“This was the best revival that I have ever been associated with!” declared Pastor Eddie B Pruitte, Jr. of Holiness Tabernacle Church Of God In Christ at the conclusion of the annual fall revival. Conducted by Evangelist Barbara J. Olds of St. Stephens COGIC in Virginia Beach, the three-day revival took place September 16-18 and not only drew many guests and visitors to the church, but led to mighty deliverance and freedom in the Lord!
Under the direction of the Evangelism Department, led by Elder Joseph Guilford, Elder George Green, First Lady Vivian Pruitte and Minister André Powell, the fall revival was specifically designed as a witnessing tool for the community. Members were encouraged to invite friends, neighbors and co-workers to join the Spirit-filled services. As an incentive, each visitor received two free bags of groceries at the conclusion of each night’s service. In doing so, the church met not only the spiritual needs, but the natural needs of those who walked through its doors.
“The revival is for the church,” Evangelist Olds explained to the saints on the first night. “Once we get revived, we can get to work and witness so people can get saved.”
And so it began! Each night opened with a season of prayer as the saints –both young and old – cried out to God for His direction, His Spirit and His anointing. Following a scripture reading, the congregation was led into praise and worship with songs such as “Lord You’re Mighty” and “High and Lifted Up.” Indeed, the presence of the Lord was truly in the sanctuary and the atmosphere was electric with His power.
Coming from Ephesians 6:11-16, Evangelist Olds spoke about the saints feeling “Crushed, Overwhelmed, Devastated and Fearful”, using a personal testimony to illustrate that the believer doesn’t have to stay in that condition. Instead, we can put on the whole armor of the Lord and victoriously face whatever obstacles or distractions come our way, fully relying on the Father.
“Tonight is the night to let your mind go free!” continued Evangelist Olds and she began to pray for specific individuals in the congregation as the Lord led her. In doing so, the people were prepped and primed for what God was about to do in their lives throughout the week.
The second night, Evangelist Olds cried out “Dwell Within Me Oh Lord!” and reminded the people of God’s promise that if He will take you to a situation, He is able to bring you out of any situation. Psalm 91:1 was one of her key scriptures and the evangelist took care to remind the people that we have a secret place – a place of refuge – that we can turn to; a place where the enemy can do us no harm.
The third and final night proved to be unlike any before. After an extended season of prayer, the evangelist was quickly brought to the pulpit to deliver the Word of God. On this night, however, the Spirit led Evangelist Olds in a demonstration.
“I need someone to lay these sheets I borrowed across the floor at the front of the altar,” she began, stirring the imaginations and curiosity of those who looked on. ReferencingJohn 5: 1-9, Evangelist Olds began to share the story of the infirmed man who, though he tried and pressed for thirty-eight years, was unable to enter the pool of Bethesda after it had been troubled by the angel to receive his healing. The sheets on the ground represented the pool. Saints were invited to jump in the pool to get their healing, just as the people did during the Biblical account.
“You’ve got some folk that are trying to get to Jesus,” said the evangelist, “and because there is so much going on and so much that’s happening they can’t seem to get to Him.” But despite the obstacles, she encouraged the saints to keep pressing and “Take Another Dip” until they could reach the Savior and receive their complete deliverance.
With that, the altar was made available for all. Nearly every person in the congregation came to take a “dip” in the symbolic pool and receive prayer and their promised deliverance from the Lord. It was an awesome sight as the people of God came to the pool bound and broken and exited magnifying and praising the Lord!
Without a doubt, this was truly the greatest revival at Holiness Tabernacle. Days after the last service concluded, the saints continued to reminisce on the mighty work of God in their lives as a result of those three powerful nights. What’s more, the change that took place in hearts and minds during the revival is sure to remain as we continue to grow in our walk with the Lord and stand as shining examples for His kingdom.