Antioch Association Revival, Golconda

The Echoes were honored to be asked to sing for the opening night of a 1-week Revival for the Antioch Baptist Association churches in Illinois. The Golconda 1st Baptist Church was the host for the revival services. Tim Sadler, Director of Evangelism for the Illinois Baptist State Association, was the evangelist for the revival. Tim is the son of Paul Sadler, who pastored at Golconda 1st Baptist for a 10-year period during Tim's growing-up years.

The Echoes began by singing "I've Got That Old Time Religion In My Heart," followed by "Written In Heaven." David then sang about God's goodness to His children, "Thank God For Grace." "Preach The Word" then encouraged people to be more powerful witnesses for Christ. They then ended with an encouraging word for anyone who is going through troubles or trials, with a song that reminds us that God has everything "Under Control."

Tim then began his message by reminiscing about the yards he had mowed while growing up in Golconda, and the lasting friendships he had fostered. He also shared a story about Lon Baker, who was one of the founding members of the Echoes from Calvary. One day, while doing some custodial work in the church, Lon was talking with Pastor Paul, while Tim was listening. Lon proceeded to tell Paul that he had to finish up his work because he had to go to the "dam picnic" that afternoon. Tim couldn't believe what he was hearing coming from Lon's "potty mouth." Of course, Tim didn't realize that Lon worked at the Lock & Dam 51 in Golconda, and they were having their annual employee picnic that afternoon.

But after the thinking back to times past, Tim began preaching a powerful sermon about the need for workers in the field today. He preached about the need for concern for winning people to Christ now, before it's too late. He encourage people to go out to do what one of the songs the Echoes sang during the service, "Preach The Word."

It was a great start to a week of revival. And that's what the Echoes strive to do each time we sing, to perhaps help revive people and to encourage people through the Gospel in song to be on fire for God.