City Fest Reflections

    

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We trust there are lots of stories yet to be told about how God was at work during this campaign. Here's the reflections of just three FPC folks who were involved in different ways as volunteers. You'll still find a highlight video and some sentence praises here. 

Barbara Knepper

   I was reluctant, to say the least, when Allan suggested we should go to the Festival Friend training. But it was just training, so ok. And the training was good. It provided lots of insight into ways we relate to others and how best to share the gospel in light of our strengths. Of course, since we'd now been trained, we ought to serve, right? Reluctant again. But I knew it was valuable. And anytime you have a chance to tell someone the gospel, you can't pass that up. 

   So we went to CityFest Saturday evening to serve as Festival Friends, which are also known as counselors. Andrew Palau gave the invitation, and I had the privilege of speaking with Lisa. She had come with her future mother-in-law who is a believer. The next afternoon, I sat down with 4 year old Sasha and 8 year old Sofia, sweet sisters who raised their hands in response to the children's message. That was pure joy! Later that afternoon, Allan and I spoke with a young couple following the message at the BMX show, who committed their lives together to Jesus.  

 

   It truly was a privilege. One that I would have chosen to avoid, but for obedience. I guess that's my lesson. I don't get to avoid important kingdom work because I'm reluctant. Of course I'm unqualified. Jesus is the only one who is qualified. But if He provides an opportunity, He also provides the means. And redeems my poor efforts, because ALL things work together for good for those who love Him. 

 

    I walked around after I checked in to get the lay of the land. Spent a little time watching guys on motor cycles do things that thrilled me and made me nervous at the same time. And then I heard the simple testimony and invitation to raise your hand if you wanted to recieve Christ. And people raised their hands. THEY RAISED THEIR HANDS right there. And then I watched the t-shirted volunteers come over to them and begin the conversation. A small cluster of folks who had raised their hands didn't have a Festival Friend talking with them and I was just about to put on my t-shirt and step up to the task. I wasn't needed because Barbara and Allan Knepper walked up just then and began the conversation.

   I got to pick up trash for a couple of hours which let me see what was happening and how people were interacting. I was moved by Chef Jerry Dyer's testimony, grateful for his vulnerability. Then I enjoyed, sitting next to Roger & Arida Taylor, the worship and Luis Pulau's message. And once again, people raised their hands. THEY RAISED THEIR HANDS. A woman in front of me was one of the hand raisers. So i put on my Festival Friend shirt and started a conversation. She assured me she was already a believer and was just moved in the moment, so it was a short conversation. But a while later, she turned and asked if I would pray for her and her family. So I gathered her and her three adolescent children up in a group hug or huddle and prayed. I don't know what it meant to her children, but her tears told me God was caring for her in that moment and I counted it a privilege and a joy to be in on God's encouragement to her. 

    I was exhausted myself by the time CityFest was over, as I volunteered from about 1:00pm to 7:00pmon both Sat and Sun, selling Palau merchandise and then registering "Friends" of the Festival. I sold books and T-shirts, gave orange counselor t-shirts and counseling materials out, gave directions, and general information to many, many people. So my "crowd quotient" was pretty much full by the time I was done with the volunteer portion of my day. But I didn't want to miss Andrew or Luis Palau speak. I hadn't prepared as well on Saturday and my aching feet only allowed me to stay till half-way through Andrew Palau and I hobbled my way back to my car. But on Sunday, I brought my chair and was able to enjoy Luis Palau preach the message.  What an inspiration to watch all the hands raised when the call came and see many people called to Christ - hallelujah! King and Country were my favorite part, being the true rock-n-roller I am, but it was past my bed-time when it was over and I was happy to go home. What a wonderful two days and what a great way to spend my time and energy!  I hope there were others who enjoyed it as much as I did.