City-wide Crusade Climaxes Fortieth Anniversary of the Philippine Church by Carl Varnell
The days of March 5-9, 1997 were glorious for the United Pentecostal Church of the Philippines. A city-wide crusade in Manila climaxed the annual General Conference, which was a celebration of the church’s fortieth anniversary. During the business session Bro. Romeo Navallo, who had served for several years as the assistant general superintendent, was elected general superintendent. Bro. Navallo and the Executive Board expressed strong support for Bro. Richard Denny’s appointment as the chairman of the board of the Philippine church and as the regional director of the Pacific.
On Saturday, March 8, 12,000 to 15,000 people flowed into the Araneta Coliseum for the beginning of the a great crusade. The Philippine church has billed this service as a healing service, and God truly performed several notable miracles.
The 1,500-voice choir under the direction of Sis. Carla Burton filled the coliseum with Pentecostal praise as the Sunday crusade service began at 10:00 AM. By 10:30 the coliseum was completely filled. The Sunday attendance peaked at an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 people. About 5,000 people were turned away, for no more room for seating remained in the building.
Tears flowed freely across the congregation as Reverend Billy Cole preached as message of repentance as then led the people in prayer. The tears gave way to shouts of joy as the Lord responded with a mighty outpouring of His Spirit. At least 3,000 to 4,000 people spoke in tongues for the first time. Praise continued to ascend to heaven for a long time as thousands of others were renewed in the Spirit throughout the vast auditorium.
God also performed many miracles of healing in the Sunday service. A blind man saw. A deaf lady heard. Several cripples walked. A man who was brought in on a stretcher walked out. Others received healings of many sicknesses and diseases.
Sixty-five North American visitors provided support in prayer and worship in the services. Bro. Gordon Mallory, the North American coordinator of the Dream Team, inspired everyone to believe for one-million soul revival in the Philippines. He met with the Philippine Executive Board and the Dream Team members who were present to organize crusade meetings for 1997 and 1998.
The Philippine General Conference, the Fortieth Anniversary celebration, and the Manila Crusade have forever changed the work in the Philippines. The church is now challenged to reach one million souls and has a renewed commitment for revival. A prophecy stated that the church in the Philippines would be used of God to bring a revival I Asia and many other parts of the world. A new vision and desire was launched in Manila at the 1997 General Conference. To God be the glory!
Copied from UPCI Pentecostal Herald - June 1997
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