For all of the Rocky Balboa fans, think “the final countdown”. Rocky is going to the Soviet Union to fight Drago, the man that seems to be more machine than man. Rocky increases his training to almost super human levels. Rocky goes all in, no turning back, no throwing in the towel. What follows is one of the all-time classic fight scenes in Hollywood history. And of course, Rocky wins. He makes a plea for change and unity. His haunting cry in the ring “Everybody can change!” That is a little Gospel nugget right there.
OK, maybe a little over the top. The Festival of Hope is nearing the final countdown. On Saturday, May 17 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM JIBC will host what may be the largest gathering of Hope Vendors in the Charleston area. Our goal is to take on Drago, a giant in our community: Mental Health Issues and Addictions/Substance Use Disorders. I know, it is a giant of a problem. I think we have done everything we know to do in reference to putting this family friendly Festival of Hope together. There will be approximately 35 Vendors of Hope from a wide variety of agencies, organizations, ministries, counselors, trauma specialists, Veterans support groups, children’s services, and on and on.
What is left to do? 1) Pray that the Spirit of God will move the hearts of hundreds if not thousands to attend. Let them be mysteriously interested and moved to be a part of this event. 2) Attend. Bring family and friends. We all have issues and have family and friends with issues. There will be a plethora of resources available to help get us connected. (I don’t get to use the word plethora a lot!) 3) We still need around 50 volunteers to give us the ability to cover all the areas adequately. To volunteer, please text Pastor Kyle at 919-218-4455.
By the way, the energetic song “The Final Countdown” is not the soundtrack for Rocky IV. It sounds like it should have been and it will forever be in my mind as a motivational song. See you this Sunday as we continue with the “I Believe” series. This Sunday will be “I believe in God the Father, Almighty, maker of Heaven and earth”.
Pastor Tom
