The annual camp mmeeting of Apostolic Faith Church in Western and Central Africa (WECA) took place August 10-24. Converging on the Faith City campground in Nigeria, saints of God came from all over the district and beyond to participate. Among the nearly 29,000 in attendance were John Musgrave, Director of Africa Work, and his wife, Rodica, representing the world headquarters.
On the opening Sunday, this year’s theme of “Liberation . . . Thou Art Loosed” was highlighted in a program presented by Sunday school children from the Lagos region of Nigeria. In a skit, they gave the account of the infirm man at the Pool of Bethesda, illustrating how Jesus not only healed him but freed him from sin. The program reminded that Jesus still liberates those who turn to Him.
The morning devotional service featured beautiful orchestral and choral renditions and greetings from brethren worldwide. During the announcements, an update was given on the campground building project. In the past two years, with the help of generous donations, the dome of the tabernacle and two more of the six wings were completed. Three remain unfinished. The morning message was delivered by Isaac Adigun, the WECA District Superintendent, and titled “Loose! Loose!! Loose!!!” Taking his text from Luke 13:12, he assured all that Jesus sees every need and desires to set people free.
Throughout the two weeks, morning Bible teachings, afternoon youth meetings, and evening evangelistic services pointed hearts to the liberating power of Jesus Christ. The teaching topics focused on doctrinal foundations and included “The Great Atonement,” “Christian Forgiveness,” “Holy Ghost Baptism,” “True Discipleship,” “The Church Militant,” “The Godly Home,” and “Eternal Heaven and Hell.”
The young people’s services featured vibrant singing, music specials, and testimonies from the youth, with preaching tailored to their age group. The first message, titled “The Power of Spiritual Liberty,” was delivered by Benjamin Solarin, who leads the WECA Youth Development Department. He encouraged all to be witnesses in their environments while reminding them that youthful zeal must be grounded in holiness to have lasting impact.
To further encourage the young people, seats were reserved for them near the front of the tabernacle during evening meetings. The elementary school children were not left out; they participated in children’s church on Sunday afternoons.
The evening evangelistic services were marked by heartfelt testimonies, uplifting sermons, and fervent prayer. The testimonies gave undeniable evidence of God’s power to save and deliver. The messages included the topics: “Opening the Graves,” “All Power,” “Lift Up Your Head,” “Parcels from God, “We Want to See Jesus,” “Liberation from Enslavement,” “Jesus Is the Answer,” and “Is There Not a Cause?” Nightly, following these meetings, the altar benches and tabernacle seats were filled with saints pressing through in prayer.
The mid-Sunday morning message was delivered by Brother John. He extended greetings from the Superintendent General, Sola Adesope, and the Portland world headquarters. Then he took his text from Proverbs 22:1, which included “A good name is rather to be chosen than riches.” He said that people can spend a lifetime trying to develop a good name, but only one name stands above all others: Jesus.
In addition to the services, other activities throughout the two weeks included a family forum, youth and children’s concert, seeker’s night, and film showing of “You Are Reported,” created by the WECA Youth Development Department. Also, the teens participated in a Bible trivia challenge focused on the “books of wisdom”—Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes.
One much-loved event was the annual concert. The breathtaking evening began with the congregation singing joyously “Saved, Saved!” Throughout the evening, the choir lifted hearts in praise with such songs as “Gloria” and “How Excellent Is Thy Name.” The Chamber Orchestra contrasted difficult pieces such as “The Four Seasons, Spring” with lighter renditions like “Plink, Plank, Plunk.” Bringing the concert to a close, a melodrama that included the song “He Sets Me Free,” vividly portrayed how Jesus liberates from all afflictions. An altar service followed with many praying through to victory.
The final Sunday message, taken from Ephesians 6:10, was an admonishment not to turn back. During the camp meeting, many had been freed from sin or other afflictions and 973 were water-baptized, all of whom were reminded, “God can keep you.” Encouraged, the campers returned to their homes rejoicing that this had indeed been a camp meeting of liberation.
