Steve and the Victory Weekend team just finished a fantastic weekend in the Dover, Delaware area last weekend. The rainy weather and giant water puddles did not stop the crowds from coming to eight different events in four locations. The numbers and stories truly show how much God worked this past weekend!
Starting on Thursday, September 29, Steve shared with 150 people at the Finish A Winner event at Life Community Church in Newark, Delaware. The people ate free hamburgers, hot dogs, and beverages, and enjoyed worship led by the Jess Zimmerman Band. Steve interviewed Josh Reaume, allowing Josh the chance to share his encouraging testimony. One person dedicated his life to Jesus, after Steve empowered all attendees to race this life for Jesus with his signature NASCAR Flag Presentation.
Then, on Friday, September 30, the Victory Weekend team prepared for two evening events. The team spent the morning hours getting both stages set and arranged. Then from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., the Victory Weekend team enjoyed seeing so many military personnel at the Dover Air Force Base, with an estimated 2,500 people who came that evening. Audra McLaughlin, one of the Victory Weekend performers, sang the National Anthem and Steve prayed over the crowd, expressing gratitude for their service and for all of them to seek God’s will.
Joe Mattis, Director of Marketing and Entertainment, shared the transition between events. “We jumped into cars, drove 10 minutes, and then we were at the Dover International Speedway. We had five hours of playing that night, which felt like we were running 20 miles. It was a great event.” At the Dover International Speedway on Friday night, the crowd enjoyed the first night of free concerts and activities. Charee White, Audra, and Jess all performed with great enthusiasm, and Steve encouraged the crowd.
On Saturday, October 1, the Victory Weekend team prepared the stage again for the second evening event, just at the Dover International Speedway. Charee, Audra, and Jess wowed the crowd again with great performances. Vernon Zook, SWEA Board Member and Florida Pastor, gave a stirring message filled with encouragement. Afterwards, the Victory Weekend team recognized 39 veterans during the awarding ceremony. Vernon prayed for the entire crowd, with 26 people making decisions for Christ. As Victory Weekend volunteers distributed Steve’s Building Your Faith book for those who made decisions for Jesus, the crowd sang “Amazing Grace.” Joe shared that this moment allowed the entire crowd to stay engaged, while God kept working in the lives of who chose Him. The fireworks at the night’s end was a fantastic way to finish the Victory Weekend events.
As the Victory Weekend shared the gospel at the race track on Saturday, October 1, Steve visited Cross Road Community Church in Georgetown, Delaware, at the 7 p.m. service on Saturday, and at the 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11 a.m. services on Sunday, October 2. Steve shared what had happened that weekend through Victory Weekend and what encouragement Abraham exhibited as the first missionary called by God. With people hearing God’s Word from Genesis 12, four services totaling 2,000 people heard the Gospel message, with 24 people making decisions for Jesus and 140 veterans, military personnel, and first responders being honored.
Steve distinctly remembers how those in the church stood and applauded those who had served their country faithfully. Steve took the opportunity to encourage these American heroes. “Look out here. You have a family. If you need prayer, look who can help you?” Steve also turned to the crowd and asked, “Are you all committed to helping them?” They all agreed.
Steve shared that Dover is so special because of the responses of the people. “The joy I see when they have chosen the Lord, and that we are making a difference in people’s lives, is so exciting.” For these reasons, Steve describes Dover in one word, exhilarating.
Steve recalls two stories of how God worked this past weekend. First, at the race track, Steve was appreciative of the crowd’s support. “Numerous people came up, bringing their friends and introducing them to me. These familiar friends bragged about what we are doing. And then, members of the camp’s security came up to me also and stated, ‘Oh, it is so great to have you back. You are making such a difference in this campground!’”
Second, at Cross Road Community Church, Steve was appreciative to speak with so many people, especially with a young man suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder. “He stated that this was the first time that he has gone to church since serving in Afghanistan two years ago. Something told him to go to this church, not knowing the suicide statistics and the honoring of veterans. He has moved a step closer to the Lord, as I introduced him to the pastor. That is why we do what we do.”
Steve is grateful for all Victory Weekend volunteers, partnering venues, supportive churches, and so many individuals who put in so much effort to make this a wonderful weekend. To recap, 9,650 people were encouraged at Victory Weekend events and visits, 51 people made decisions for Christ, and 179 veterans, military personnel, and first responders were honored for their service. Steve knows that if every person was recognized on the Dover Air Force Base, the team would be out of medals for a long time!
Thank you for your incredible support through prayers and giving, and we look forward to what God will continue to accomplish through Victory Weekend for the rest of 2016!
Photos courtesy of Ernie Didot and Joe Mattis
