Memorial Day weekend was full of activity for Steve and the ministry staff with two major events on back to back days.

First was Sunday’s semi-surprise 40th Anniversary Celebration of Steve and Barb Wingfield’s 40 years of marriage and ministry. (Steve knew that something was happening but did not know details. Barb knew virtually nothing about what to expect.)

It was a grand night of music, memories, and ministry with 200 friends gathering at Harrisonburg First Church of the Nazarene to honor this faithful couple. People from all over the country shared memories of their friendships and partnerships with Steve and Barb. Some spoke in person and others appeared in short video clips on the church’s giant screen.

One of the evening’s highlights was a video produced just after the Romanian revolution in 1989 which had news footage of Steve in that wear-torn country encouraging the people to look to Jesus as Romania’s only true hope.

Monday afternoon and evening saw a celebration of a different sort as we conducted our second annual Memorial Day Celebration at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds. The venue was buzzing with activity featuring extraordinary music from John Schmid, Southern Edge, and the award winning bluegrass band The Roys.

Other crowd pleasers included a 150+ classic car “cruise-in”, a special children’s program from Lesha Campbell, delicious foods, the Dialed Action BMX stunt team, and the always moving tribute to the sacrifices made by veterans, active duty personnel, and local police, fire, and rescue. 157 men and women were given medals signifying our respect for their service.

Steve spoke briefly but powerfully using the variously colored racing flags to symbolize different spiritual conditions and then asked that those who wanted to make a new or renewed commitment to Christ to raise their hands. Our counselors reported that 80 people responded to Steve’s life-changing appeal.

All in all, it was a fabulous day (and weekend) of celebrating faith, family, and freedom.