Now THAT was a Party

Photos by J. Tyler Klassen of the Elkhart Truth

When we launched the Elkhart Campus, we made it clear. Launching this campus wasn’t about convenience. It wasn’t about saving gas money. It’s not about just doing multisite to keep up with other churches. It was clear: we launched this campus to be a movement of IMPACT and CONNECTION. We’ve banded together to build a new outpost in a new community where the message of hope and transformation that Jesus can bring is communicated loudly through word and deed.

Saturday’s Block Party in Washington Gardens was a huge step forward in that direction.

An estimated 600 people joined together for an evening of food and fun. Inflatable games. Cotton Candy. Snow cones. Popcorn. Hamburgers. Hot dogs. Goody bags. Water balloons. Face painting. Family portraits. Box fans. Food boxes.

All in Jesus’ name.

Trust was built. Bridges were built. On this day, racial differences didn’t matter. Economic differences didn’t matter.
Physical addresses didn’t matter. Personal stories didn’t matter.

What mattered?

People. They matter to us; we all matter to God. That came through loud and clear.

For those who follow Jesus, every day is supposed to be like that day. Every day we are called to give water to the thirsty, food to the hungry, clothes to the naked, comfort to the hurting, healing to the broken, love to ALL.

And true Jesus followers know that we are never more like Jesus than when we serve others.

Few days have I been more thrilled about this crazy, high-octane band of people called the Elkhart Campus. Watching friends I love serve others selflessly and with joy is nothing short of inspiring. Thank you GCC-Elkhart for loving people in a rich, sacrificial way.

Hundreds of people went home with box fans, full stomachs, and a budding trust in the church of Jesus.

I went home with full joy.

Let the party continue.