Preparation of the field

Any spiritual evangelist understands that a crusade cannot be as successful as God would intend if Bible workers are not in the field and in the homes before, during, and after the meetings. Prior to the commencement of the meeting, our team of bible workers (young people-ranging in age from teens to mid twenties) enthusiastically went into the field delivering Bible studies, prayers, health remedies, and most importantly, compassion for the souls with whom they came in contact.  Although not promised any financial gratuity, they still embarked upon the work uncomplainingly, going forth five days per week, rain, or shine. And if any of you have been in Florida during the summer, you know how unbearably hot and humid it is, and how it can be a clear day and a downpour come out of nowhere; all these conditions, the workers encountered, but persevered in spite of the weather. I cannot begin to recount the testimonies out of the mouths of the bible workers; but they all have shared that this summer campaign has brought about a deeper and more meaningful conversion experience for them.  Therefore, by them selflessly giving of their strength and time, God fed and watered them, granting them an experience that could not had been obtained had they not undertaken the work of the gospel.  Because of their personal contacts and labor, our meetings were well attended every night with people from the communities who have never had the privilege or opportunity of hearing the everlasting gospel in such clarity. Our last evening meeting, wherein testimonies were shared, only but faintly encapsulated the extent of the labors of our Bible workers.  Many of those who went down in baptism attribute their coming to the meetings because of the devotion, consistency, and influence of these Bible workers.

Health Lectures

This evangelistic meeting was different from the typical crusade that most Christians are used to, in that the health messages were given each night, and were not merely embedded in one or two messages.  Pastor Andrew Henriques went into a detailed, Bible-based health lecture most nights before the delivering of the gospel message.  These health lectures not only covered general health principles, as are found in (GOD’S PLAN and NEWSTART) but they also covered simple remedies for various diseases and conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, constipation, heart disease, alcohol and smoking addictions, and a litany of other disorders that are plaguing Americans.  What made these health lessons more impacting, was that they were always blended with Christ’s power to enable us both to “will and to do of his good’s pleasure” as it relates to our carrying out biblical health principles.

Gospel Messages

God’s humble servant, Pastor Andrew Henriques, upon his acceptance of the call to gospel ministry, has since given himself unreservedly to the work of saving souls.  Not only did Pastor Henriques deliver the health and gospel messages, but he was also in the field everyday training the Bible workers and giving Bible studies to the contacts at the same time. Imagine the devotion of this humble servant to spend his nights (after the meetings) in earnest prayer and study, and his days in making visitations, I tell you this as one, not assuming, but as his wife, who sees and knows every move that he makes.  This is a man that has put everything that he has into the work of soul-saving and that is why God has crowned his efforts with success. If you ask him, he never makes mention of the sacrifices that he makes, because he is not self-important and does not view them as sacrifices, but rather as a delight.  I mention this, not to laud or exalt Pastor Henriques, lest he fall, but to show you what makes for a successful evangelistic effort, which is total consecration.  The preaching alone cannot do it.  The preaching must be complemented with prayer, study, consistent home visitation, and having compassion for the souls.

The messages were a beautiful blend of righteousness by faith along with important doctrines such as the Sabbath, the Sanctuary, the investigative judgment, the immutability of God’s law, the state of the dead, spiritual gifts, etc. The scripture was verily fulfilled that if Christ is uplifted, all men will be drawn unto Him.  I cannot sufficiently summarize the contents of the messages because I could not do them justice, but I can only encourage you to procure the series for yourselves.  This was a refreshing experience for me; and I am sure it was for all who opened their hearts and minds to receive God’s word. Most individuals who attended and were receptive will agree that they left the meetings with something they had not had before, a stronger prayer and study life, as they were nightly encouraged to spend time with God daily, momentarily, and by thus doing, they would have the strength to keep God’s words and to resist the temptations and the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Baptism

Starting from the opening night, God’s Holy Spirit had been pleading and appealing to the hearts of the attendees to accept him and to recommit their lives to him. Our last Friday evening meeting was a more specific call to baptism, wherein many individuals obeyed the promptings of God’s Spirit to respond positively to the call.  However, Sabbath morning when another appeal was made, even more people answered and publicly took their stand for God. Directly after the Sabbath message was delivered, we headed to the pool, and these individuals (of all ages, colors, and backgrounds) were buried, and born again into new creatures.  What a joyous occasion to see the smiles and the freedom of these souls in accepting Christ.  Hearing the testimonies that same evening of the newly baptized was even more touching.  I would like to briefly share one that a man gave.  He said that Sabbath morning a man came knocking at his door offering him a job that would start that very day.  The gentleman being offered the job told him that he could not do it, because he was being baptized and that he would not dishonor God’s Sabbath. Needless to say the offer was then revoked, but praise be to God, the man was baptized. And just how the enemy tried to hinder Mr. J, he also tried to prohibit others, but “greater is He that is in [us] than he that is in the world.”  In total, 34 people were baptized (22 new converts); and not only that, but we have others that are studying so that they can be in the next baptism.  All heaven is rejoicing in each of these souls that have said “yes” to God and have renounced the world.

Follow-up

When the tent was taken down, the reality hit us that the meetings were over, however, the real work has begun.  It is one thing to baptize member into the truth of God, but it is another to keep them.  As the new additions to our church have come in, we have ongoing Bible-studies in the homes, and we have also established a mentoring program for the new converts, wherein a spiritually mature person would adopt the new member, answer their questions, pray with them and encourage them in the Lord.  We are so exited to be a part of the Lord’s work, and I now understand why God has called us to Orlando, Florida for such a time as this.  Again, we thank you for your support of this effort (whether financially, spiritually, or otherwise); just know that you are appreciated and this could never have been accomplished without you.