The Word of God was adhered to in every detail. The observance of the ordinances which Christ set forth was carried on strictly in accordance to the Bible teaching. Following the Lord’s Supper, the Washing of the Disciples’ Feet was observed as Jesus commanded His disciples in John 13:5. Everything was done decently and in order.

In spite of straightforward preaching by faithful ministers, difficulties would arise at times, and the meetings would be hindered; and the people of God would have to be called together for what was termed a “saints’ meeting.” Notes from a sister’s records relate the following incident, “We had our first saints’ meeting in a humble little upper room. A few differences had come up and Sister Crawford got us together where we sat on the floor in a circle, as chairs were scarce; and there she talked with us and everything was straightened out.” At such times someone would possibly confess his wrong, the error of his way, and repent; then the power and presence of God would again rest on the meetings and souls would be won for the Lord.

Stormy sessions sometimes arose when people who were not sound in doctrine tried to attach themselves to the church. Possibly they had some crooked doctrine and were trying to hang on to some of their sins; but the standard was never lowered for anyone. Mother said, “I would rather have my right arm severed from my body than to deny one word in that Holy Book. I would rather have my eye pulled out of the socket than to see the standard of the Word lowered.” She declared that if one would open his heart and be honest before God and His Word, he would receive faith and confidence in his soul that would enable him to know the doctrine wherein he was to walk; and he would be given power to live above sin.

From the very beginning, critics predicted this Apostolic Faith work would never survive. Some thought the doctrine of living above sin could not stand. They said that everyone has to sin a little and then repent. But Mother unflinchingly took her stand on the Word of God, “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin” (I John 3:9). Others thought a church without a collection plate would soon come to naught.

In face of much persecution the number of Christian workers, who loved the standard of God’s Word, grew steadily. Some of those early pioneers remarked, “The God of Israel is still in the world. He has entrusted to us this Gospel work, this glorious faith, and we will die for it, if need be.”