CEDAR RAPIDS, IA — In a stunning coincidence, the Holy Spirit descended in power to bring about revival exactly when First Baptist of Cedar Rapids had scheduled a revival service.
"Incredible timing. The Holy Spirit showed up at exactly 5:30 p.m. in the Great Hall," said Pastor Barry Green. "Totally nailed it."
First Baptist Church had put the revival on the calendar two months ago, deciding to wait on a renewed spiritual awakening until people were back from family vacation. "We actually had to move the revival back another week because of a scheduling conflict with the church softball team," explained Associate Pastor Bob Leinart. "Luckily, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit also held off for an extra week, so it lined up just perfectly!"
Churches have historically had a difficult time scheduling revivals with the famously enigmatic third member of the Trinity. "We feel super fortunate," said Pastor Green. "The Holy Spirit brought revival during the one-and-a-half hour service on Saturday evening, then stopped right on cue when the service ended. It really worked out perfectly because the church softball team had the championship game that night. It was a close call, but they made it just in time."
At publishing time, First Methodist Cedar Rapids had decided to really plan ahead and schedule an outpouring of the Holy Spirit for next January.
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