Ivor Powell Campaign: Stirring Times In Hastings

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Ivor Powell Campaign: Stirring Times In Hastings - 1955

Following the Assembly, the Rev. and Mrs. Ivor Powell proceeded to Hawke's Bay for the final phase of their 1955 campaign. Unfortunately the time available for this campaign necessitated one of the final two missions being a short mission and so Hastings was only able to have the evangelist for 12 days, including two Sundays, instead of the usual three.

Preparation work was thorough and the Rev. N. R. Wood speaks of the initial benefit to the church in the excellent series of prayer meetings that were convened. Publicity was, according to Mr. Powell, equal to anything he had experienced thus far in New Zealand. Care was taken to see that accommodation was adequate and a large theatre booked for the occasion. At no time was the theatre fully taxed but attendances did reach for one night, 700. This was "not up to expectations, but exceeded anything our church has experienced in the past."

The work of Mr. and Mrs. Powell was greatly appreciated. Mr. Wood reports "he won the hearts of us all and was seen at his best in the inquiry room dealing with children and Maoris." Some 62 people signed cards. Of these, 33 designated their wish to attend other churches and their names were duly passed on to the ministers concerned. The report concludes: "There were some really good cases of conversion and these will be followed up. Since the mission seven people have indicated their concern about baptism. Mr. Wood says that the town has been stirred and confronted with the Gospel and lives have been changed.

Since this mission, Mr. and Mrs. Powell have moved to Napier for the final campaign. Following this, our friends will fly to Fiji for a well-earned respite before returning to take up the battle at Tauranga in the New Year. Our people everywhere who have come to deeply appreciate the splendid work our friends are doing in our midst will unite to wish them a very happy holiday and a renewal of strength for the work that still waits to be done.

The Crusade in Napier

One of the pleasing features of this campaign was that after the stir in Hastings, nightly almost, the people came through in their cars, and always unconverted people came with them. Consequently, there were some trophies of grace, and again, the Hastings Church will gain new people.