For a day that had been forecast earlier in the week to be rainy, the blue skies and relatively pleasant temperatures were an early sign of answered prayers. The Luis Palau Association has not had the first day of a festival on a Friday for some time and the crowd was definitely late in arriving. By the time Mercy Me wrapped things up though, there were many thousands of people singing Amazing Grace along with the band. It was fitting as it was a day that in the end was truly amazing and full of Grace. Over the course of the day we saw 7500 people come to the site and many documented decisions were made (we’re still processing the decision cards and will have numbers by Monday). Praise God!

Andrew and his sons Christopher and Jonathan were picked up early by co-chairman Bayliss Spivey to go down to the surf clinic put on by Jesse Hines and several pro surfers. The Surfers gave quick lessons to those on the beach who were interested in learning to surf, including Andrew and the boys who all got up on their boards and rode some waves. It was a great morning of interaction and ministry as the Gospel was shared.

Later in the evening, Andrew brought his entire family on stage, introducing them to the crowd. He talked about adoption and encouraged the crowd to check out the ministries who had set up displays in a large tent on the festival site including America World Adoption Agency, the agency that he and Wendy used in adopting their daughter Sadie.

Andrew introduced Lindz West, our emcee and member of the British band LZ7. Lindz performed a couple of LZ7’s songs and got the crowd fired up for Hawk Nelson. We were blessed to have such great bands, including Russell and Kristi, all of which set up Andrew’s message well.

Andrew acknowledged the crowd and those who are in Myrtle Beach to celebrate their High School graduation by partying spring break style. He talked about his high school years and how his poor choices then led to many years of heartache and guilt. He shared the Good News asking for people to make a decision to follow Christ and many responded.

A local student who made a decision to follow Christ wrote a note on his decision card saying he wasn’t going to come tonight but “God made me.” Another local resident was so moved by Andrew’s message that she raised her hand to rededicate her life to Christ. Another girl who rededicated her life tonight was in Myrtle Beach on a missions trip from Nebraska, re-affirming our hope that a festival in Myrtle Beach could reach many people from all over the US who may be here on vacation or otherwise. What a blessing.

It was so great to have a band like Mercy Me close out the night. Many of the response cards turned in indicated that the reason the person came was to see Mercy Me. We were thankful that the band was able to make this night fit on their schedule and we were blessed to be able to partner with them tonight.

Tomorrow should prove to be another great day as the temperatures are only supposed to reach the mid-80’s, it will be a Saturday and we will have another great lineup of bands with Mandissa and TobyMac joining in the fun. Please continue to pray for many to come and that they would give their hearts to God. Also, that those who came tonight would bring friends back tomorrow. 

Posted in BeachFest