September 11 & 12, 2009

We had an awesome Peach Days 2009!

What do you do when 70,000 people come to town for the weekend? You throw open the doors and join the party! That's precisely what we did at Main Street Church during Brigham City's annual Peach Days in September. Being right in the middle of this local festival poses some challenges, but it also brings unique opportunities for ministry. The weather was beautiful this year, resulting in enormous crowds of people wandering right past our door.

Realizing that the Lord has provided us a perfect location, we turned our storefront building into a sort of hospitality center for the duration of the festival. More than 30 volunteers continually popped corn, mopped up messes, and handed out balloons. Offering a cup of cool water in the name of Jesus took on fresh meaning as volunteers continually hauled 5-gallon water-coolers and bags of paper cups out to the sidewalk.

Outside on the street where seating is in short supply, lines form for the porta-potties. Nothing seems to be free, except for the candy which is liberally flung toward the crowds during Saturday's parade. Surprise and disbelief, then relief and delight passed across the faces of those who found our open door. Senior citizens gratefully sank into chairs; young moms were able to nurse their babies in quiet privacy; parents and children alike were grateful for clean restrooms. The free popcorn we offered was gobbled up by hungry children and adults alike. Chairs we placed out on the sidewalk were often occupied by worn-out visitors, waiting for their wandering children to finish up on the carnival rides.

Inside, Christian music videos played throughout the day, alternating with a frequent gospel message. Friday evening featured a live concert by Adam's Road. Bibles, pamphlets and DVD's quietly disappeared from the table where they were offered free of cost. Occasionally someone would ask incredulously "What is this place?", opening the door for a conversation about Jesus.

^^^ The popcorn is popping!

^^^ The Parade is coming!

^^^ Free popcorn for everyone!

^^^ Celebrating Brigham City Style!

^^^ Getting ready for youth parade

^^^ Adam's Road performs Friday Night!