It’s that time of year again, a time of special visitation from God. After much prayer and anticipation, many gathered in Peckham for this year’s special meetings weekend, themed ” Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire.” All were blessed to have in attendance Reverend Seun Ogunleye from Norway as the guest speaker for the weekend.
The Revival Service on Friday began with the choir singing Come Holy Spirit, after which all enjoyed a time of congregational singing together led by Sister Olos Irenoa, Brother Yemi Falade gave the opening prayer.
After a time of testimonies, Sister Funke Idowu gave us the last special, a vocal solo “Something good is going to happen,” and this gave way for the message “A call to return to the Lord,” which came from our guest speaker Reverend Seun Ogunleye.
Taking his text from Hosea 6: 1-3, he spoke of the relationship between the prophet Hosea and his unfaithful wife and how this mirrors our relationship with God. Whilst we may come to God sporadically when we are in need of something from Him, no sooner have we received our request, we forget about God, and the blessing then becomes the excuse! God wants to have a relationship with us, and he encouraged all present to return to God.
Those present had a blessed altar service, and sought God in prayers, and were blessed as we tarried
Saturday was dedicated to the young people and was a time for them to come together to understand better the overall theme of Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire. The event began at 11:30 with a time of singing together and an opening prayer by Bernice Ezeh. An icebreaker helped to set the scene for the rest of the day. Titled Insurgence, the programme explored notable revivals over the years and what led to them. The programme then went on to explore different aspects of revival and had the young people analysing certain statements and opinions whilst engaging in intellectual discussions. This provided them with a better understanding of what true revival actually is and an opportunity for them to get to grips with the what and whys of their belief. It was truly a blessed time for all present and virtual attendees alike. The programme ended with a time of fellowship over food.
Sunday began with Sunday School for all ages at 10:00, where different lessons were taught. The adult lesson looked at “Patience” and how important it is in our daily walk with God.
A flute duet by Brothers Fiyin and Amala opened the devotional service, which started at 11:15. This was followed by an uplifting rendition of Revelation 19:11 by the choir and a vocal solo from Sister Chidinma, I love the Lord. These lifted hearts to heaven, and all were led into a time of congregational singing together led by Sister Joke Sobowale. The opening prayer was given by Brother Richard Owen.
All enjoyed another rendition from the choir. ” Thou O Lord, after which there was the bible reading which came from Acts 1: 12-15. The last special, a female quartet, He is here led up to the message of the day, which came from our guest speaker, Reverend Seun Ogunleye. Speaking on Fresh Wind & Fresh Fire, he took his key text from Acts 2: 1-4 and explained that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is not limited to the day of Pentecost only, but that there are requirements to be met in order to experience Pentecost. These requirements were identified as:
- A place: There is a place and preparation required in order to receive fresh wind/fresh fire, Acts 1: 4-5
- Waiting and tarrying: Hebrews 10: 23-25 Holding on in faith for the fulfilment of the promise
- Encourage one another: Hebrews 10:24, 1 John 4:7, 20-21. We cannot have unity without genuine love. It was emphasised that unity is not conformity
- Fellowshipping together: Hebrews 10: 25. All present were encouraged to seek God for Fresh Wind and Fresh Fire, as it is this that empowers all to live for God. Many were blessed as they tarried in prayer.
The highlight of the weekend was the youth concert “Upper Room”, which began at 5 pm. It featured beautiful choral and instrumental presentations. It was truly a blessed time in God’s presence. To round up the concert, Reverend Seun Ogunleye gave a short sermonette on ” A promise for you” taken from Ezekiel 36: 25-27,29-30 Brother Seun spoke of what God promises to do for anyone who seeks Him with their whole heart. Following a time of prayer, there was a time of fellowship over some light refreshments.
All glory to God Almighty for the blessings of Fresh wind, Fresh Fire, and should the Lord tarry, we look forward to another time of special meetings next year.