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Halloween Or God?
My parents were both singing evangelists for the Seventh-day Adventist denomination. From the time I was about 6 months old until I was almost 7, my parents moved about every 6 weeks to a new city, and sometimes a new state. They did this because each time we moved, we started a new Daniel and Revelation Seminar series in the new town.
First, we found a new apartment to rent. Then my dad helped the tent crew set up the giant circus tent, spread the sawdust on the ground, and put up the stage and chairs. When I was ready to start school, my parents began to “settle down” and my dad became involved as an “associate pastor” at various SDA churches.
I’m not sure when it started, but I do remember participating in Halloween beginning at a very young age. My brother and I enjoyed having fun with the kids in our neighborhood and collecting candy. And I continued to enjoy the celebration until I was in my 20s.
My Own Experience With God
Then, in March of 1983, I finally had my own experience with God. He gave me a personal Bible study, just between the two of us! I spoke with the pastor of Beaverton SDA Church in Beaverton, Oregon, and we arranged for my rebaptism on March 27 of that same year. It turns out that March 27, 1983, was also Nissan 14 on the Jewish calendar, which means it was “Passover”! And that year, I turned 27 years old also in March, just before my rebaptism!
And just like any other “new convert,” I had my ups and downs, my discouraging times, and my good times with my Lord.
I was still single at the time, and when Halloween came around that year, I planned to do something fun on that night with some SDA social group. Someone told me that the local SDA Conference office was having a party that night, so I decided to check it out.
Halloween 1983
It took me quite a while to find the right place, and while I was trying to find a parking spot, a young man approached my car and handed me a small flyer that talked about the history of Halloween. I took the flyer with me and went inside. The party had not yet started, and the organizers were still setting things up. So I took a seat and began reading the flyer.
As I read the flyer, God was speaking to my heart and asking me if I really wanted to pursue my relationship with Him or indulge in a little more sin. Yes, that’s how He put it to me!
A Strong Temptation
Then I noticed one of the organizers, who was wearing a “cat suit.” She was a young woman, probably in her early 20s, with a slim and lovely figure! I knew that because the catsuit was made of a very thin and tight-fitting material. As a result, I could see that she was not wearing anything except the catsuit, and all of her body shapes were clearly visible.
I really wanted to stick around and enjoy the party, especially after seeing that young, beautiful woman. But God was still speaking to my heart. He asked me, ‘Arthur, what do you really want?’ I was aware of the whole history of Halloween. This was NOT the first time I’d read about it. But it was the first time I’d really thoughtfully considered what I was doing about that knowledge!
It was clear to me that staying at the party might be fun, but it would also be throwing away my newfound relationship with God! I wanted so much to stay. I knew that nobody there would understand why I had to leave. But my choice was to treasure my new relationship with God. So I told one of the organizers, “I’m sorry, but I have to go.” I didn’t give any explanation, I just left.
I knew that I would be going home to an empty apartment, all alone. I would not be at any party. But I knew that God would understand why I left, and He would be with me to bring me comfort.
That was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make! But I’ve never regretted that decision! And I’ve never celebrated Halloween myself or encouraged anyone else to do so either, since that night. Why? Because that night it became clear to me that celebrating Halloween might be fun, but it was going to hurt my relationship with God! And I knew that it would destroy what I had with Him!
Yes, I’d known about the history of Halloween since I was 12 years old, but until 1983, I felt that my prayers just bounced off the ceiling and were never really heard or at least noticed. I knew God was there…But He did not seem real to me.
But now I knew that He was real. He gave me a personal, one-on-one Bible study on “Righteousness by Faith” that lasted 3.5 hours! I did NOT want to lose that relationship with Him! He still talks with me today! And I’ve seen My Guardian Angel Michelle many times!
So, dear friend, do you also want a real relationship with God? Are you ready to take Him seriously? What sacrifices are you willing to make? He is worth the sacrifice, my friend!
When He asks you to make a sacrifice, pay attention! I know from personal experience that He is worth every sacrifice!
Another Resource: Should A Christian Celebrate Halloween?,
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