There are no words that can fully describe the amazing and miraculous events that happened this past weekend. Among many wonderful happenings, we saw how God used 38 people to touch an entire community because they did seek Him and did not let the enemy have his way.
We knew wonderful and mighty things were going to happen through this group on "Day in the Park" day, March 14th, that they have been planning since last year. We knew because of who they are, servants with a loving and giving spirit willing to serve no matter the cost and we knew because of Whose they are, God's children who have the power within to fight the enemy and win and they did.
We also knew because just about everything that could go wrong, did go wrong even before they arrived. Besides things at the camp breaking and causing much trouble, the rain came in torrents and along with the rain more gnats than we could possibly ever describe. All this and even a last minute change of venue could not stop God working mightily throughout the day and into the night to produce one of the most spirit-filled events this community has seen in a very long time.
The area community in which they worked is a much neglected part of our county. Most people are very poor. Drugs, alcohol, stabbings and shootings are common place. The only church has 15 adult members, yet this community is one of the largest populated in the area. They were very hard hit by Katrina, literally everyone suffering severe flooding and damage, adding to the already depressed living conditions.
On Saturday the group set up tents and held Bible and craft classes for children, youth and adults. They set up in a park next to a grocery store at the front of the community. There were more than 40 children alone who attended. Surprising were the amount of teens and adults who also attended even with the rain and gnats. Everyone was very attentive to the Word of God showing their hunger for Him. And they were also very hungry for the attention that the volunteers gave showing Jesus' love for them. After the classes they were fed lunch. Game time was interrupted by the rain so everyone waited for the evening meal and concert.
With the rain coming down in torrents it was time to move to the only church in the area. There the group of volunteers fed many people a wonderful evening meal before entering the small church to hear the Fishers of Men gospel singing group perform their wonderful music. God has also gifted the musicians with sharing their own personal testimonies from their hearts that further leads everyone into worship of our Lord and Savior.
On Saturday night, the church was filled with the singers, the volunteers, the church members, the people from the area and the Holy Spirit who filled the place with His presence. We worshiped, prayed and many gave testimonies giving glory, honor and praise to Jesus. And three people prayed to receive Christ as Savior!! Hallelujah!!!!
What a night. One we will never forget.
We also want to give praise to the Lord for four special men who worked in the rain and gnats digging a much needed water line. This work was so important to us and we are indebted to them. Also, there were many in the group who worked on Saturday putting up a pavilion at the church. All in all, much was accomplished for His Kingdom in just one weekend! The group is planning to come back in the fall and we are so grateful for them. We know God will richly bless you Oak Hill.
