Lyle Albrecht recently presented a five-week Revelation series at the Cottonwood church to interested residents of the Verde Valley. The church mailed invitations and members invited their neighbors and friends. Church members prayed that God would prepare people's hearts and minds for what the Bible says about Jesus' plan of salvation.

Bob Lawson, the church’s new pastor, kicked off each meeting with heartfelt prayer and a warm personal greeting before he introduced the speaker.

Many attendees knew Albrecht from his regular appearances on 3ABN television. They seemed to embrace his dynamic presentations and enjoy his humor, which he integrated into his lectures.

Albrecht reiterated throughout the meeting, “Don’t just take my word for it,” to encourage the attendees to explore the Bible on their own. All the subjects presented were taken directly from the Bible and yet clearly related to modern issues. Attendance averaged 120 people per meeting.

Going into the third week of the meetings, the Cottonwood church hosted fellowship dinners on Saturday afternoons to establish new friendships, build on-going relationships and share the blessings of Sabbath worship.

On Feb. 11, the final day of the lecture series, 14 people were baptized and three joined by "profession of faith." Three others were baptized during the next three weeks. and others are continuing their studies.

It is projected that the population of the Verde Valley will double in the next five years. Obviously, members will have plenty of new neighbors with whom they can share Jesus' love.