The members of the Vancouver church were privileged to have Brother Raul Escobar (President of the Canada-Caribbean Union) visit us for a couple of weeks.
On Thursday August 11th, we gathered on the beautiful sight of Third Beach in Stanley Park to witness the baptism of our dear sister Elizabeth Miller. It was a very warm sunny evening and there were still quite a few swimmers on the beach who also were able to witness the baptism. Afterwards Brother Escobar and I spoke at length with a gentleman and his wife who had watched with keen interest. They shared their names and phone number and we hope to reach them in the near future.
Elizabeth used to attend the church in Toronto about 16-17 years ago with her father and brother. They were regular visitors for a couple of years. She had since moved to live with her mother and we lost touch not only with her but the whole family. In that time most of her family had moved to British Columbia (B.C.). But the truth Elizabeth learned as a child had not left her heart. After several years residing in B.C., my wife and I received a telephone call from Ted Miller, her father. He had found the Reform Movement in the telephone book. From then on, we were able to get in touch with the other family members.
The Lord has been working miracles in Elizabeth’s heart for the past two years. She has now decided at this time to give her heart to the Lord and become a member of the family of God. We were all happy to welcome her into the family and she has already been a tremendous blessing and support for the local church.
Since Brother Escobar is also a Natural Health Counsellor we decided to hold a public health seminar during his visit. At first he was a bit nervous since English is not his native tongue, but the Lord blessed his efforts.
The meetings were held on three nights, from August 12-I4. The church members and visitors received many answers to their health problems and other general concerns. Many alternative healing methods were discussed with major emphasis on curing the whole body not just one portion of it. When one part of the body is sick the whole system suffers and is out of balance. We must treat the whole body and bring it back into equilibrium. This brings true lasting health. Many other points on this matter were taken up during these evenings. Brother Escobar has published several health books in the Spanish language. There are plans in the near future to make them available in English. Some of our visitors had inquired about this possibility.
Our future plan is to hold monthly health seminars here in Vancouver. We have dedicated the first Tuesday of every month for this project. The issue of health has opened many doors to reach souls here in Vancouver.
Several people from this seminar have already responded to the gospel and are now taking Bible studies. Please continue to pray for us here in Vancouver. Though we are few, if we are united in the work. the Lord will do mighty things for His people.
Jerry Eaton