Sixteen hundred people braved torrential rains to attend the opening of the Bay Area evangelistic campaign under the direction of B. R. Spears. The series was conducted three nights a week in the beautiful Civic Auditorium in the heart of Oakland, California. Over 104 candidates have been baptized and scores of interested people are being visited in the follow-up campaign. Brother Spears has shown great courage in securing such a commodious building for his campaign, and for our Regional evangelists this represents a pioneering effort.
Pastor Spears' evangelistic sermons are unique in that he memorizes whole chapters of Scripture and quotes passages with the accuracy of a reader. Hundreds who come to hear him find this unbelievable, but true. The Word of God is truly the source of his strength.
Joyce Bryant, well-known soloist, assisted in the campaign in its early stages. Her contributions to the spiritual atmosphere of the meetings made lasting impressions for good.
Among those baptized were Dr. and Mrs. C. B. Ricks, both of whom are graduates of Michigan State University. He secured his doctorate in the field of agriculture. He is a citizen of Liberia and a personal friend of President Tubman. Since his conversion to Adventism he has bought hundreds of dollars' worth of religious books in preparation for spiritual service upon returning to Liberia.
The meetings had the faithful support of conference and laity. The Bay Area evangelistic company is now preparing for its next campaign in the city of Richmond.
