Mount Zion Church Hosts Life Conference 2025

Story by Anthony Chornes II

The town of Erie, Pa., recently became the stage for a powerful demonstration of God’s faithfulness during Life Conference 2025, part of North American Division’s Pentecost 2025 initiative. Themed “Freedom in Jesus,” the journey didn’t begin on the first night of the event, but months earlier on Zoom planning meetings.

Beginning in February, the Mount Zion church leadership team gathered faithfully with Jerome M. Hurst, Allegheny West Conference’s Evangelism coordinator and his team—Bible counselors Minger Nesmith and Wilma Ward—to plan, pray and dream. Their guiding principle was simple yet profound— Christ’s method alone. Love, prayer and personal connection would be the tools of this harvest.

The Mount Zion church, though small in number, is strong in commitment, as about 25 individuals faithfully gather each Sabbath. Within this group lives a vibrant tapestry of cultures and languages: Spanish, English, Swahili and Kirundi all flow together in worship. For years, the church had relied on volunteer or part-time pastors. For the past four years, its local leaders have faithfully carried the weight of ministry— prayerfully, quietly, with unwavering hope.

By the time the weeklong event arrived, anticipation filled the air. Families arrived carrying backpacks and hope; children’s eyes sparkled as volunteers distributed school supplies, groceries, household essentials, gift cards and even offered haircuts. What began each night as a modest gathering quickly swelled to an average of 50 adults and 30 children, eager for the Word and the love of Christ.

Hurst carried one concern into the week. There would be no nightly song service—a tradition he knew often set the tone for evangelistic meetings. Yet that concern melted away once the Word was preached. Each service opened with the theme song playing softly in the background, a warm welcome and prayer. Then came the message: clear, bold and rooted in the eternal truth that freedom in Jesus is real, available and transformative. And the people responded. Night after night, they said “yes” to Jesus—trusting Him with their lives, their struggles and their futures.

“The baptisms became the heartbeat of the week,” says Hurst. “Each one was a story, a victory, a testimony. Families gathered, neighbors rejoiced and the sanctuary became a place of tears and triumph. One young woman, hesitant all week, stepped into the waters with trembling hands—only to rise with a radiant smile, her eyes shining with newfound hope. Children clapped. Elders wept. The Spirit moved visibly, undeniably.”

By the end of the week, 39 people were baptized. Combined with 10 earlier baptisms, the church celebrated 49 new members in 2025. Through it all, one truth stood clear: God’s Word is true.

“The Mount Zion congregation banded together, united in purpose, and witnessed firsthand that Christ’s method—love, personal care and prayer— never fails,” says Hurst. “Life Conference 2025 was more than an evangelistic meeting; it was a week of hope, healing and tangible love.”