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Up
to the time of my first visit to the Azusa Street Mission, I had heard many
conflicting stories of the place, and as I was at the time hungering for the
deeper things of God, yet in my simplicity knew not how to attain to the
standard of the early day Christians, for it seemed as though no one had
risen higher or could tell me how to do so. I knew that my experience fell
short of the Pentecostal life, somehow every one seemed so void of power. As
far as myself was concerned, up to this time I had lived up to the limit and
understanding which I had received. Three times I had been miraculously
healed by the Lord, my testimony being sent by others into every state of the
union as well as abroad. My family had received the same blessings and all
were serving the Lord, so I had much to thank and praise God for. |
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There
came a time in my experience after close study of the Word of God that I realized
that there were deeper things for me, but how, and where I was to receive
that work of grace I did not know. |
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After
hearing of the work at the Mission I thought, "If it is true as I have
been told, of the workings of the Spirit and how the Holy Ghost fell on those
who believed and how the recipient was endued with power from on high, which
caused them to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them
utterance," then that is the place for me and I concluded that on the
following Lord's day, June 10, I would attend and see for myself. |
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From
the first time I entered I was struck by the blessed spirit that prevailed in
the meeting, such a feeling of unity and humility among the children of God.
And before the meeting was over, I was fully satisfied and convinced that it
was the mighty power of God that was working. From that time on I hungered
more and more and felt that I could not be fully satisfied until the
blessings of the Pentecostal life were mine. |
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While
waiting upon God, it was revealed to me that I could not get it through my
past experience and as it were, had to commence over again. I tell you if
ever I was in earnest, I was so now. I gave all to God without any reserve
whatever. Needless to say I received a witness to my sanctification soon
after. Although the agony of soul had been so great at times that I could
hardly bear up, yet God gave me grace to go through. From that time I knew I
was ready for my Pentecost, and at every opportunity presented myself at the
altar in public as well as in private, often receiving anointings after so
doing. |
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Tuesday,
March 5, was at the meeting and seeking for several hours but did not get
through, and it seemed as far away as ever before. When I returned home I
enjoyed a time of fellowship with some of my family, which refreshed me
somewhat. After this, in the evening I decided to visit my neighbors for a
few moments, brethren in Christ, who had received their Pentecost. I was told
that Brother H. Smith was there also. After visiting for a short time, we
agreed to have a season of prayer before we left. Before this was decided
upon, Bro. Smith remarked that probably the Lord would send me my Pentecost.
I was like a man grasping at straws and immediately a ray of hope entered my
soul and I said within myself, "Yes, Lord, send Thy Spirit now."
Little by little I felt the power fall. To make a long story short, I was
soon speaking in other tongues, and the blessed experience gained then I
cannot tell in words, for they would fail to express the divine meaning which
it has to my soul. I spoke in tongues for nearly three hours and glorified
God in them. During this time, God revealed much to me which I will not at
this time relate. I did not think it possible for a human being to be so
filled with God's glory as since then. I now begin to comprehend with all
saints what is the breadth and length, and depth, and height, and to know the
love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the
fullness of God. |
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Louis
Osterberg. |
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From:
The Apostolic Faith, Vol. I N. 7, |