Fall Evangelism in Houston, 152 Baptized
HOUSTON – Evangelism has often been coined as “the lifeblood of the church.” In fact, the primary function of the church is evangelism. Jesus commissioned us, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV).
Heeding Christ’s commission, Houston, Tex. was identified as a city to evangelize within the Southwest Region Conference territory in Fall, 2021 and three major evangelistic campaigns were held in conjunction with Breath of Life Ministries and Adventist World Radio. One English speaking revival was held with Carlton P. Byrd, Southwest Region Conference president and former Breath of Life speaker/director, serving as the speaker, and two Spanish speaking revivals were held with Eddie Canales, vice president for Adventist World Radio and Marco Huaco, guest revivalist, serving as speakers respectively.
Nightly, the word of God was preached in three different “in person” venues with COVID-19 protocols in place. Additionally, music ministry was shared that inspired attendees including several guest artists, Kurt Carr and the Kurt Carr Singers, Kierra Sheard and Wintley Phipps. Children’s ministries was also a focal point of the revivals as it was important for children to understand the wonderful gift of salvation through Jesus Christ as well. Bible workers daily canvassed Houston neighborhoods soliciting Bible studies, prayer teams were organized and called down the power of God each evening, church members engaged in multiple “Track Attack” initiatives distributing revival flyers across Houston, and church members also mobilized to assist in various ministry responsibilities throughout the revivals.
On the culminating day of the revivals, Nov. 6, 2021, all of the Southwest Region Conference churches in the Houston area, English and Spanish, came together to the parking lot of the World Harvest Outreach Seventh-day Adventist Church for a grand outdoor baptism as 152 individuals (102 from the English campaign and 50 from the Spanish campaigns) surrendered their lives to the Lord and were baptized! Praise be to God!
Evangelism provides life individually to people and collectively to churches as it points to the Lifegiver, Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly!” John 10:10 (KJV).
By Norman Jones, Communications Director
