The King Shows Up at Midwest KidFest

What another great Kidfest weekend! Each year children, adults and children's ministry volunteers pack their bags and head for Cincinnati. What excitement rings through the buses and vans as we make our way to what is expected to be the weekend of a lifetime!

For many churches, this weekend of worship, puppets, crazy skits, dramas, human videos and of course God's Word is the weekend that serves not only to minister to the children, but also to rejuvenate the leaders. One of the underlying themes for Midwest Kidfest is, "We didn't come for the Island (referring to Kings Island Theme Park), we came for the King!" The King truly shows up!

This year was not any different. We saw about 900 children across the ballroom at Kings Island Resort seeking and finding, as the Lord knocked on the door of their hearts. Many children received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, and their lives will forever be changed. Kevin McHann and His Word Studio ministry team did an outstanding job in ministry to the children. Rescue Drama Team from Praise Cathedral in Greer, South Carolina, was used by God through drama and through serving throughout the weekend.

As Children's Pastor at Twin Rivers Worship Center, I always anticipate a great weekend as we load up the bus. We had a nine year-old girl get saved this year, who has been raised in the Catholic church. Her first words after asking Jesus to come into her heart were, "please pray that my family will understand my choice." Since arriving home she has already begun evangelizing the kids in her school. She is reading her Bible and working really hard to keep the fire burning.

This is only one example of the lives that are changed each and every year at Kidfest. We are already planning for Kidfest '07!

By Chris Quinn, children's pastor, TwinRiversWorshipCenter, St. Louis, Mo.

Kids Gone Wild at Carolina Kidfest

As the door opened, it was quite obvious that this was going to be one of those times that you don't soon forget. All I could see were 1,350 faces that had that look. You know, the kind of look when you are opening a gift and you think you know what it is and you really want it? But until you open it and actually see it, there is that heightened level of anticipation of what is actually inside the gift box.

As if one child that is anticipating something great doesn't stir up excitement, how about a thousand who are expecting the same thing? You talk about "feeling" it. My friends, you didn't just feel it. You knew it!

Such was the scene at the 2006 Carolina KidFest in Charlotte, N.C. It was Friday evening and the foyer was full of kids ready to burst into the ballroom that would serve as the gathering place for the services, over the next three days.

Each service was jam packed full of high energy ministry! The kids worshipped to the rocking sounds of the Alpha band, from the Philadelphia Romanian Church of God in Chicago. Following Alpha, was Freddy Todd and the Kidz Spot Ministry team from Church at the Brook in Millbrook, Alabama. From skits, full of zany characters and puppets, to challenging illustrated sermons the Kidz Spot Ministry team delivered the life changing Word of God to all in attendance.

And no children's service is complete without prize giveaways, videos, loud music, games and lots and lots - and I mean lots- of blinking lights.

As great as our efforts in ministry may be, none match or can rival the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Especially in the life of a child who has opened themselves up to what God has for them. Our Lord moved by His Spirit as was evident by the reports that were given of salvation, restoration and baptism in the Holy Spirit.

And wouldn't you know it, there was some time scheduled in the weekend so those in attendance could enjoy some fun at Paramount's theme park Carowinds. There were tons of rides, candy, food, games and heaps of other energy zapping activities.

Carolina Kidfest 2006 was a blast. It was my first and definitely won't be my last.

By Phil Britt, children's pastor, Cary Church of God, Cary, North Carolina

For additional information about Kidfest and the upcoming Smoky Mountain Kidfest May 19-21, call Tony Lane at 423-478-7229 or visit www.extremegen.org .