Abiding in Christ and loving our community! That was the focus of the event that Bright Hope Community Church hosted on Saturday, July 15, 2023, on their campus in Skyline/Paradise Hills. The community event hosted over 400 people with free food, games, music, jumpers, and much, much more! There were 227 children that attended, with the first 100 kids receiving school supplies and backpacks. The goal was to reach the community with the gospel, but it was also to let a diversity of ethnicities in Skyline/Paradise Hills know that there is a group of Christ followers who love them the way Jesus did.
From the very start, the children from the community were lined up to receive all the free giveaways. Throughout the event, there were all types of activities ranging from Ring-Toss, Duck Pond, Ballon Darts, Ladder Toss, Corn Hole, Football Toss, and Fish Cup. The Bounce House was next to the DJ Booth, where the children and adults had a blast dancing to the upbeat gospel music! Our DJ was approached by multiple teenagers inquiring about the Christian music the DJ was playing. Those particular kids had never heard Christian rap or music that connected with them on a visceral level. It spoke "their" language and was able to reach them in a personal way.
The food area was amazing with tasty treats such as sno-cones, fresh popcorn, cotton candy, hamburgers, hotdogs, chips, and our friends from the Haitian Baptist Church blessed us with fried plantains, Haitian-style salad, and fried pork tenders! Oh my!
The BHCC connection booth was set up, where members of the community could gather information about the church, community resources, have a simple conversation, or ask for prayer. In the connection booth was a VBS pre-registration area available for sign-up for VBS in August. From the connection booth, 10 people united with BHCC, with 4 of the adults rededicating themselves to Christ; and four baptism candidates. It was indeed a community effort led by the Holy Spirit. We had two families that attended the event attend our church service the next day. Cassheila Barmer was approached by a homeless man and his young family of 5 the morning of, who stayed to assist in setting up and breaking down the event. He shared his love for God and how he is trying to get him and his family back on their feet. We were able to not only feed them but have their children be exposed to Jesus in such a fun way! They attended our church service Sunday morning, and their children were a part of the children's church.
A hearty thanks to our ministry partners Nuevo Cancion, New Life Covenant Christian Church, New Seasons Church Spring Valley, and the Haitian Baptist Church, who provided volunteers for the event. The day was topped off by our ministry partners from the Southeast Kiwanis Club, who donated 40 bicycles and helmets to kids that didn’t own bikes. It was the perfect way to close out the event. We are grateful to them for their support. Bright Hope Community Church’s SummerFest was a most blessed day for every single person that was in attendance and truly impacted the community in a special way through the grace and glory of God!
Some of the attendees posted their time at the event on social media and shared how great of a time they were having in Christ. I personally am still receiving text and phone calls on how impactful the event was for their children. I've received word on how the school supplies were much needed and how grateful they are to have had something positive and uplifting like this to take their children to.
A benefit as a result of renting the party trailer was that it was easy and convenient. All items were easy to find and easy to use. We saved a substantial amount of money as well.
A special thanks to the California Southern Baptist Convention for their financial support, as well as the San Diego Southern Baptist Association.
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