I write this account of our time in Western Samoa from a spiritual standpoint; not after the natural. Who am I to have been a participant in this great move of God and after all other great moves of God took place in other eras before I was even born? I did not even know there was a move of God taking place in Samoa until after I arrived. If I did not just happen upon it (and I know I did not) then I must have been prepared before I came. Below is what I look back as my preparation: First, I was called to preach at 19 years of age and I said, “Yes” and began to earnestly obey this call. Second, I heard and studied the writings of men and women in my generation as they preached and taught such as A. A. Allen: a miracle and healing evangelist. I attended his tent revivals and read his books and monthly publications. I saw and read of the miracles of his ministry. I listened intently to Billy Graham who preached the salvation message to the world. I cried to God that I would be allowed to preach like him. I drove for miles to attend Soul’s Harbor with W.V. Grant. I grew as I went to their camp meetings. I saw the miracles of healing; in one service more than 10 people with one or more deaf ears were suddenly opened. I followed Kathryn Kuhlman by radio and television as she walked in the miraculous. One by one of these known and unknown ministries crossed my life and left something in me that made me able to receive this great move of God. I have left out the years of schooling and degrees because all too often these years of learning are barriers to receiving a move of God like what we saw in Samoa. They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; 24. These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep. (Psa. 107:23-24) Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; (Acts 3:19) We were there; we saw it, we experienced it. Odena, my wife, and I will never forget it. We write this to the generations yet to come – for God is still sending times of refreshing from His presence—and for all you know, you may be in one right now. Don’t let it pass you by.

Cordell & Odena have been evangelists, pastors, and teachers for over 50 years in Texas and Oklahoma. Cordell has a BA in Biblical Studies. He has been a pastor, banker, Dean of “The Biblical School of Theology” in Cleburne, Texas, and Administrator over “Pacific Mission Training Centre” in Matafele, Apia, Western Samoa, and is now retired, writing, and publishing. He and Odena have 4 children, all married, with 13 grandchildren, and two great-grand-children. They reside in Midland, Texas. You may contact Cordell W. Mitchell by email at mitchellsamoa@yahoo.com