November 14, 2005 - Inferno X

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Inferno X
By Jordan Newman and Sarah k. Holland
November 14, 2005

They come for the effects. To clap their bright orange thunder-sticks along with the band playing in the crow’s nest at the back of the sanctuary during the Inferno X pre-show. To see the countdown in life-sized Roman numerals change with the beat of the gong on stage, the band platform that moved both during and between songs, and to see the huge X of light at each side of the platform—signaling that this was the tenth annual Inferno—burst forth with light sticks that spread their way across the nearly filled, brand-new 2,800 seat sanctuary of The Apostolic Church of Auburn Hills, Michigan, on October 28-29, 2005.

And while the effects did not disappoint, they were nothing compared to the anointed praise and worship, the small groups that ministered, and the man of God who brought forth the bread of life.

The Highlights
Friday featured upbeat worship led by Tyron Page and the Impact Praise Team, Testify, from Parkway Apostolic Church (of Oak Creek, WI), Called and Chosen Youth Choir, and The Tyler Walea Band. While all were outstanding, Tyler and his band, made up of several musicians who filled in for band members unable to make it due to losses from Katrina, were an absolute surprise. Out of Louisiana and Texas, they are almost unknown to this area of the country. Their tight playing and heartfelt worship made them a new favorite. Rumor has it they may even be back as the featured group for next year.

Rev. Joel Urshan preached out of II Kings 2, with a title of “Buried with the Bones of the Prophet.” He preached on the memorialization of a prophet, and how our bones are the last of ourselves that we leave behind. He also spoke about Jeroboam who refused to unite the kingdom of Jerusalem. He placed false gods in cities closer to his people, making the way easier for them to worship idols. Urshan pointed out that God wants to be the center of our praise, and we cannot take the easy way of worship, but all worship belongs to God.

Saturday stood in complete contrast to Friday night. The moveable platforms were pushed back and stilled to make way for the 14 piece string ensemble and grand piano, who together, with The Apostolic Church’s own youth praise band, led Saturday’s praise and worship service. This amazing ensemble was joined by and led into, the Called and Chosen Youth Choir singing, “Lord, I’m Amazed by You,” and “Your Servant’s Prayer.”

After moving media by Holy Grounds Production, Testify began to sing and the power of God fell. For the first time in the 10 year history of Inferno, those gathered could not delay for the preaching, but flooded the altar to the overflowing move of God. The Tyler Walea Band played and sang through altar call as God touched and changed young people.

It Wasn’t All Church
The Afterburn, held at Oakland University’s Rec Center, was better than ever. Placing the bands on the upper level increased the mobility of the crowd, and allowed for people to stop and listen to All in Honesty, Personified, Fallen Chains, and Flashpoint. Downstairs were the volleyball and basketball tournaments, as well as the $10,000 basketball challenge, where one young man had the opportunity to win if he could only make a lay-up, free throw, three point, and half court shot in 30 seconds or less.

The move of God, the unmatched music, and the extraordinary effects made the tenth annual Inferno, the most outstanding Inferno conference to date.

ninetyandnine.com

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Jordan Newman is a sophomore at Auburn Hills Christian School, where he spends him time playing his bass. Sarah k. Holland is a copy editor for www.ninetyandnine.com.