September 25-27, 2009

Congregants from numerous island churches gathered together on Thursday, September 24th to dedicate the next three nights of the Festival to God. Steve Wingfield gave a message of challenge to those in attendance to reach across the island and invite everyone to the Festival. For the next three days, Grand Manan Community School ’s auditorium was filled with islanders of all ages.

Each night, Steve Wingfield gave a message of hope including answering God’s call, peace in troubled times and God’s love. Joining him onstage were Dennis Agajanian on Friday, Manic Drive on Saturday and John Schmid on Sunday. The Festival Praise Band performed all three nights. On Saturday, people of all ages were captivated by performances by Lesha Campbell and Friends, a children’s evangelist specializing in puppet ministry, and Team Xtreme, a duo of muscle-bound men who perform feats of strength. Many people stepped forward to accept Christ as Lord at every event.

SWEA team members as well as Festival artists spread across the island on Sunday morning as they spoke in various churches. Afterward, the fishing community and their families were brought together for a special Fishing Dedication and Celebration of God’s Bounty from the Sea service.

Follow-up with each person who made a decision for Christ over the weekend is currently underway. Already, island pastors and leadership are planning events in the future to bring the churches together to pray, fellowship and better serve the island.

It was exhilarating to see lives being transformed. The increased unity amongst island churches was both heartwarming and encouraging. Without a doubt, God was faithful to His word and redefined the future of Grand Manan with His power, grace and love.

We give thanks to God for His awesome work of love displayed in Grand Manan and the opportunity to be a part of it!