Recycle Love Festival 2010

At the end of the night on Saturday, a dear friend asked me how I felt. The word that came to mind was "humbled". That one confused her as it was the last thing she expected to hear. She was thinking I'd be breathing a sigh of relief that it was over, and excited that it went so fabulously, (and I did feel those) but first and foremost I felt humbled. The whole day we could just feel the Holy Spirit working and it was humbling. God doesn't need any of us to do things for Him. But He loves us so, and CHOOSES us to do His work. Well over 300 people showed up and hearts were stirred. People were in tears from the words of our musicians and speakers. The worship at the end of the night had a TANGIBLE feel of God's presence. Saturday nights Festival was an event not soon to be forgotten, and it had nothing to do with us. And I couldn't be happier!!

Being as we jumped into this head first with NO IDEA what we were doing....everyone rolled with the punches fabulously. Satan worked hard to deter us...as I posted about before. But by the time show time came along, we had everything we needed and MORE! We had vendors who were able to share about their organizations, fundraising, etc... Musicians were able to showcase their talents, and guest speakers we were so honored to have! Show Mercy International talked of orphans, starving children, lack of clean water and their Field of Dreams they are building. The Hope Center of Sweet Home was able to talk about how it helps LOCAL women in bad situations. I was able to speak up for 147 Million Orphans by running a table with the help of a couple of fabulous friends and helped to inform many of the state of the worlds orphan crisis. Jessica Richardson spoke as a former victim of trafficking and first truly stirred hearts, shocked almost everyone, and started the tears. Dr Bill Hillar, (who's story inspired the movie Taken) further stirred emotions. When he told point blank how his daughter was kidnapped, drugged, sold, raped, tortured, and literally mutilated for trying to escape, there was not a single dry eye or jaw NOT dropped on the ground. After all of that heart wrenching speaking, we closed it up with the most amazing time of worship ever that reminded us that we are all God's children and that he LOVES US!

The main goal going in wasn't to put on a great Festival....it was to raise awareness about Human Trafficking, the orphan crisis, and the unnecessary lack of clean water and food for much of the world. I would say that goal was definitely accomplished. And the best part is that it was all God. Gotta Love It!!!

Here are a few links to articles about the event, and some pictures to give you an idea of what it looked like.

Democrat Herald
Lebanon Express

Warfare

Time seems to be zooming by! There is less than a week and a half left until Recycle Love Festival! Behind the scenes EVERYONE involved has been hard at work doing their part. There have been car washes, speaking to churches, speaking with businesses, calling radio stations, giving newspaper interviews, putting posters and flyers up all over town and the neighboring towns, making those posters, a designer making us wonderful t-shirts, folding & organizing & selling & shipping t-shirts, meetings, networking....and I could still continue. But I think you get my point! ;) We are all busy. In the midst of all the "busy-ness" we are trying to take pause and remember....this is all God. It was His plan. He brought us together. It will be His spirit that will change hearts. It is only through Him that we are doing what we are doing. He is the one giving us what we need to make this happen. Without Him and what He is giving us to do what needs to be done, this Festival would not be happening.

While we are holding steady to the truth, there is warfare starting. We are being attacked by the enemy. People who have made commitments to the event are backing out, marriages are being attacked, friendships are being tested, expenses are piling up that were never supposed to be there, things are coming up that are preventing us from getting the help needed for things like car washes, people to help day of, etc... Satan is at work HARD trying to stop this event from being a success. The thought that Satan is working so hard in a way makes me rejoice.... proves that we are truly trying to love as Jesus loves us. This is now where I am asking for your help, though. Yes, I know I have asked you to buy t-shirts to give clean water to children. I have asked you to help spread the word about the event. But this is SO MUCH BIGGER! We need prayer. Prayer that through this all we stand firm in the truth. Prayer that everyone involved stays focused on what is important and is able to realize Satan is at work and not to let him in. Prayer that the Holy Spirit will be a tangible presence at the event and people will leave forever changed. Prayer that God's will be done. Prayer that hearts are changed. Prayer that lives are changed. Prayer that people who didn't know Jesus, come to know Him. Prayers over the speakers and musicians that they find just the words to use to truly make a difference in someones life. Prayer for our worship leader at the end, and the the Lord truly speaks through her and her amazing voice. Fact is...we need prayers. And I am asking for anyone out there to please join forces with us praying over this event.

Thank you for everything everyone has done thus far to support us! You are all fabulous!

Making a difference

In case you were wondering...we still have some T-Shirts left. :) I must admit, I am enjoying how widespread these shirts are getting shipped....California, Alaska, Florida, New York....very exciting!!! But what is even more exciting is that for every shirt sold, 3 children in Africa get clean water for a year!! If you are interested in a shirt that will make a difference in the lives of children, head on over to RECYCLE LOVE FESTIVAL and snag one!! Orders are shipped usually within 2 days, unless we are temporarily out of that size. In that case, you will get an immediate email from me letting you know, and also letting you know when we have that size expected back in!

In case you forgot how awesome the shirts are, here are some more pics! The pic of shirts getting ready to ship on my table is just to show the color difference. The crew and womens shirts are the darker grey, the V is the lighter. And I must add.... my shirt is totally my new favorite!! Seriously so soft and comfy! :)