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by Donna Ames, Major –
The weekend of May 13–16 was a historic one for Crestmont, and by extension the Western Territory. Following a year of prayer and planning, 120 Salvationists gathered on campus for a Prayer and Revival Summit. Sparked by a comment from Commissioner Linda Bond about the Spirit’s prompting for revival in the territory and that it might start at Crestmont College, the challenge was taken up by President/Principal Lt. Colonel Raymond Peacock together with Major Brian Jones. A vision developed into a unique weekend of preaching, praying, worshipping and seeking to “Experience the Fire” of the Holy Spirit. Dynamic sermons on the Holy Spirit and prayer were presented throughout the Summit from an impressive line-up of Salvationist and non-Salvationist preachers. Speakers included Bishop Kenneth Ulmer, pastor of one of the largest churches in Los Angeles, and Dr. David Hocking, noted author and radio Bible teacher. Salvationist preachers were well represented by Major Lee Lescano, and Captains Robert Marshall, Oscar Tippol and Ivan Wild. Each speaker built on the theme of seeking God in repentance and faith, and being filled with the Holy Spirit. In the final worship and dedication service, Commissioner Linda Bond preached on “Take the Fire Into Your World.” Prayer was an important focus of the Summit and delegates had many opportunities for corporate and private prayer. Early morning and late night prayer times focusing on the ministry of intercession were led by territorial Prayer Partner coordinators, Lt. Colonels Mervyn and Shirley Morelock. Every delegate participated in a small group that met throughout the three days for Bible study and prayer. A creative prayer walk, coordinated by Major Janene Zielinski, took advantage of the beautiful Crestmont grounds to guide delegates in private prayer. A special prayer chapel was available to provide opportunity for quiet reflection and interactive prayer. Prayer through music was an integral part of every meeting and a special Summit Praise Team led by Captain Lisa Smith, sensitively provided songs of praise and worship. Friday evening, the dynamic Santa Ana Corps’ Praise Team led the worship time. The weekend culminated in the Sunday morning worship and dedication service. Victorious testimonies of blessings and spiritual breakthroughs were shared. Bond’s message underscored the truth that had been presented and witnessed in so many different ways during the weekend, that Pentecost has happened, and that it is up to each of us, as believers to appropriate the power of the Holy Spirit. Delegates lined the altar to sign a special covenant card committing themselves to a life of sustained prayer, yielded to God’s holiness and, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to love others. Summit coordinator, Major Brian Jones, wants to make sure that the spirit of the Summit continues. Currently being developed is a web page on the Crestmont website (www.CrestmontCollege.edu) featuring articles, testimonies and opportunities for dialog on prayer and revival. Information on ordering DVDs of Summit sessions will also be available.
