Church’s Independence Day
celebration draws more than 50,000
(September 16, 2001)
At the gates volunteers greet guests
by applying bug spray to ankles and wrists. Inside, antsy children,
with parents in tow, dart from one inflatable play structure to another.
Packs of teens roam across the 200-acre site content just to be with
friends. In the viewing area, thousands of blankets, lawn chairs, tents
and umbrellas lead to a massive stage where a band cranks out songs.
By 8 p.m., more than 50,000 people have gathered in Springfield, Mo.,
for the James River Assembly of God July Fourth "I Love America"
Celebration.
Thousands enjoy festivities
that led up to a fireworks display in Springfield, Mo.
"This is a great way to spend
time with family and friends," says Tim Hayes, a member of James
River Assembly, as he waits in line with his children for a pony ride.
"There’s a lot of people here I know from the community who
do not regularly attend church."
That’s one of the main objectives
of the gathering according to Dick Hardy, administrative pastor at James
River. "At an event like this people see that church is relevant
and fun," Hardy says. "That opens their hearts to what the
Lord has given us to say. When people make a commitment to Christ that
makes all the expense and energy spent worth it."
As the sun begins its descent, a
stealth bomber makes several passes over the site. Minutes later a team
of skydivers, which includes John Lindell, senior pastor of the church,
jump from another plane. But the festivities take an eternal turn when
Assemblies of God evangelist Dave Roever takes the stage and shares
his testimony. Though more than 1,000 feet separate Roever and the last
row of spectators in the viewing area, 70 respond to his altar call.
"People came forward for many
needs," says Karen Dodd, one of more than 150 volunteer altar workers.
"Though we had a tent set up for prayer many people knelt right
near the stage because they were so excited and ready to receive from
God. It’s wonderful to see how God can work in willing hearts."
This year marked the fifth annual
"I Love America" Celebration. The first event drew 13,500
people. Each year since, the number of guests attending, as well as
the number who decide to ask Jesus to be their Savior, has grown. Tonight,
46 people made commitments to Christ as Savior. "If one person
came forward it would have been worth it," says Phil VanDyne, director
of church operations.
The gathering also serves as an
influence in the community. More than 20 local businesses sponsored
the event this year through the donation of goods and services. Local
police and the highway patrol provided traffic control as well. One
television station and four radio stations also broadcast from the site.
Minutes after the altar call, guests
recline on their blankets and in their chairs. Singers in the 235-member
choir make their way to spots on "the world’s largest living
flag." Songs and fireworks begin. For the next 30 minutes, dazzling
lights, thunderous explosions and music fill the darkened sky.
The following Sunday, a dozen of
the 46 who committed their lives to Christ attend church at James River.
"It’s wonderful that people come to the Lord at a fireworks
event," says VanDyne. "Another great aspect of it is that
countless others had seeds of hope planted in their hearts."
