IMPACT TESTIMONIES

Andrew

"His name was Andrew… he was 13 years old. He was a bright, fun loving kid… At Soulfest ‘06 Andrew caught a true glimpse of how much God loved him, and that absolutely revolutionized his young life. He filled out the Soulfest Pledge (you can too, online) and thus, pledged to live everyday for God’s higher purposes of love. He sealed that pledge with a nail, driven deep into the wood of the cross which stands, towering over the Soulfest grounds. Andrew then carried that heart declaration from the festival to his own home and neighborhood. Andrew lived it out, too. He looked for simple ways to better his family, school, and community every day. And, he began to invite his friends to his church youth group. He wanted them to know the same passion that his own soul had now realized. Sadly, his group of pals seemed uninterested. “They don’t want to come,” exclaimed Andrew to his mother. “I just don’t understand why.”

In March ‘07, some six months after the Soulfest, Andrew contracted meningitis and passed away. Despite the efforts of the doctors, and the prayers of his family, he slipped quietly from this life - to meet Jesus face to face. It was hard to understand how a loving God could take Andrew at such a young age… with so much “life” ahead of him. Until… ...the Sunday after he died… A large number of Andrew’s friends showed up at his church youth group for the very first time that night, wanting to know about the Truth that had so taken hold of their friend Andrew. 17 of them ‘gave their lives’ to Jesus, thus picking up the Pledge that Andrew had left behind. From heaven’s balcony - we are sure that Andrew was exuberant. He had laid his own life down the day he had picked up the passion of the cross at Soulfest, and just like the One who had first carried it, Andrew understood what we must all come to know; that life is a gift to be given to others - and that there truly is a God who shows us how that is done.

Andrew’s mom came to Soulfest again this summer… and gave us a photo of her deceased son. We took a hammer and nail, a hung that photo on the 12 foot cross beside the main stage. It remained there for the four days of the festival… and remains in our hearts, even now. Let’s raise up “Andrew’s Army” – and encourage thousands of young people to live out the passion of the cross... and as we carry out the Soulfest Pledge, let us also carry the memory of one incredible life – who bore it to the fullest measure.

Andrew Allard.

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A Father and Son

In tears a man, his wife and 12 year old son made their way to the cross. The man picked up a nail and approached the pledge tent. “My son is 12 years old and he has never seen me sober. I am not sober now, but I will be in an hour, and he’ll never see me not sober again.” Turning to his son he said “Son, you are going to see your dad sober from now on…” The son began to cry as did his mother. They watched as the father drove the nail deep into the cross, and after the three of them embraced crying for the longest time. One of the cross team members prayed for the family and encouraged them to get into a program, knowing how difficult the road of sobriety can be. The man promised his family he would begin the program that Monday after SoulFest. The three walked away into the night with a new pledge and new hope in their hearts. Our hearts followed after them.

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The Response of the Youth

Prior to our arrival at SoulFest, a member of our church (Jericho Christian Fellowship in Middleboro, MA) shared a dream of his with our team leader, Ps. Loren Decker. In this dream God showed him an immense sequoia tree – one so massive it would be possible to drive a car through it - and asked him, “How would you destroy this tree?” Puzzled, this man pondered the riddle for days – and a few days later it hit him. He realized that the only way to fell one of these giants would be to rip it up in its infancy, to cut it down before it had established a firm foundation, before its massive root system had taken hold and its trunk had grown beyond the point of sawing. Our brother felt his revelation was intended as admonition to and encouragement for our team while at SoulFest.

True enough, shortly after we began to minister at the Cross, we sensed how pertinent the dream was. The response of concert-goers of all ages grew more and more throughout the four days. The people who approached our table ranged from the mildly curious to those determined to sign the pledge a second time to those committed to a more radical life with Christ. The youth at the festival were particularly engaged by what we were doing, none more so than the pre-teens who approached both on their own and with their parents in tow. Sure, in many cases our young visitors were fascinated purely by the prospect of pounding a nail into a 12-foot cross and didn’t appear grasp the real significance of the pledge or the nails. Yet there were the rare few who exuded a politeness and sincerity that belied their age, who were unwilling to sign the pledge until they’d read and considered it, who stood before the Cross and solemnly racked their brains for what they might need to nail there. Looking into the eyes of these young people, we saw signs that God is indeed raising up the godly to fight in the next generation.

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The Solemnity of the Pledge

Unfortunately, you always have the people who simply signed off on the pledge without taking the time to learn exactly what they were committing themselves to. Then you have those who, however long it takes them, stand there before the booth and read through to the very end. One woman who chose not to take the easy road out came to our booth with her sister. Her sister explained that this woman was interested in learning about the pledge and the Cross but spoke only French. The woman had thus asked her sister to translate the pledge for her. We would later see each of them place a signed pledge into our wooden trunk before driving a nail into the Cross.

