CLEARLAKE — The word of the Lord was spread through praise, music and fellowship on Saturday at Austin Park. The fifth annual “Fun in the Son” event provided spiritual and recovery outreach from a variety of area ministries and other community resources.
One and all were welcomed to the afternoon celebration, which included testimony, Gospel music, free food and prizes and children”s activities that kept the youngsters busy all day. A swarm of information was also made available by various organizations offering recovery services throughout the area.
Although attendance numbers were slightly lower than they have been in the past, Pastor Larry Fanning said he had faith in the overall impact of the event. “We are down a little in number but I trust God in the difference we are making,” Pastor Fanning said. “We”re seeing God”s work in action, outside of the church, in the middle of the park where people are open to positive things.”
The religious community was well-represented throughout the event by a selection of denominations. Representatives from Gideon”s International were in attendance offering guests a copy of the New Testament. The organization, which has no particular affiliation, travels to 182 countries spreading the word of God in 70 different languages, representatives said.
Healing Rooms of Lake County offered guests personal, private and confidential prayer for physical, emotional and spiritual healing.
Visitors to the Healing Rooms” booth found handouts for reciting standard prayers for forgiveness, healing, strength and more. A prayer for troops serving in the Middle East was also available.
Healing Rooms of Lake County would like to invite the community to a simulcast of “TheCall,” which is an event calling for a day of united, massive fasting and prayer.
The public is invited to join the simulcast from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1 at Neighborhood Christian Fellowship, 14660 Olympic Drive in Clearlake. For more information visit www.thecall.com or www.lakecountyhop.com/.
Youngsters from a local youth fellowship group were on hand explaining to their peers the benefits of joining Xtreme Impact.
The group meets at 7 p.m. every Thursday at First Assembly of God located at the corner of 40th and Snook avenues.
The youth, who ranged in age from junior high to high school, gather each week to share worship and prayer and listen to a message. The group also shares togetherness by taking trips to such exciting places as ice rinks, snowy slopes and theme parks.
Bike blessings were offered by members of the Christian Motorcyclists Association.
Members of the group gather once a month to share in their motorcycle interest and build a relationship with God. For more information about the Christian Motorcyclists Association call (870) 389-6196 to find your nearest local chapter.
“Teen Challenge” joined the event for the first time this year. According to Zephaniah Bainimarama, who is a student in the program, Teen Challenge was founded in 1958 with faith and recovery in mind. The discipleship program enjoys an 86 percent success rate with teachings based on the Bible that are structured around forming a relationship with God. It is a non profit organization with programs in 20 states.
Bruce Lane, 25, of the Eureka program, provided testimony to the benefits he”s realized through Teen Challenge. He described a destructive life that began with drug use at the age of 12. His trials included those of pain, prison and tragic death. He recalled a religious experience in which the Holy Spirit had reached him. He said he”s been clean and sober in the program for 11 months. “God”s love is so powerful,” Lane said. “He will never leave you or forsake you.”
Celebrate Recovery was also represented at the event.
The booth provided tips to identify dependence and how to proceed with recovery. Group meetings are offered to help those struggling with substance abuse find guidance in each other as well as in the Lord. For meeting times and locations call 994-4008 or 355-1545.
Throughout the day, guests enjoyed Gospel music, prize giveaways and a picnic lunch. Kenny Sweeden, 13 of Clearlake Oaks, was thrilled to win a brand new bicycle. He said his old bike was stolen about two months ago.
Highlighting the musical line up was “Machaira” and the “Cobb Mt. Church Worship Band.” Guests danced with joy as the bands shared their faith-based music.
Event coordinator Brad Wight said organizers would like to include a vendor faire in next year”s event to benefit the Safe House project in Clearlake. Those interested in sponsoring a charitable booth are welcome to contact Wight at 994-2069.-
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
