During a 30-day revival at Salt Lake City’s Central church, 31 people accepted Christ and were baptized. Others are completing studies in preparation for baptism in the near future. Dr. Andrews Ewoo, ministerial secretary and family life coordinator, West-Central African Division, was the featured speaker.

Central’s Pastor Earl Peters was overwhelmed with the people’s continued response to Ewoo’s appeals. During worship on the last Sabbath of the revival, Peters announced that 11 people would be baptized. His eyes grew wide as 19 candidates stretched across the two front pews of the sanctuary. Apparently, some made decisions Friday evening and came to church Sabbath morning prepared for baptism.

The “Passion of Love” community revival drew a family that had visited the church 10 years earlier but had not become members. Three of the four family members were baptized.

Each night, Ewoo prayed that the Holy Spirit would speak through him so that even a child would understand what he was saying. The answer to that prayer was evident in the number of youth who lined up for baptism.

Some families who had drifted from the church returned during the revival and vowed to stay.

The nightly meetings began on the Fourth of July. Ewoo also conducted a seminar for married couples two Thursday nights during the revival.

With tears in her eyes, Ellen Utai thanked Ewoo for his ministry to her family and expressed how deeply moved she was with his teaching. During the evening concert, Utai sang the song “Look for Me” as a farewell dedication to the speaker. Utai’s 17-year-old daughter, Darlene, was baptized.

Ewoo shared his personal testimony about how he came to know Jesus, Whom he lovingly calls “my Friend.” Ewoo’s warm smile and humble, friendly mannerisms touched the congregation.

He admonished the church to nurture and care for their new members. “Love them, be patient with them, don’t criticize them. Let them grow up in Christ Jesus with the help of the Holy Spirit,” he said.

The Samoan congregation of Salt Lake City joined the revival and provided special music on several nights. Pastor Pepe Iata attended nearly every night and spent the entire day at Central on the last Sabbath of the revival. Iata’s best friend, Greg, a Mormon who is learning about Adventism, attended most of the meetings.

“Pastor Peters and I have a bond of brotherhood now that will never be broken,” Iata said.

Peters mentioned the Samoan church’s evangelistic meetings that are scheduled for October and pledged Central’s support.

Former choir director Roger Harrison, who was in town for a family reunion, reorganized the choir and provided music during the worship service and an evening concert. Harrison moved to Wilmington, Del., about a year ago. The revival was organized by the personal ministries team Gladys Poku, Sunnie Daud and Samuel Boateng. All the church members pitched in to help make the month-long revival a success.