How God worked in the Tent Revival
“Some want to live within the sound of Church or Chapel bell; I want to run a rescue shop, within a yard of hell.” C.T. Studd
First of all, we want to say “Thank you” for your prayers for us and the Tent Revival here in Anchorage, Alaska. The quote above was on my heart as we were preparing for the Tent Revival in this location. We recognize and appreciate the partnership we have with you in the people God allowed us to touch during the week. We are so excited to share some stories of how God worked in hearts.
We had a great turnout the first night despite the rainy weather. It actually may have worked in our favor because people were seeking shelter. We did find out that there were some misconceptions as to what a tent revival consisted of. Some thought we were giving away tents and were upset that this wasn’t the case. However there were others that expressed their appreciation for us having such a meeting in that it reminded them of meetings from their younger years.
Linda* came in the first day with a hardened expression on her face. As we talked, she began to share of how she was raised in a Christian Children’s home and that she would go to church camps, “Like this” but they would also have cabins for them to stay overnight. She smiled as she reminisced on those memories. She was very attentive during the service and she was obviously touched as we prayed for her in the altar service. At the end of the service, she was smiling and asked to give a hug before she left.
Lisa* and her boyfriend, Carl* came to church on Tuesday afternoon. Bro Derek preached that evening from the story of Jonah about the importance of true repentance and taking personal responsibility. When Derek gave the altar call, this couple responded quickly with tears in their eyes. After we prayed with them for a while they said “the truth hit us in the face! He was talking about us!” Lisa* then expressed that she had turned to alcohol to try to cope with the pain she was experiencing, but had been scared because she knew she wasn’t ready. After prayer she said, “I feel lighter! I’m crying happy tears.” What she said next was so encouraging, “I’ve never been to a service like this before!” We saw this couple at the Downtown Soup Kitchen before we left to come back to Oklahoma and they said that they have been sober, and they knew it must’ve been prayer that helped them.
A young lady, Carrie*, came forward on the last day as the altar call was given. She was very sincere and expressed her desire to receive Jesus. We prayed with her and she showed great excitement to receive a Bible at the close of the service.
A young hispanic man, Roberto* also came forward on the last night. He was very broken, tearful, and repentant. The Spirit’s work of conviction was evident. He prayed, and prayed, and prayed. He wanted a Bible, and promised to come to Hope Church on Sunday, which he did. I’ve seen him several times since then, and he is encouraged in his new walk with Jesus.
There are other stories we could share but one of the encouraging things was that there were quick responses to each altar call. There was no prolonged pleading and pulling. The Word was preached, and when the invitation was extended, the response was spontaneous. We believe that God touched hearts in a special way and we pray the seeds sown will bring forth a mighty harvest for the Kingdom of God.
Thank you for being a part of this work here in Anchorage, Alaska.
To God be ALL the glory!
God bless!!