Indiana—When facing an overwhelming task, God’s Word says all we have to do is ask for His help and it will be given freely. This past Easter season was no exception. When the Bedford Church Evangelistic Outreach Committee planned to host a two-week series of meetings in downtown Bedford focusing on the love of Jesus and the power of the resurrection, the details seemed daunting. There were hundreds of invitations to be mailed or delivered, advertisements to be submitted to more than eight radio stations and local newspapers, nightly special music coordinated, and prayer teams organized to keep the series covered in God’s anointing—the list goes on. "Help" was our cry!

After asking God to provide resources to make this series bring honor and glory to Him, volunteers poured in. I once heard a speaker say the acronym T.E.A.M. meant “Team Effort Achieves Much,” and it became real to us as people stepped up to the challenge and became part of our team.

Each night, an average of 34–50 visitors attended the seminars. Fernando Ortiz, Bedford Church pastor, presented “Experience the Passion this Easter” in new, refreshing ways with topics such as: "Easter’s Love Letter: The Message that Can Change your Life"; "The Passion of Christ: Who Actually Killed Jesus?"; and, "The Power of Resurrection: Easter’s Greatest Promise!"

Nightly special music selections were provided by many talented, Spirit-filled individuals from our congregation and friends from other denominations. It was especially uplifting when a singer from another church remarked how everyone made her feel welcomed and that the pastor’s message was “right on.” This was her first experience in an Adventist setting. She particularly liked how Ortiz spoke the “truth.”

We were blessed by the Indiana Academy choir one night, and the local newspaper editor and photographer came and later published an article featuring the choir. They, too, walked away touched by the talented voices of the choir members.

The two weeks of evangelism was successful in heavenly terms. God’s Word tells us that even when one person gives their life to Jesus, the angels rejoice. They must have had one huge celebration because we had ten people commit their lives to the Lord with decisions for baptisms. Two (who previously completed studies with the pastor) were so fired up for Jesus that they were baptized on Sabbath, Apr. 22. I am sure the halls of Heaven were ringing that day.

"The Bedford Church Outreach Committee will follow up the meetings with an innovative program in which they bring DVDs and Bible studies to attendees' homes to deepen their knowledge of our beliefs," said Daniela Ortiz.

Jesus tells us, “Ask, and it shall be given to you. Seek, and you shall find.” We asked for His help, and He gave it freely. We, in turn, gave the message of truth and love to those seeking—and it was freely given. For me, it was a life-changing two weeks.

Judi Roberts, Bedford Church correspondent