WOW

Hey folks...sorry it's been so long since my last post. I've been busy with WOW Jam but I think we're getting to the other side now. Here's a report on how it went:

I arrived at Gus Young Park about 10am on Saturday morning. The WOW International crew was already setting up their stage and running cables to the sound booth. About a dozen volunteers were unloading trucks and waiting for further direction while a crew of neighborhood kids were buzzing around, eyeing bikes and asking questions. The day had finally arrived: HPC’s first WOW Jam.

We had distributed close to 10,000 flyers in the few weeks prior so the neighborhood knew we were coming. They didn’t know what to think of us, but they knew we were coming. As volunteers continued to pour in it was as if a carnival just rose up out of the ground; tents everywhere, music, food, games, face painting; it seemed to just appear. People wandered into the park, first dozens and then hundreds. Gus Young Park, normally known for violence, drugs and gang activity, had transformed into a sanctuary for lost and hurting people.

Ladies, young and old, who have been wounded by this world and beaten down by the every day, sat down with friendly faces and received makeovers, manicures and a listening ear. Young men, desperate for change, received haircuts, spoke with career counselors and discovered that there is a way out. Children received affirmation, hope and the opportunity to believe for something more than they currently have.

Over two hundred volunteers showed up to fix bicycles, serve food, cut hair and to love people. They handed out raffle tickets, dressed up as clowns, rocked babies, distributed groceries and played dress-up with kids. They opened their hearts to a lost and dying community that most have turned away from. They gave up their Saturday for a stranger’s eternity.

Although God showed up for this entire event, at the end of the day He really showed off. Steve and Linda Travani (founders of WOW International) did the alter call. As I stood by the stage I looked out over the crowd; men and women weeping, their hearts breaking in repentance. Children with tears streaming down their faces, hearing for the first time of hope for a better life. They came forward, in twos and threes, some whole family’s and they pressed in, seeking forgiveness and hope…seeking a fresh start. I stood in awe as over three hundred and twenty people gave their lives to Christ. Glory to God.

The following day, in 59 degree weather, we baptized almost thirty people. From troughs that are normally used to feed horses, these new believing rose up out of the water into their new lives. Our volunteers rallied around them, feeding them, loving them and welcoming them to their new family. It was awesome.

We partnered with WOW International to make this event possible. They travel the world and host these WOW Jams in inner cities almost every weekend. But as much as the Travani’s and their crew did, we could not have pulled this off without you. Whether you served up hot dogs with Cooking for Christ, volunteered your skills at hair and makeup, played with kids or fixed their bikes, this event would not have happened without you. Thanks to Operation Blessing we were able to bless hundreds of families with groceries and snacks. Local businesses sent us supplies and laborers to man the tents. BREC allowed us the use of their facilities and provided behind-the-scenes support. Local politicians helped us to navigate the waters of an event this size. Everyone, absolutely everyone was needed to pull this off…and we did!

I know that heaven celebrates when one of the lost are found. I believe heaven also celebrates when we put aside our differences, when we’re not tripping over titles and traditions to decide who is responsible for these souls. We are responsible. Jesus told each and every one of us to go. This weekend we went. Souls were saved, lives were changed and we’re one step closer to populating heaven. Thank you for going. God bless.