LifeFest '04 Feature

Anyone who says there is no such thing as a free lunch did not attend LifeFest at the Washington Christian Life Centre campus at 10501 Balls Ford Road in Manassas on Saturday, Sept. 11. The growing and diversified church decided everything would be free including food, drink, a yard sale, entertainment, games, body painting and even a moon bounce for the kids. A free raffle for Redskins-Cowboys tickets was included.

Last year's LifeFest had been a fundraiser for the church, according to Senior Pastor David Baird, but this year Co-Pastor Steve Dawson recommended they provide everything for free.

"God laid this on my heart about three years ago," Dawson said as he watched hundreds enjoy the activities this sunny day. "I got the idea while I was studying the Gospel of Matthew where it says, 'Freely you have received, freely give.'"

Dawson tried the idea at his former church and he shared the idea with Baird. With a weekly attendance of 400 to 500, the church holds two simultaneous services. About 60 percent attend the English-speaking service and 40 percent worship in Spanish. Baird and Dawson agreed this would be worthwhile as an outreach to the community, anticipating 1,000 LifeFest attendees.

The Washington Christian Life Centre's website explained the vision for LifeFest is to provide everything for free, "as a picture of the free Gift of God - salvation!" This was clearly the message from the 100 church volunteers who worked hard over the last three months to make this a fun, rewarding and meaningful day for those in attendance.

Church membership has doubled in the past two years, causing Baird and Dawson to seek nearby property for expansion close to the Interstate 66 exchange at VA 234.

Baird made it clear the church puts a big focus on reaching young people. Youth and Media Director Jenny Rogers was busy throughout the day, first greeting children in the stifling hot red Elmo costume, and then videotaping the GodStep, the church's contemporary dance team.

Clearly excited about the success of the day, Rogers said, "This is truly a big team effort." The Taylor University graduate, who attended the Texas Bible Institute, is equally exuberant over Instant Replay, where youth can enjoy at no admission a replay of four of the Stonewall Jackson High School football games in a drug and alcohol-free café setting at the church. She also supervises Vertical Live, a regional rally with bands and speakers for sixth-graders through 25 year olds on the first Sunday of every month.

Wilmer Franco, a native of Colombia, is pastor to the Spanish-speaking sector of the church. He has been in the United States for 12 years and is proud of his church's involvement with 17 churches in his native land. Franco made several announcements in Spanish throughout the day to make sure everyone participated in all of the activities.

Judi Kern, a Keller-Williams real estate agent, acted as yard sale director.

"Last year things were for sale, but this year there is a different spirit," Kern said. "Our mission is to reach the community; let them know we�re here. This is an outreach to the community, bringing the message of the free gift of salvation."

Kern was delighted when a young Spanish-speaking family was brought to the back of an open truck to view an almost new, spotless set of living room furniture donated for them to have.

"For someone new to the country, this is their blessing," Kern said. "For them to receive what they really need."

Nearby, Bonny Berard, a charter member of the Washington Christian Life Centre smiled as an American flag was painted on her arm.

The church's youth band, Vertical, with help on the keyboard from Baird's wife, Jo Ann, performed professionally throughout the day, shining on contemporary Christian numbers that youth and adults enjoyed.

At midday, GodStep, a group in the church�s dance ministry under the supervision of Cynthia Lawson, performed. Edi Ekasi, Jordan Baird, Timothy Burnell and Aaron Lawson gave it all they had to express their love for the Lord.

Gina Labian share the joy of the day as well. She was in charge of construction and overseeing the games, which included a sponge toss, squirt gun and candle station and dart throw.

Like Rogers, Labian attended Texas Bible Institute. She teaches students in 6th through 8th grade at the church. She promised her students she would stick her head through the sponge toss for them after LifeFest concluded at 3 p.m.

"This is a really great event. Salvation is free," she said. She referred to parts of the gospel of Matthew 25:35-36 as the message of LifeFest. "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; Naked and you clothed me." She was glad to be able to share the joy of the Lord.

Many families were happy to take home clothing and other yard sale items in nearly new condition as well as eat the tasty food that volunteers prepared.

While bags of popcorn were being consumed, Jeff Lehman and his daughter Kathy grilled hot dogs. Under the same tent, while attendees lined up in anticipation, church member Gary Witsman fried delicious chicken wings.

When asked why he would labor throughout the day, dredging wings in flour, pepper and salt and then hover over boiling peanut oil to provide wings for free, Witsman echoed the sentiment of everyone who gladly gave time, effort and resources to make LifeFest a success within the community.

"You cannot out give God," he said.