Another woman came to SoulFest along with her sister after her sister had won tickets to the concert through a radio station in New York. On Friday, this lady approached our table by herself, quietly asking what we were about. Ian explained the pledge and the meaning of the nails, but sensed that she was hesitant to look more closely at a copy of the pledge. Finally, she told him that she had been baptized the previous day in the pond outside the entrance gates, but that she hadn’t learned how to read or write and hoped that wouldn’t keep her back from pledging. He assured her that it wouldn’t and began to read the pledge form as she attentively listened. Shortly into it, the softened heart he had sensed from the beginning of his meeting with this dear lady began to break further and she gently wept. She continued as we read and when we were finished, she raised her right hand and smiling though tears said, “I pledge.”

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Covering the Cross with Flowers

Our covering of the cross with white flowers each night drew many spectators. The second night we “cleansed the nails”, a lady who had been watching asked about the ceremony. She seemed genuinely struck by what it exemplified and went on to tell us that a close friend of hers had just passed away – she had actually come straight to SoulFest from this friend’s funeral. She and her friend’s family had hoped to set up a similar representation of a cross with flowers at the funeral. But unfortunately, it hadn’t worked out. So when she rounded the corner toward the main stage and saw a massive wooden cross being draped with white flowers, she knew that God had arranged for the process in part for her to honor her late friend. Taking some flowers, she paused, removed from the sights and sounds of the nearby performance and the cluster of activity and people around her, looked heavenward, and lay them over the wood.

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A Charged Finale

Ever since the concert schedule had been released, our team had been excited about the performances slated for the last evening. The “high” that had been building through the first three days of the festival and the afternoon of the fourth was only amplified during Chris Tomlin’s selfless worship, consummating in a sea of raised hands and thousands of voices singing in unison before the Revolution Stage. God’s Holy Spirit, already rife in the night air, was further stirred as the Newsboys began to play and lead singer Peter Furler delivered a series of penetrating, heartfelt devotionals. In this environment, we saw special moments all around us: goodbye’s among those who had not known each other prior to the start of the concert; an emotional embrace between two young ladies who had shared something together and with God at the Cross; a man leading his friend through a prayer for salvation in front of our table. These were moments that would leave not only indelible marks on us but the heavenlies as well.

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Last year was the 1st time that I was able to attend Soul Fest and the entire week was one of the greatest spiritual experiences of my life. I have attended may Christian events and I have to say that this event is on my "A" list. We purchased our tickets for this year as soon as they were available and we are counting down the days until this years event starts."

Scott

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"I had an amazing "mountain top" experience at Soulfest last year. Three years ago my husband and I were not Christian's. we had many issues in our marriage, including drugs alcohol, and domestic violence. In 2005 my husband went to jail and we separated. While we were apart he was led to God, we got back together and I followed. However we were young in our faith and not living entirely in the will of God and soon separated again. We spent a lot of time in individual counseling, marriage counseling, anger management, even counseling with our pastor until finally on Valentines day 2006 I decided I had had enough and asked him for a divorce.

We had already purchased our Soulfest tickets in January, so when August rolled around he gave me his ticket and told me to take someone else. I gave his ticket to a friend of mine who had just started a job but had been unemployed for several months and could not afford to go. I went on Wednesday alone. God met with me and released me from some large chains of guilt concerning the way I had parented my during my marriage difficulties and without Him. Thursday I was unable to go. Friday and Saturday My friend went with me. She was so blessed and I enjoyed sharing the experience with her. She kept asking me if it was all right if she thanked my husband for the ticket. I kept reassuring her this was fine, since he knew I was giving it to someone. She really wanted to buy him a little something as a thank you, but could not afford it. She has some health issues and asked if I would be upset if she did not attend on Sunday. I was not. Not only did I completely understand, but I was also looking forward to ending the week alone with God.

On Sunday I was on my way, and think that I would purchase a Casting Crowns T-shirt for my friend to give to my husband as a thank you. I was driving be our church when a little voice whispered in my ear "you know he would enjoy going why don't you just spend the extra $10 on the ticket and take him". For once I decided to listen instead of analyse. I pulled into the parking lot hoping he would have other plans, but no he was free to go with me. We got in his car and headed up. he was making polite conversation. He needed to stop at a store an purchase a pair of shorts. While he was doing this I said "OK God, I picked him up, but I am not going to talk to him!". We got back in the car and he would not stop talking. So I had to be polite and talk back.When we arrived at Soulfest we bought his ticket and went to the restroom to change into the shorts. And I said "OK God, I talked to Him but I am not going to sit with him!". Then some camera man asked me if i would be willing to say what Soulfest meant to me for promotional footage (can you believe the nerve :-). Now everyday I had been there I had run into several people we knew from church. Not this day, I didn't see anyone. we made our way past the vendors. As he looked around, I desperately searched for someone we knew to leave him with so I could be alone.

