Joseph, who is on vacation with his family, made a decision for Christ and his Mom also rededicated her life to the Lord.

A man named Trey said “I love that I got to see this, it revived my kinship with God.”

A man who was new to Myrtle Beach was brought by a neighbor in his building and gave his heart to the Lord.

A comment on the back of one card filled out by someone who had just recommitted their life to God simply read “coming back!!!!!!”

There were so many more stories we heard throughout the week that we hope to share in the future. It was amazing to see lives and hearts change through the power of the Holy Spirit and the efforts of so many local Myrtle Beachers. Praise God to whom all glory and honor is due!

Taking advantage of a beautiful Saturday and a highlight from the morning edition cover of the Sun Times local paper, more than 200 people made their way down to the beach to learn how to surf. It was amazing as the guys shared their hearts and their testimonies and of course taught the crowd how to “walk on water”. Listeners hung on every word - it was incredible. Check out the pictures! Andrew and Wendy even took their kiddos down to the beach to “rip” up the waves too.

The festival grounds started to fill in much earlier than yesterday, as hundreds of people crowded around to take in the incredible Livin It demonstrations. We’ve got the cream of the crop here in Myrtle Beach! Our pros include faithful standby Jud Heald and his “untitled” skate team.

You can catch Mike Mancuso’s ProTown BMX team next week on NBC’s Dew Tour - yes, they’re that good! The Riders For Christ FMX team featured Greg Hartman, the 2007 X Games Dubai Gold medalist.

I’m sure that demo had mammas in the stands catching their breath (probably praying that their kids wouldn’t take up doing crazy tricks 30 feet in the air!) It was a great Livin It Action Sports park and many hands were raised during the counseling time making all their efforts of sweatin’ it out in the sun worthwhile.

Man, tonight’s mainstage lineup was awesome! Local musicians Russel and Kristi Johnson established the spirit for the evening with a great worship set. Then Lindz West our emcee (and resident rock star) slammed the house. Both nights he had the crowd jumping all over the place “raising the roof.” Lindz has a band in the UK named LZ7 and has become a festival favorite with the fans. Then our gal Mandisa rolled out her set with the old Diana Ross tune I’m Every Woman. Man, that girl has some pipes! After covering some fun tunes, she belted out her own chart-toppers and then pointed it all back to Jesus breaking into a moving worship moment.

Andrew took the stage next and instantly engaged the crowd. The level of attention that Andrew commanded was inspiring. The staggering (as Luis always says) decision to accept Jesus as their personal savior was made by many. Only the Lord knows the full impact of a festival in the hearts of man. Andrew delivered a solid message of truth and as promised, the word did not return void as the highly engaged crowd responded in droves. After a sweet time of prayer led by Andrew, the counselors worked with the individuals that had responded for several moments.

To close out the night, TobyMac was “freaking out” on stage and the crowds loved every minute of it! If you weren’t here… there is just no other way to say it… you totally missed it!

I know many of our friends from past festivals are visiting this site to see what’s happening in Andrew’s ministry. You may have lived the moments we’ve encountered tonight. Can’t you just hear Toby’s band bringing it all back to Him? Sweetly singing How Great Thou Art?

Tonight, it literally resonated throughout the Grand Strand. Lives were drastically changed this weekend. We’ve already got stories in that are simply mind boggling. The Lord even used the festival to reach a man staying at a hotel across the street in an amazing way. He heard the music and considering jumping from the balcony and ending it all, made his way over to the festival where he invited Jesus into his heart. The harvest is great - but the workers are few! Make your plans to be a part of upcoming festival now!

Thanks for your partnership of prayers, finances and for making an eternal investment of souls into the kingdom! We here on the Myrtle Beach/Andrew Palau team appreciate your support! Hopefully, we’ll see you soon!

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. 

