Majors Donald and Vicki Berry, New Jersey divisional leaders, opened Sunday evening’s Salvation Meeting with a call for prayer for the evangelists at the Pier Ministry, who were coming “under attack.”

Major Jeffrey Bassett of the Asbury Park Corps led choruses, then Ian Evans, leader of CAST for the summer, brought the young people to the stage to share their experiences. Shareena Lee, for example, said she faced a situation in which she had to teach some inner–city kids to dress decently so that they could do “holy hip hop.”

Commissioner Freda Larsson, in her testimony, said what a privilege it had been “just sitting and listening” during the weekend.

“Camp Meetings are a time to recharge our batteries and drink in what the Lord has for us,” she said, before reading the evening’s text from Revelation, Chapter 3.

Majors Berry led a Salvation Meeting testimony time, then Commissioner Lawrence Moretz spoke of this series of meetings as an expected “second wave of the Spirit” to follow the Kaleidoscope Mission Congress in June. He said many people had commented to him, “What a good idea!” but confessed the plan came from the Old Orchard Beach Planning Committee, and specifically, longtime Army supporter Calvin Green.

General John Larsson, in his message, invited everyone to “stop in and visit” him and his wife in London. There, he said, most visitors want to see the Tower of London, where the crown jewels are kept.

“As believers, we each have a crown,” he said. But, he said, “We have to hold on to what we have; let no one rob you of your crown.”

If we’re not careful, said the General, Jesus can “move to the periphery. We need to keep our eyes fixed on Him.” Pointing to the CAST team, he said, “They are proclaiming their faith to others, but they are also strengthening their own faith.”

“We are in a cosmic battle,” the General said. “The evil one is determined that we shall not have that crown that has been promised to us.” But, he concluded, echoing General John Gowans, “We have divine power at work within us.… We have a God who will keep us from falling down.”

At the end of the weekend, one soldier from Athol, Mass., Roberta Meehan, perhaps said best what the weekend had been like.

“It has been a tremendous opportunity to experience all the breadth of [the Generals’] years, with all that means.”

Speaking in “General” terms, it was more than a historic beginning for the Camp Meetings; it was a refreshing time in the Spirit for all.