Ellen G White states, “The greatest want of the world is the want of men - men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall” Washington Gardens and its environs experienced the Ministry of such a man, supported by a committed team, for the last four weeks in the Jesus to the Rescue Crusade.
In the wake of burgeoning prices, societal issues, increased family disturbances and callous acts of violence, Evangelist Michael Henry presented a lively hope for all in the power-packed, thought-provoking messages presented during the campaign. The messages were delivered not only to the members and visitors in the sanctuary but also to a committed group of online viewers which exceeded 200 on a nightly basis. Over 25 engaging Bible based messages were presented by the Evangelist to the congregation which steadily grew in interest and numbers over the duration. Despite the effects of Hurricane Ian and Fiona which closed the doors of the church on Monday, September 26, the undiluted message was consistently presented to a world battered in the storms of life.
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What should be used to measure the success of such a series? Should it be the number of persons who attend nightly? The number of persons baptized? Or should it be the life-changing impact it made on the lives of the members? All are relevant measures but the individual impact must be most significant. Recognizing that his mission was to sound the trumpet without fear or favor, the Evangelist declared that he would have preached with the same fervor even if only one person attended. His commitment to present Biblical truths was reiterated at the start of each service as he led worshippers into an affirmation of the importance of the Bible as the foundation and basis for all the messages. This emphasis on the word of God was evident in the many scriptural references that were incorporated in every sermon. One visitor attested that nothing but Bible truth was presented in the messages that the preacher delivered.
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It is difficult to choose a favorite sermon from the series. For some, it was the three part prophecy based sermon entitled, “Seal or Mark”; for others, it was “Life’s Greatest Experience’ others had choices however many found the final message by the evangelist, “We Have This Hope” the most arresting. The truth is that every message was filled with the power of God. In the words of host pastor and co-evangelist Pastor Owen Thomas, the normal, jovial young man whom one may speak to casually, was transformed under supernatural power as he presented the messages from God. The power, clarity and conviction which define his presentation style commanded the attention of every listener, even the passersby.
The word of God was planted in the heart of every listener to convict, convert and even ultimately condemn. Several visitors walked to the altar nightly, members made re-commitment and five precious souls were baptized –one of whom was an online participant. It may be that the full impact is yet to be realized as there are others who are expected to accept Jesus’ rescue offer, made through Evangelist Michael Henry.
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As the curtain was brought down on the ‘Jesus to the Rescue’ crusade, our affirmation is best encapsulated in the lyrics made popular by David Phelps and the Gaither Band:
We're floating down the stream of time, we have not long to stay.
The stormy clouds of darkness will turn to brightest day.
Then let us all take courage for we're not left alone.
The life-boat soon is coming to gather His Jewels home.
The life-boat soon is coming by the eye of faith I see.
As she sweeps through the waters to rescue you and me
And land us safely on the port with friends we love so dear.
"Get ready," cries the Captain, "O look, she's almost here".
Then cheer, my sisters cheer, our trials will soon be o'er.
Our loved ones we shall meet, shall meet upon the golden shore.
We're pilgrims and we're strangers here, we're seeking a city to come.
The life-boat soon is coming to gather His Jewels home.
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