Just a few short hours ago, Andrew hosted an intimate appreciation gathering for the donors where he spoke words of hope and encouragement over them. It was moving as each of the chairs shared their hearts for this community and how God has already used the festival to work in their own lives albeit mostly through tears. Andrew maintained his composure (most of the time), but joked he was going to take festival chairman Mark Kiskunas on the road with him full time to help downplay his own tears. I personally love our sensitive men and their tender hearts. If the Lord is leading you, there is still time for you to financially support BeachFest. I know we have a tad bit more to raise to fulfill the budget and you can donate online if you’d like to help support this incredible outreach in Myrtle Beach, SC.

As for the build out… everyone has stepped up to the plate to pull it all together (with the Lords help of course) and it’s an honor to be a part of such a well knit team! We kick off tomorrow morning with a surf demo from 8am-12pm and then the festival site starts to roll at 2pm. Keep praying for the weather (still looking good!), the athletes, the staff, volunteers and of course the attendees-that all would be encouraged and those that need Christ would find him before the setting of the sun.

Pre-festival buzz is going strong, so we are praying for a great festival with a great harvest! Everyone is playing vital roles to get the word out. From churches, radio partners, sponsors, and the like, the word is on the street! Plus, the media has been very generous to us so far. This is largely due to Craig Chastains’ excellent PR work* for the first BeachFest in 2002 & SummerFest in 2004. Thankfully we had news coverage on all three local tv newscasts (ABC, CBS & FOX) yesterday at 12, 5 & 6pm. Then the Sun Times sported 2 different stories on the front page! Nice pieces which you can read online here for the lead story and here for the business story (both made the cover along with a helpful site map!) Praise the Lord!

This afternoon Andrew met with reporter Rebecca Carter from Channel 13 (CBS) onsite. It made a nice featurette on CBS & Fox news tonight (both the 6p and 11p newscasts). Keep asking for favor in this department — it helps extend the reach into the community!

Just remember He is doing a great work here in the Grand Strand and you are a part of it through your prayers, your financial support and your encouragement. Thanks again for your faithfulness… Please keep lifting us up!

Until all have heard,
Holly

*Craig is busily preparing Celebrate Freedom in Dallas for Luis & Andrew which is June 27th & 28th while Kathy C. and I work on this one!

Yesterday we held a press conference for Andrew which was the first “official” activity onsite. Thankfully, ABC, CBS & Fox all had videographers present which ran stories at 12, 5 & 6 regarding the festival. Shortly after that wrapped, we raced off to do a TV taping for a local show called RiverTalk with Jack Murphy.
On the way up both Andrew and Jim Keen (Festival Director) fielded interview questions from the Sun Times for two different articles (talk about maximizing time!) Check out the results here and here.

By the time we wrapped the RiverTalk shoot and returned to the site, the stage had been raised sporting Andrews’ brand new stage header. It looks sharp and I think honors the Lord with excellence! Another local reporter came out and took some shots of the setup efforts. Everything is coming together thanks in part by your support and prayers - keep them coming!

In the evening Andrew and our emcee Lindz West were at Carolina Forrest Community Church to share with 650 kindergarten to 5th grade kids and their parents.  CFCC runs the program Nick At Night each Wednesday night in June and it is truly a sight to behold.  Andrew and Lindz joined several teams for wild and messy games on the field.  Andrew was both slimed and potatoed before being rinsed off with a fire hose.  It was a great night and a lot of fun.

The whole teams’ spirits are high and the 99º+ heat wave of last week has ebbed to a tolerable hot. Forecast calls for sunshine in the upper 80’s for the weekend which would be absolutely perfect! Volunteers and team members from around the country have finally landed despite cancelled flights, long layovers and lost luggage. Be praying for the team as we finalize all the things that need to be accomplished before the gates open tomorrow. Also pray for Andrew for strength and favor with this community and that we have a lasting impact locally and beyond! In 2002 some 20+ states were represented on decision cards! Also, our athletes start early in the morning too… cover them with prayers for safety and effectiveness! Thanks for your support & check back for more updates! Eric and Doug should have some new photos going up soon. Be blessed! — Holly