The year was 1970. I was 5 years old and attending my second GMBA Campout (with the 1968 event in Nauvoo, Illinois, being my first). At the time, a lot of adults and young people were very enthusiastic about recreation. In fact, the softball and volleyball events, as well as the horseshoe tosses, drew large crowds. In short, adult rec was a big deal at the early GMBA Campouts.

At that Campout in Canfield, Ohio, I witnessed the demonstration of the Power of God during an adult rec softball game that I still remember 50 years later!

One afternoon during adult rec, there was a softball game full of excitement and competition. In the course of the game, Harold Batalucco (not yet a member) slid into second base and was in great pain. Several brothers went over to take a look, as Harold got up holding his arm. Harold was taken from the field and was sitting on the porch of a building nearby. Plans were being considered to take him to get medical attention, (and yes, the game did continue!).

All of a sudden and under the inspiration of the Power of God, Brother Jim Lovalvo, an Apostle of the Church, went over to anoint him. Everyone everywhere stopped and knelt in prayer during the anointing. What a sight to see everyone kneeling on the ground.

After the prayer, Harold amazingly raised his arm, and his shoulder went back into place. Note that, per his family, from that moment, he never experienced any pain or disability in that shoulder. He then asked for his baptism and became our Brother Harold!

As an added testimony, Joe Carlini, witnessing this event, was so struck with the Power of God, that he asked for his baptism as well. Needless to say, the Camp was electrified with the demonstration of the Power of God.

The one memory that I have, aside from the healing, is of Brother Lovalvo’s reaction. He was blessed and happy BUT NOT surprised, stunned, or in awe of God’s Power. His confident walk to anoint the brother, and his reaction, made an impact on me that I still remember years later.

Click Here to Download the GMBA Camp In Calendar of Events

What’s coming up next?

Today, Thursday, July 9

• 11 a.m. Eastern – The Power of the Proceeds, presented by Brothers Dave Lovalvo, Joe DiBattista, and Michael Watson, airing on the GMBA YouthCast channel.

Tomorrow, Friday, July 10

• 11 a.m. Eastern – GMBA Camp In Recap, presented by the GMBA Officers, airing on the GMBA YouthCast channel.

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.