On the weekend of July 6 to 8, 2001, Moriah Heights was in flame. In spite of being a fire season in California, the flames which were consuming Moriah Heights were not literal. They were the flames of the Holy Spirit performing in our annual spiritual camp meeting.

The flames started on Friday 6, at around 7:00 pm, when Pastor Cruz announced the opening of the meeting and addressed the first study "Revival and Reformation Under the Ministration of the Holy Spirit", which was the theme of our spiritual gathering. "It may sound weird, but we need a reformation in the Reform Movement. It is doubtless that a great reformatory movement must take place among us before the Latter Rain and the Second Coming of Jesus", said Pastor Cruz. He also explained the difference between revival and reformation and emphasized that all true reformation is only possible under the ministration of the Holy Spirit. The flames intensified on the same evening during the second study by Pastor Suresh Kumar who stood God’s law out as "The Foundation of All Enduring Reformation".

On Sabbath morning, July 7, the Lord covered the camp with a pillar of cloud bestowing upon us a very pleasant weather. Yet, the fire of the Holy Spirit strongly burned the hearts of those who were present in the divine service when Pastor Silva addressed the subject "The Gospel of Restoration". He spoke about Christ’s mission in forgiving all our sins and giving us the assurance of eternal life. He quoted that "as the sinner sees Jesus as He is, an all compassionate Savior, hope and assurance take possession of his soul". He also emphasized the powerful work of the Holy Spirit in restoring God’s image in us as a primordial work of the Gospel. His final appeal to the congregation was positively answered.

We were blessed with the presence of Brother Nilson Jones from Dallas, Texas who broad-casted, through the Internet, the messages that besides reaching more than four hundred people gathered at Moriah Height, were also able to reach other hundreds of souls around the world. Blessed be the name of the Lord!

On the Sabbath afternoon we had a blessed young people’s meeting followed by the Maranatha Choir’s Presentation. God was greatly honored and praised and the congregation was uplifted with ten very precious and sacred songs. After the presentation many people were able to say "did not our hearts burn within us, while they sang ‘Holy! Holy! Holy!’, ‘How Great Thou Art’, ‘The Lord Bless You and Keep You’, and many other songs?" That was one of the warmest moments in our gathering. Many tears were shed and many hearts were filled with the Holy Spirit. Praise the Lord!

Sabbath evening we had two more important studies. "Where Does the True Reformation Begin?" by brother Clemens who spoke about the great reformatory work that the Holy Spirit is willing to perform in the family. Very important aspects of educational work as a foundation of the reformatory work was very well delineated. In the second study "How May the Breach Be Repaired?", the correct way of observing the Sabbath was explained by pastor Kumar.

On Sunday morning, July 8, the flames extended and reached their highest point at Rancho Seco. Even the cool water of the blue lake could not quench the fire that was burning the hearts, especially the hearts of the seven souls who sealed their commitment with the Lord through baptism. The Lord blessed us with a very beautiful sunny whether. The people enjoyed the pleasant environment and many tears were shed in gratitude to the Lord.

Before closing the spiritual feast we had two more precious studies: "Diet Reform" by Brother Paul Balbach and "The Reward of Reformers" by Pastor Alfons Balbach who helped us to foresee the happiness and eternal enjoyment of God’s people in His kingdom to come.

We thank God for burning so many hearts with the flames of His Holy Spirit. We hope that the impressions made may endure for all eternity. Amen!

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