Revival 2009 - Day 1

The first night of Revival I arrived at the church around 6:30. I needed to run off some copies of a flyer and get my music straightened up and ready. Folks started trickling in shortly after that and by starting time we had a pretty good crowd of around 100 folks. As I panned the congregation I couldn't help but notice that most people that were there were visitors. We had a very poor showing from our regular members. I tried not to let it bother me but I couldn't help but be a little disappointed.

I had a pretty good choir full, I think 17 or 18 people. They put out a big sound anyway. We kicked things off with Goodbye World, Goodbye. There was a really good Spirit from the get-go. Lots of encouragement from the congregation by means of "Amen's" and shouts, and hand lifting toward Heaven. I was pretty caught up in the Spirit and so excited I thought I was going to jump off of the stage. I managed to settle down enough to lead a congregational and do announcements. After that the choir sang 2 more specials, 'Send A Great Revival" and "I'm Glad I Know Who Jesus Is." Then another congregational of "Power In the Blood," and then we had fellowship singing, "I'd Rather Be An Old-Time Christian." Altar prayer came next and then special singing. The pastor asked me and my family to come up and sing, "Thank You Dear Lord," which Elizabeth leads the verses and we back her up on the chorus. Then, Ray, ( a 78-year old man that has been blind since birth ) got up and testified about how the Lord has always been good to him and he sang, "Where the Roses Never Fade," with help from Preacher Langston and his wife. Then Mrs. Langston sang a song before Preacher Langston came to preach.

At 77-years old, Preacher Langston has more energy and pep than most folks that are half his age. From his opening remarks to his closing prayer he vehemently expounded the Word of God with great authority. He didn't pull any punches, or make any apologies, just straight in your face Bible preaching. His delivery style is reminiscent of the old-time preaching that I grew up listening to in the 70's. You can listen to his sermon HERE.

By the time the night was over, I was worn out but felt very blessed and revived and looking forward to the next service.