Devco Baptist Church in Geneva experienced what some are describing as revival and renewal after the church’s pastor shared how God gave him a divine vision.
Pastor Truman Scarborough said God spoke to him during his regular time of prayer and meditation Aug. 10, which was 21 days prior to the date God revealed (Aug. 31 ) He would bring revival and renewal in the Devco Baptist congregation. He said he was lying on his bed when God spoke to him about the upcoming revival.
“It just came to me that this was going to be something to glorify God’s name,” Scarborough said. “That’s all I wanted it to be.”
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The pastor said revival would take place before the new church year started in September, which is why he chose Aug. 31. He said God revealed that between one and 31 baptisms would take place during this service as well.
“God revealed to me that that’s one thing we wanted to do to glorify His name and have a great, big day for Him,” Scarborough said. “We had a very good day, and the word got out everywhere.”
Rededications, new members and baptisms
Elaine Scarborough, Truman’s wife, said she and her husband shared this revelation with their church. The Aug. 31 Sunday service, Elaine explained, was a day to glorify God with nine rededications, four people joining the church and three baptisms.
All 26 people in attendance, she noted, participated in taking the Lord’s Supper. There were two other candidates for baptism; however, they were unable to attend the service.
“When [Truman] gave the invitation for rededication, all nine of them came it seemed like at one time,” Elaine said. “They all got up at the same time. They didn’t look around to see who was coming or who wasn’t coming; they just came.”
Overcoming obstacles
The couple said the church faced several stumbling blocks leading up to the promised date of revival. However, they said they chose to reflect on Scripture as they trusted in God’s provision and plans. These hurdles included a singer having to cancel due to a death in his family, a preparation meeting that fell apart and a car show that the couple feared would draw people away from attending the special service.
Scarborough said there was also a woman whose husband would not allow her to become a church member or be baptized, but she came despite her husband’s wishes, joined the church and was baptized.
“We quoted Jeremiah 33:3, and we wound up with a beautiful Lord’s Day,” the pastor said.
Looking to the future
Since the revival, Elaine said, everyone has been very inspired — and she has witnessed growth within her church and community. Some individuals in the community said they want to start coming back to the church.
“They seem so positive, and it changed the outlook of the church,” the pastor’s wife noted. “The entire church was just on cloud nine.”
The Scarboroughs said they hope the church will grow by at least 10% as a result of how the Holy Spirit is moving within their town.
“That’s our goal. To work and do what the Lord is leading us to do,” Elaine said. “Get out and see the people and let them know that we love them, and we love them because Jesus loves them.”
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