Grace Outreach Participates in Pentecost 2025

Story by Liz Bailey

In December 2024, members of the Grace Outreach church in Logan, W.Va., gathered with a burden on their hearts: evangelism. After prayerful discussion, the church committed to a bold and faith-filled initiative: to host three consecutive weekends of reaping meetings, designed to grow the church and impact the community in a powerful way.

Led by D. W. West, assistant to the president for Adventist World Radio, each weekend delivered spirit-filled messages that inspired both members and guests alike. Grace Outreach members, already active in giving Bible studies, were ready to take the next step. West’s messages focused on growth—both spiritually and numerically—challenging the church to step forward in faith.

Fifteen visitors attended these special weekends, and 10 remained engaged after the first weekend. Of those 10, six made the life-changing decision to be baptized. The remaining four joined a small Bible study group, which quickly grew to more than 15, with several participants preparing for baptism.

One family in particular touched the hearts of many. Although the Evans family embraced the biblical teachings, only the daughter, Valerie, was baptized during the first weekend. However, after continued Bible studies and visits from Pastor Tony Garcia and the ministry team, three weeks later, her father, Owen, and mother, Rosemary, made the decision to join the church. In a moving gesture, Owen was baptized wearing the same robe his daughter had worn during her baptism—as part of the special “Garments of Faith” initiative led by the Columbia Union Conference—while Rosemary joined the church by profession of faith. Their story became a testimony of unity, love and transformation through Jesus. Today, they joyfully refer to Grace Outreach as their “spiritual home.”

God is truly on the move in Logan, say leaders. Grace Outreach has seen a glimpse of what happens when faith, action and the Holy Spirit come together.