The First Ever Smoky Mountain Kidfest
6/6/06

Once again, the Great Smoky Mountains has been invaded by the Church of God! They came on buses, vans, cars. They traveled from various states throughout the southeast. The windows of the vehicles told the story. Some read Kidfest 2006. Others stated the name of the church where they were coming from. Over 1,000 kids, chaperons and children’s ministry leaders were headed to the first ever Smoky Mountain Kidfest, held at the Park Vista Hotel in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. May 19-21 was a weekend to remember! Lives were transformed. Children’s pastors and children’s ministry leaders bonded with their groups.

Complete with a stage that included a waterfall with running water, palm trees, tiki huts, and cave like walls, the ballroom at the hotel was transformed in a children’s sanctuary. They were entertained by Birdie May, village natives, archeologists, pink and green gorillas, as Kevin McHann and His Word Studio ministered in a unique and creative way.

At the conclusion of each service, the impact was felt and demonstrated as children throughout the room received from God. Many accepted Christ. Several were filled with the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Others were challenged to ‘go wild’ in their walk with Christ as they examined what was in their pot and what kind of mask they were wearing. God had a plan and those attending the Smoky Mountain Kidfest were transformed! It was a weekend of divine appointments!

Though this was the first in Gatlinburg, it is not the last! The 2007 Smoky Mountain Kidfest will be held May 18-20. Registration has already started and the event is expected to be completely sold out. Other Kidfest events for 2007 have also been scheduled. For additional information, call the office of Children’s Ministry Coordinator, Tony Lane, in the International Department of Youth and Discipleship at 423-478-7229. Information can also be seen on the Youth and Discipleship website at www.ycechurchofgod.org

Kidfest is a weekend modeled after the Winterfest events. Children attend the weekends in various locations with their chaperons and groups leaders. Four dynamic services are offered throughout the weekend, geared directly to the kids. Groups and their leaders have opportunity for relationship building, staying together in the hotels. Once again, we have been reminded that ministry to kids is vital to the future of the church! For if we change a child, we change the future!