Celebrate Jesus in South Florida

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FORT MYERS (FBC)-The sign she held up to motorists passing Suncoast Baptist Church was simple. It had just two words-"Free Food." Her greeting was genuine, "Come on in." What awaited guests beyond the church's driveway was even simpler-the message of a church that cares and the God who loves them, served with a hot dog, a cold drink, and an afternoon of family fun.

Suncoast Baptist Church in Fort Myers was one of several South Florida churches participating in "Celebrate Jesus" projects Nov. 12 using outdoor and public events to attract people they might not reach with traditional church programs. All of the "Celebrate Jesus" events were held as the Florida Baptist Convention's annual meeting kicked off at McGregor Baptist Church in Fort Myers. The projects were conducted by a coalition of churches from the Royal Palm Baptist Association, several visiting associations and the Florida Baptist Convention.

Members of Church Today in Cape Coral volunteered at the city's Coconut Festival, engaging people in conversation and distributing information about their church. CounterPoint Church, a new congregation starting in Lehigh Acres, had volunteers placing door hangers and talking to residents prior to the church's first service.

Churches in the Tampa Bay Association held an evangelism rally and concert, and provided evangelism training at the Northside Hispanic Mission. The Miami Baptist Association coordinated a Haitian Youth Evangelism Rally bringing the Gospel to area students.

By the end of the weekend, thousands of South Florida residents had been touched by Celebrate Jesus efforts including 95 persons who made professions of faith.

The members of Suncoast Baptist Church realized they have a golden opportunity for outreach as a result of their block party. Thanks to the cotton candy and inflatable games, more than 300 individuals and families attended the event. That's exciting for this 200-member church. In a neighborhood where unemployment and broken families are commonplace, Suncoast Baptist Church members know that they are on a mission.

"This church is in the middle of a huge mission field," said Lee Admire. As a Sunday School teacher and TeamKID leader, she works with children from surrounding neighborhoods. A large number of them come alone.

"We have a chance to build these children up and to make them see that God loves them and that we love them," said Admire.

Besides children drawn by the games, the block party drew in many families from the neighborhood, letting Admire meet parents of the children she teaches. "You can't reach everyone by expecting them to show up at church," Admire added. "You have to draw them in. If an event like this will do it, we will use that."

The block party also offered a chance to hear the Gospel message presented in a clear and concise manner. Suncoast Pastor Ralph Williams spoke during the event as did Evangelist Rodney Keith of Jacksonville, who presented the story of Jesus' life, death and resurrection. More than 30 people joined a team of counselors for prayer following the invitation.

Williams said the block party was an important opportunity to learn from residents about problems they face in their community and how the church can minister to their needs.

"It's not like every other neighborhood. There are drug problems here, families are split, and there is a lot of unemployment," Williams said. "They'll enjoy themselves today and then we let them hear the Gospel, get involved with our church and change their lives."

Like other churches participating in Celebrate Jesus projects, Suncoast members will spend the coming weeks calling on the party's guests. Williams knows the key to this event's success is talking one-on-one with them.

"Some people will respond to the Gospel message as they heard it in the invitation today," Williams added. "For others, it's long-term learning. We'll use both methods to make people see they need God in their lives."

Either way, the members of Suncoast are grateful for the chance to touch so many lives in one day and for the opportunities they have to be a light in their community.

"I hope those who came to the block party walked away with the idea that we are concerned and want to minister to them in the best way we can," added Williams.