Saturday in the Park!

The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished!

- Titus 1:5

Last Saturday, Downriver Christian Community Church held its second annual Clark Park Outreach at Clark Park in southwest Detroit. The event was a great success thanks in no small part to ALL the volunteers who contributed their time, talents, and passion! I was constantly amazed by the dedication of every team member - as well as their invited guests - to every aspect of ministry that occurred that day. From the preparation and service of the food to the puppets, skits, music, sound, testimonials, dance and children's ministry, everything was done with excellence and a spirit of service as unto the Lord Jesus Christ. I was very proud of everyone who participated and made that day a wonderful day at the park!

Clark Park Outreach 2012

There were many wonderful and funny stories to be told about the day's happenings as well as people who made professions of faith for Christ. While it is impossible to name all the participants in the outreach for their contributions, I would like to single out Guy Van for his dedication and preparation for this year's park outreach and ministry.

[Lyrics redone by Pastor Don]

Saturday in the park
You'd think it was the Fourth of July
Saturday in the park
You's think it was the Fourth of July
People talking, people laughing
A man making ice cream
Singing Spanish songs
Can you dig it (yes, I can)
And I've been waiting such a long time
For Saturday

Another day in the park
You'd think it was the Fourth of July
Another day in the park
You'd think it was the Fourth of July
People dancing, really smiling
A man playing guitar
Singing for us all
(Necesitado encuentro Senior)
Will you help him change the world
Can you dig it (yes, I can)
And I've been waiting such a long time
For today

Slow motion riders
Fly the colors of the day
A bronze man ( Ray Silva) still can
Tell stories his own way
Listen children all is not lost
All is not lost
Oh no, no

Funny days in the park
Every day's the Fourth of July
Funny days in the park
Every day's the Fourth of July
People reaching, people touching
A real celebration
Waiting for us all
If we want it, really want it
Can you dig it (yes, I can)
And I've been waiting such a long time
For the day

Early in the spring, I asked Guy to oversee the outreach because I was already involved with the Mexico Mission Trip in June and we needed to make arrangements with local city officials, park personal, and various business establishments early in the summer to secure permission, equipment, and a firm and final date. Forms needed to be filled out, phone calls made, cost assessed, volunteers organized, and planning examined and finalized all before the event could be given a clear go. Needless to say, Guy's head was spinning with everything I threw on his plate!

Instead of wilting under the pressure, he rose to the challenge and tackled each assignment with grace and determination. He brought in Wes Fritz to assist him with some of the logistics and constantly reported back to me with important updates and suggestions. Many of the plans we had discussed "miraculously" fell into place once we decided to incorporate them into the outreach schedule. Because of his diligence, foresight, and hard work, the outreach ran smoothly and efficiently and made everyone else job that much easier! There is an old saying that says when you fail to plan for success, you automatically plan for failure! Guy's detailed and well thought out planning laid a foundation for the success we were able to accomplish on Saturday! 

I could relate similar stories about almost everyone who volunteered for the Clark Park Outreach and gave their all for the overall success of the day. Your efforts are greatly appreciated!

When we attempt anything for the Lord's service, we should always remember that our work will not be easy, but that it does have eternal ramifications. We never know how something we do or say may affect someone in a life-changing way for the Kingdom, so we need to walk mindful of that possibility.

All those who volunteered Saturday for the park outreach represented their Lord with honor, class, and dignity, and I'm sure left a lasting - and hopefully eternal - impression on all our guests.

Thank you once again for your service, and may God continually bless all our efforts to reach our cities and world with the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ!    

Stay Holy, My Friends,

Pastor Don