The International Department of Youth and Christian Education determined last year, in partnership with the state YCE directors, Sean O’Neal (California/Nevada), Nate Villarreal (Southwest Hispanic), and Jesse Duncan (Arizona), that a ministry investment in the west would provide some needed attention and ministry to children. This event brought together children from Hispanic churches, as well as English speaking churches, along with some ethnic minorities. It was truly a cross cultural kids ministry effort.
With the financial assistance of some various children’s ministries and state YCE directors, scholarships were provided for 16 kids from San Francisco who are affiliated with the ‘Hot Dog Church’, a ministry to the inner city. Two of the children from this group are homeless. This event gave them the opportunity to spend the weekend in the hotel and to receive the ministry offered. God touched their lives deeply. Pastor Eric expressed sincere gratitude for the generosity of the family of God to assist with this project. There were also pastoral families from the Hispanic region who were able to attend with their kids, due the generosity of the funds provided.
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Phil Britt leads prayer time at KidFest |
The ministry team included Kids Quest Ministry Team, a team of various children’s pastors, lead by Phil and Jenn Britt, Children’s Pastor Cary Church of God in Cary, North Carolina, along with Angel Stang, and included Steve Burkowske, Children’s Pastor at Covenant Community in Madisonville, KY, as well as Mike Capps, Children’s Director at Pine Valley Church of God in Wilmingon, North Carolina and Brian Stockton, Children’s Pastor at South Cleveland, Cleveland, TN.
The Pacific Coast Kidfest was the final event of the Kidfest ’07 season. According to Coordinator Tony Lane, through the various events this year, over 5,000 children have heard the message that Jesus is the one true Superhero! Over 500 have received the baptism of the Holy Ghost and many have accepted Christ. In addition to this, children’s ministry leaders have had the opportunity to get acquainted with other children’s ministry workers and have had the privilege of seeing excellence portrayed in children’s ministry programming through each event.
The theme for the Kidfest ’08 season is ‘Games On-Play to Win’. For a brochure, including dates and locations, call 423-478-7229 or write Tony Lane, Coordinator, at tlane@churchofgod.cc. Group reservations are being accepted now for the upcoming season which is expected to sell out in many of the locations.