Kidfest 2010, an event sponsored by the Church of God Youth and Christian Education Department, has encouraged, reminded, and motivated kids to TELL THE WORLD that Jesus is alive! Based on the Great Commission emphasis, each of the Kidfest programs reminded kids that in order to follow Christ, we must be obedient to the Great Commission, given by Jesus, and recorded in Matthew 28:19,20.
Over 5,000 attended the four 2010 Kidfest events this spring. This year marked the 10th anniversary of Kidfest which started in Texas. Those who attended this year were ministered to by Burnin’ Bush, a Church of God hip hop artist, Johnny Magic, who used Gospel illusions to share the faith, as well as Pastor Chris Ryan and Discovery Kidz Ministry Team and Pastor Kevin McHann and His Word Studio ministry team. In addition to these, special guests, Children of the World Choir presented a program on the Friday nights of each of three of the Kidfests. The choir consists of children from Uganda, Nepal, and the Philippines who have been traveling under the umbrella of World Hope Mission, sharing the message of the need for water in Uganda. Also appearing at Smoky Mountain Kidfest was Tony Sutherland and KP7 band, the children’s ministry band from Free Chapel in Gainesville, Georgia, pastor Jentezen Franklin.
Smoky Mountain Kidfest has seen phenomenal growth in the last three years, since its inception. This year’s event was held in the Gatlinburg Convention Center, in the same hall where Winterfest began many years ago. This new venue proved to be what was needed to take SMKF to the next level and excitement is already stirring for 2011 and beyond in the new venue.
To emphasize the theme, Tell the World, Church of God missionaries shared their stories and displayed items from their countries. The kids and their leaders were invited to have the missionaries meet with their groups to answer questions and discuss their respective callings and missions. It is the strong goal of the Church of God Department of Youth and Christian Education to build a generation of Great Commission Kids (GC Kids) who understand their role in fulfilling the Great Commission and living a great commission lifestyle 24/7. Around the altars in each of the Kidfest events, children were challenged to accept the Lord and commit themselves to His will for their lives. Many were baptized in the Holy Spirit. At the Smoky Mountain Kidfest, 111 stood as a testimony that they were filled with the baptism of the Holy Spirit on Saturday night alone. This same thing happened in each of the other events and locations.
A new Kidfest locations has been added this year. Emerald Coast Kidfest will be held at the Emerald Coast Convention Center in Fort Walton Beach, Florida on October 22-24. Registration is already coming in by group leaders excited about having a Kidfest in their area, near the beach. Registration information can be found at www.mykidfest.com. This is a great opportunity not only for children’s ministry groups, but also for families to spend the weekend together in a wholesome godly environment.
Pictures of this year’s events can be seen on Facebook by joining one of the Kidfest regional groups.
For more information, call coordinator Tony Lane at 4323-478-7229 or go to www.mykidfest.com. Dates for the Kidfest 2011 events are also posted there.