Revival and Renewal Mark Discipleship Training Event at Connection Community Church

Photo courtesy of Susy Solomon

A spirit of revival and renewal was felt at the Connection Community (Laurel, Md.) church during a discipleship training event held from March 17-19. Seven local churches were represented among the attendees, with individuals seeking a deeper understanding of their faith and a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ.

Don MacLafferty, president and founder of In Discipleship, was the weekend’s featured speaker. Through his Christ-centered presentations, he focused on the principles of discipleship, urging participants to experience a deeper relationship with Jesus by spending unrushed time in Bible study and prayer, and by daily surrendering their whole selves to Him.

Susy Solomon, Personal Ministries director for the Connection Community church, described the atmosphere of the weekend as an “upper room” experience, with revival taking place among those who attended. “Everybody was like ‘Wow, I needed this!’ We felt the Lord’s presence there,” she said.

Pedro Sauder, Connection Community pastor, reflected on the sad reality that many Adventists lack assurance of salvation in their lives and noted the transformative impact the weekend training had on many of those who attended. “In Discipleship, led by Don MacLafferty, brought a spirit of revival to the Connection Community church and [taught us] to experience what [it means] to be saved in Jesus. As part of our evangelistic cycle, we wanted to prepare our hearts and learn how to have a gospel experience so we can share [the message] with love and respect to those who come our way,” he said.

The Connection Community church plans to build on the principles learned during the training to reach the city of Laurel. As part of this effort, the church is organizing an initiative to distribute “The Great Controversy” to city residents. Solomon explained, “We are looking forward to going out and reaching the whole area of Laurel. We want to do outreach and share what the Lord is doing.”