Let me start by saying the biggest THANK YOU to everyone who took part in this event. When I say took part in this event, I need to clarify a few things.
Soooooo many people contributed to this day that I think I should make every effort to explain. When we were first asked by the Hope 08 team (or volunteered?) to co-ordinate this event 3 months or so ago, I had a vision in my head as to what I wanted to see. Everybody has their own ideas about what an event like this should be. Mine were simple - 1) I wanted to see the churches working in unity together to do something amazing for this community, 2) I wanted people to come to the event and wonder why on earth we would be doing all this for free. I wanted the answer to be simple - Jesus.
We knew, however, that we could not do this on our own and quite frankly I didn't want to!
Right from the beginning, people have come along side us and supported us and this event with a passion and commitment that has been truly humbling. I am deliberately not going to mention names for fear of forgetting anyone and therefore offending anyone, but I hope that you know by now how grateful I am to have been a part of this with you.
People have spent hours and hours of their own time on the phone, on e-mail, going into schools, photocopying, attending various meetings etc to make this happen - and there is no question that without the input of everybody it would not have happened. Some people did this knowing that they would never even be able to make the event and see the fruits of all their hard work, and to you I say a special thank you.
Without the people involved in the planning of this event, it would not have happened. Without the people who agreed to open their homes to the members of MJK, it would not have happened. Without the people who were prepared to give up their Saturday (and Fridays for others), it would not have happened. But you did it and it did happen!
Was the day a success? You’d better believe it!!!!!
We had approximately 1100 visitors to the event! Considering the weather, I think that is a great result. Zoe and I spoke with MJK afterwards and Charissa told me of at least one person who was led to Jesus that day by Dave (one of the rappers). Another person wanted an Alpha Course. There were countless others who took books home. How did MJK feel it went? They described it as one of the best responses they've had.
They told us that they had done bigger venues with more people and not had the response from people like they got on Saturday. They have also told us that the worth and hospitality that they received was some of the best that they had ever had – and I can tell you now that they can’t wait to come back next year.
If anyone has any knowledge of any other people giving their hearts to Jesus or any other stories from the day then please let me have them so that I can put something together about the event. I have already starting receiving e-mails from some of you for which I am very grateful and encouraged. It is great to know that so many people enjoyed the day.
There were some last minute hiccups. The rounders and gymnastics had to be cancelled as did the whacky races, we had to change the plans at the last minute re the inflatables and MJK had problems with the sound; all of which were caused by the weather. But do you know what? We got through it! We all pulled together and the moment when the music played and I looked round to see the field buzzing with activity, it was all worthwhile!
The weather didn't dampen our spirits and if anything, I truly believe that it showed the Church in an even better light. Standing in the sunshine watching your children play is easy. Standing in the pouring rain, watching someone else's children play - and still smiling! - that takes a special kind of person, and I truly believe that people's hearts will have been touched by what they saw on Saturday.
I have been told that some of what we achieved on Saturday will not be evident maybe until we get to heaven, but that it will have been felt. I believe that's true!
I will in due course be writing to every church so that they can pass on our thanks to all the volunteers who contributed to making Hopefest 08 the success that I believe it was.
In addition to the churches represented, thanks must also go to: Spalding Army cadets, Spalding Air Cadets, St John’s Ambulance, Compassion UK, Spalding Police, Addaction, Phil Perry and SHDC.
So what next?
People have already started asking me about a Hopefest 09, and people from other churches have already asked if they can be part of it. Well I can tell you that we need to discuss this between the various parties, but MJK are up for it and if it is God’s Will, then Zoe and I will be too. And yes - we will do it even bigger, even better and please God, have sunshine!!!!
We will need to have a de-brief meeting to discuss this properly and to look at the pros and cons and any lessons from the day; I will sort out a day for next week if that's ok.
If anyone has any other feedback for me, please feel free to let me know.
Don’t worry though, after that, we can all have a well deserved break from Hopefest – for a few months at least!
Hopefest 08 for me has been much more than the day itself. It has been the opportunity to work alongside some fantastic people. I tell you, you couldn't pay some people to do what I saw people doing on Saturday! It has forged friendships between us and people in different churches and started something special in this town. I pray now that we will keep the momentum going for the other Hope events; Community Action, Bluetree Concert and others; this is only the beginning..............
Hopefest 2008 WOW!
