“The best decision you can make on a Saturday morning in spring, in Regina, is to follow Jesus,” Mark Miller from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association encouraged the crowd of more than 1,000 people at Kidzfest on May 2.
Kidzfest is a fun-filled event specifically for children that features music, a video Gospel presentation, games, and more fun. During the event, children and their caregivers heard about the love of Jesus Christ ahead of the Look Up Celebration with Will Graham happening June 12-13.
The outreach included exuberant worship by Canadian band The Color, a video presentation with Will Graham called The Quest, and a devotional by Mark Miller.
Randi is a busy mom of four. She came to faith as an adult, and that’s why she’s extra grateful that her children can experience events like Kidzfest as they grow up. “I’m just so thankful Jesus saved me when He did, and now I get to raise my kids as Christians,” she said.
There was a rush as The Color invited families up on their feet to sing and dance in front of the stage. Many hands were outstretched for joy during the music. Then, by the end of the hour, many hands were folded in prayer.
“Dear Lord Jesus,” numerous voices repeated after Mark as he led the audience in a decision to follow Christ. “I ask for your forgiveness … I turn from my sins and invite you to come into my heart and life.”
We praise God that nearly 300 people responded to that invitation, including 4-year-old Clara* and 7-year-old Dylan.*
“She was very excited to do it,” said Clara’s mother. “It was adorable. She was just on my shoulder, saying the prayer.”
Dylan prayed next to his younger brother, who also decided to follow Jesus at Kidzfest, while their mother proudly watched. “Sometimes, as their parents, you don’t know when the right time is [to invite them to follow Christ],” said their mother gratefully when she came forward with them. “I’m glad we have this kind of opportunity.”
For others, like 12-year-old Elizabeth,* Kidzfest was an encouragement along the journey of faith. “Elizabeth wants to get baptized soon,” her dad shared, while Elizabeth chimed in, “I just really want to commit!” Her 8-year-old twin sisters expressed a desire to follow in her footsteps one day.
Meanwhile, an amazing team of volunteers representing many local churches helped parents and children fill out response cards so they could be connected to a body of believers. Wearing bright blue Look Up Celebration T-shirts, they also ran carnival booths—from face painting to wall climbing, and to a petting zoo.
Justine volunteered on behalf of Hillsdale Baptist Church. She has a heart full of expectancy as events related to the June Look Up Celebration—such as Kidzfest—unfold. “You never know the generational impact that’s going to happen from something like this,” she said. “You hear those testimonies of people who say, ‘In 1967 I went to a Billy Graham [Crusade] …’ and then it changes their whole family legacy.”
She continued, “I’m just hoping it would really bring some people to Jesus and change our city because of it.”
*Names changed for privacy.
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