My final show of the summer - before the start of the new school year - was at another outdoor event meant to reach out to the neighboring community.  This time it was sponsored by the Lion of Judah Church in Rumford, Maine.  This was the first event I've been involved with for this church.  The church set up their outreach at a local park adjacent to a baseball field on a hot August day.  There were tents for free groceries; free clothing; a free cookout with hot dogs, burgers and French fries; a prayer tent; kids arts and crafts; and a main tent with a stage and sound system for music and testimonies.  

My role was never really clear right up to our arrival (my wife Sue came with me).  There was talk of walk-around juggling or doing shows in the kids' crafts tent.  However, a couple who had just seen my show the weekend before approached the pastor and advocated for my show to be done on the stage in the main tent.  Clearly the pastor trusted the judgement of those advocating for my show, because a half hour block was opened up on the stage.

Sue and I enjoyed burgers and fries at the cookout tent, then it was time to set up.  As we were preparing, a couple was on the stage sharing their story.  What a testimony!  Both were drug addicts for 15 years.  They met when he was dealing to her and her boyfriend at the time.  He served three sentences in prisons. She attempted suicide.  Then, through the witness and prayers of family and friends, they came to faith in Jesus.  They are now married and serve in prison AA programs and Celebrate Recovery.

As for my show, I did a half hour set.  The audience was a mix of adults, some kids and a few teens. Virtually everyone at the park came to the tent for my set, which was a real blessing.  There's something to be said for a ministry that is out of the ordinary and highly visual. I did a variety of juggling and magic. By the time I was on, most of the people there were connected to the church.  This gave the impetus to do an unplanned performance of my "Judgement Day" routine as my finale.  

It was a pleasure to be part of an event that combined pracitcal service to the community with a clear presentation of God's Word.  And we've already been invited back for next summer.