FamilyFEST Day 1

What a day! We kicked off the first day of FamilyFEST with an orientation and commissioning ceremony this afternoon. 125 volunteers, some from the local area, most from around the country, have joined us as we minister in the Wisconsin Dells this week.

Our first event of the week was this evening - a block party at Hines Memorial Park. Many of the international students that Pine Valley Church works with came out this evening, plus a few more that saw the party and decided to join us. These kids are so much fun to be around. Most of them come to the United States for the experience and to work on their English...so they love to talk! I met students from Kosovo, Jamaica, Taiwan, China, Italy, several middle-eastern countries, plus a few more that I don't pronounce very well:-)

We were a little disappointed that no one came out from Ridgewood. This is an apartment complex that houses many Hispanics. A couple of us went over to Ridgewood and talked to a few families. One family was grilling out and invited us to eat with them...so we ate and talked. I suppose if many had come to the block party, we may never have ventured over and had this opportunity. Tomorrow we will start a Backyard Bible Club there for the kids, along with English classes for the adults. Please pray for us as we attempt to build bridges of trust this week!

It's hard to put into words all that happened tonight. A very full evening, and lots of great things happening...can't wait to see what God will do through the week!

Tomorrow - many ministries getting started:
Backyard Bible Clubs in 4 or 5 locations
Block party to minister to the HoChunk Nation (Native Americans)
First Responders Appreciation
Construction work in Tomah for a church that has a roof caving in & in the Dells for a motel that will house displaced women and children
International students ministries

I'm probably leaving something out! Please continue to pray for hearts to be prepared to respond as we continue to demonstrate Christ's love in words and actions!