KITTANNING, Pa., (BRN) – Ford City was so pleased with what the Kittanning, Pa., campus of Harvest Community Church did for the kids last year, they invited us back to provide the kids activities again this year during their day-long 4th of July celebration: Party in the Park.
They normally attract several thousand people to this local event, which includes a 5K race, a multitude of vendors and food trucks, musical performances and a parade. We set up a variety of bounce houses, a tent for face painting, several games and a story tent.
We bought candy as well as the full color Gospel book produced by the Gospel Project. Parents and kids were invited to the tent where they heard a Gospel presentation and were given both the book to take home as well as the candy. The weather was beautiful, the kids were excited and we were ready to bless this community!Our Lead Pastor has a saying that anyone who goes on a mission trip learns very quickly. Sometimes we need to be reminded that God is in control of our plans so our attitude should always be: “That’s just the way we like it,” knowing that He will work it all together for our good.
The sun did not last very long that morning, and soon after we set up, heavy storms moved in and it was a long day of on and off again rain. The thousands of people we prepared for were discouraged by the weather, but what we did have was an opportunity to talk to all those who did show up. Our volunteers still shared the gospel and demonstrated the love of Christ by providing free entertainment to all our guests. Harvest will continue to stand in the gap between the church and our communities, acting as a bridge to the true gospel of freedom through Jesus Christ – and that is, “Just the way we like it.”
