Lori, representing the Portland headquarters, and he sent this report.

“The first evangelistic service of the camp meeting was on Thursday evening. A combined choir of about twenty sang in each service. Kang Kyung Yoon, pastor of our Okpo church, brought the evening message on God’s love being constant even in the midst of suffering and trying times. Every service was followed by fervent, heartfelt prayers offered to Heaven.”

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Excerpts from Friday, August 9 Our team in Cajamarca (Sam and Shade Ajayi, Catey Hinkle, and Sarah Walden) enjoyed the remaining services of the Peru camp meeting, which concluded on Sunday, August 4. They sent this report, written by Sister Sarah.

“On Wednesday evening, Brother Sam spoke on sanctification, referencing Hebrews 12:14. He brought out that God is holy and wants us to be holy like Him. The meeting was followed by a very Spirit-filled prayer service.

“Our last meeting was an ordinance service (pictured). Rogelio Nontol-Ramos gave the message, reading from Exodus 12:1-12 and Matthew 26:17. The service ended with all of the Peruvian people coming together to sing a beautiful worship song, followed by an extended period of fellowship.”

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Excerpts from Wednesday, August 21 John Musgrave, Director of Africa Work, and Erik Calhoun, the Portland youth pastor, are in Angola for the annual camp meeting which began on Sunday, August 18. Brother John sent this report.

“The first day of the camp meeting, in the morning worship service, there was standing room only available in the tabernacle. The message was taken from Revelation 22:17. In keeping with the camp theme of ‘The End Times and Rapture,’ it focused on the invitation that is extended to all.

“Sunday evening, the choir sang ‘In Christ I Stand’ and ‘My Wonderful Lord.’ The message was taken from Romans 8:28-31 and focused on how much God wants us to be saved. Every service ended with a rush to the altar area.”

P o s t s F r o m

B r o t h e r

D a r r e l L e e ’ s

J o u r n a l

Read more at apostolicfaith.org/world-reportWorld Report

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From the

Superintendent ’s

Desk

This camp meeting the Lord was so faithful to me and to my family. There have been a lot of things I have been praying about for a really long time, some things for years. At special meetings I had asked the Lord, “Are You hearing my prayers? I know You do. I know You’re faithful. Lord, if there’s anything in my life that You want me to change or to consecrate to You, please show me.” I’m so thankful the Lord was faithful. He helped me in many ways, and this camp meeting every time I went onto the grounds I would get goosebumps because I had so many answers to prayer this camp.

– Amy Patan

I thank God for the peace of God that passeth all understanding. About three months ago I got some news that kind of shook me. When I’d go to bed at night I couldn’t sleep. Sometimes I’d get up, go into the next room, and stretch out on the carpet, talking to God. That went on for weeks. I would pray and come down to the altar and it was like the enemy just robbed me of my peace. I had confidence in God but I didn’t have that joy; I didn’t have that peace that I wanted. But now, even though the problem still exists and the mountain is still there, I’ve got peace, saints! Somehow, God has restored peace to me.

– Duane Wilson

I’m so thankful the Lord saved, sanctified, and baptized me. This youth camp has been really great for me because last year something happened that really hurt me. I was bitter about it for a little while but the Lord was able to help me give it up. It was at this youth camp I was able to actually completely forgive what happened. I’m so thankful

I had the privilege to go to youth camp this year. I wanted to draw closer to God when I went, and I really wanted to get my baptism, but I started to get confused. Sister Rosie Lambert came and we had a devotional, and she was talking about the baptism. After that, we were praying and talking about the baptism and it cleared some things up for me. Then on Wednesday night I had a prayer service like I had never had before. I could really feel God’s presence and He showed me the devil was nowhere in that room; it was just me and Him. It was so peaceful I did not want to leave. I’m so thankful He is pulling me closer.

– Emmaline Worthington

I’m glad to say that the Lord saved me last year at youth camp on Monday and then He sanctified me this year on Monday at youth camp.

– Harmony Hinkle

I’m so thankful for all the things the Lord has done for me. He’s so merciful. He brought me thousands of miles to get sanctified and then be baptized with the Holy Ghost. I was sanctified in December of 2017, and in 2018 I was baptized with the Holy Ghost. Every year is an amazing experience here in the church as well. I thank God for that. This was my second camp meeting here and it’s just been getting better and better.

– Joseph Krishnapuram

the Lord is there to help us when we need to be carried, and to help us let go of things that are bothering us.

– Katia Fedosov

I’m grateful that this youth camp on Thursday I was saved and that I finally know what it is like to be truly saved. I’m so thankful that God sent His Son to die so sinners could be saved because I was a sinner. I cannot describe the change in my life, but He changed me and I’m so thankful.

– Liam Martin

I want to thank God for His protection and His providence. We took a road trip to Wisconsin this summer to visit some family and on our last day, about an hour into our trip home, we got into an accident. I looked back in the van at the kids right when it happened. I was worried, but God protected us. Also, it’s not the best circumstance to get in an accident like that because we didn’t know anybody where we were at and we had to get home somehow. At the mechanic’s there was a poster on the wall, which said that God is there for us when we’re in need. That was the reminder that I needed. God really was there for us in our time of need, and I’m so thankful for Him.

– Cameron Hinkle

(Above) Emmaline Worthington gives thanks. (Left) Cameron Hinkle is grateful for God’s protection.

Thankful for Summer Blessings

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Many victories have been won this year at the various youth camps and camp meetings around the world as well as in Portland. Let’s remember to pray especially for those who have given their hearts to the Lord this year!

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On the Spot

Dave Stehlik: Words of encouragement.

Hannah Cook: In-cabin devotions.

Ted Friesen: Rene Cassell’s encouraging sermon.

Delores Mathews: Sitting in church in the tabernacle for the first time with my granddaughter!

Orrin Lee: Going to chapel every day and playing with my friends.

Azaria Charles: One of my favorite memories was the one day when my family and I sat together for morning teaching.

Trisha Cripps: Kenny and I made new friends with a couple from the UK. They continue to be a source of blessing and encouragement even now. The family of God is amazing!

Hayden Baltzell: The fellowship with my friends, especially the ones I rarely get to see. It’s always encouraging to enter a prayer meeting with them, and then afterwards be able to talk openly about our personal spiritual walks.

Question: What is your favorite

memory from youth camp or camp meeting

this year?

(Above) Elizabeth Buliga testifies of answered prayer. (Left) Candidates line up for water baptism.

Pray One for Another

“But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” – Luke 22:32