We eventually made our way to main stage and I realized I was going to have to sit with him. I was not happy, in fact I was really mad at God. Then we found everyone we knew from church. While Natalie Grant was singing.......So this is what it feels like, when the sacred is torn from your life, and you survive. I was thinking we should go down to the cross and nail any sin and regrets we have left on the cross and walk out of here free and clear to start our lives over. what I did not know was that everyone else was praying for healing in our marriage. I'm not sure when it happened but when it was all over and we got into the car to leave I was really sad because I didn't want it to end. My husband asked me to dinner and I said yes. we stayed out until midnight. 2 months later we moved back in together, and we are now working to make our marriage better than ever. I love summer and don't want it to be over, but we are both looking forward to sharing every minute together this year. I am so thankful to God that his faithfulness is not dependent on my attitude, and for restoring my marriage. "

Anonymous

"I got involved at looking at so much pornography on the internet whenever I could, it became an obsession. Then, I recieved the pledge I made at Soulfest in the mail, and it changed me. Looking at it made me cry because I had just completely fallen asleep in the faith, and it was like it woke me up to reality and God. I went to confession as soon as I could, and it felt like i had been carrying the whole world, and then someone had picked it up and set it aside. It was an amazing feeling, a feeling that stays with me today, because I have not even thought about going on the internet for that reason since then. Thank you Soulfest, and thank you God."

CT

"For about 8 years, I've had the desire to begin a benevolence ministry that would coordinate the resources of area churches in order to help people in need. For the last 8 years I have put off that call because of my "busy" schedule. However, going to SoulFest 2006 in August slowed me down enough to clearly hear God's call in my heart to give my life for ministry to people in need. In fact, time and time again I heard artists at SoulFest speak and sing about remembering the poor and the needy. There were times when I wept before The Lord for those that are lost and in need of the love of Jesus Christ. I am so thankful that I went to SoulFest this year. SoulFest was the catalyst that inspired me to start the Because You're Loved Benevolence Ministry. Now I'm busy connecting area churches with people in need. The ministry is an outreach to the community as well as an opportunity for God's church to help people grow in the knowledge of Christ. There is much work to be done and it's so encouraging to see so many local Christians getting involved. I'm definitely looking forward to SoulFest 2007. Blessings in Christ!"

Paul

"Thanks so much for Soulfest!! Our family had the opportunity of bringing along a young teenager who never has been introduced to Jesus before. In fact, when she walked by the Prayer Tent she saw the glowing flame and people holding hands praying and said "Cool, let's go in there so we can get our palms read!". Listening to the spirit-filled music and hearing the testimonies introduced her to a God that knows the hearts and souls (as well as "the palms") of all He created. She was very touched by what she witnessed. I know a seed was planted and now we are praying that it blossoms and she comes to know the Lord as her own personal Savior.

Lisa

"Hi, My name is Kyra..I attended Soulfest 2005 and 2006...I also plan to attend the following times of the revolution. I feel very strongly to spread the word of Soulfest to the community...I have many friends who listen to Christian music... Comming to Soulfest could be the next step towards their rebirth with God...So they will grow a TRUE relationship with God... I was saved for the first time at soulfest 2005, now it is my turn to help return the favor... I am 16 years old... I reside in Maine... Thank You... You will NEVER know how Soulfest has helped me... I have never been this close to God... God Bless..."

Kyra

"Well, I stopped in at the prayer tent as I had been meaning to do all week. I have made it a point to go there since Soulfest 05 when I met the fine couple who head up that ministry. Well I did not recognize anyone this time but I thought I would give it a try and I sat down down with this nice fellow and told him about some issues I was having and asked him to pray about them and we did. There was no great sense of connection in our prayer at least not for me and I was feeling a little, well, disenchanted this time. When we were thru praying I looked up at him and he looked over at the cigarettes in my shirt pocket. He said do you want to get rid of those? I said no! He said some of the things we just prayed may be tied into my smoking such as strongholds on my life. I told him I was not interested in quiting smoking and that I had tried many times before and was not in need of a sense of failure in my life at this time. Again he tried to reason with me and aske me if we could at least pray about quitting...well, I figured I would humor the poor guy and what could it hurt to let him pray for me, heck I might even let him think it woorked and hand him my cigarettes over to him when we were done and go out late and bum one till I get back to my hotel...no camping for this fat boy. Well, not only did I hand him my cigarettes but my lighter too and even though at that second I knew I wasnt going to quit I also felt something in me know that this time I could quit. I told him to let meleave and see how I do outside the tent. As soon as I left I knew they were gone from me. I came back 15 minutes later after I had told so many people that I just quit smoking. When I saw this man bak in the tent he was talking with someones else but we made eye contact and he could see how excited I was and I told that I was so excited and he hugged me and had tears in his eyes because he knew it was true and that God was going to remove some very big strongholds on my life and that some of them were wrapped uped in my using cigarrettes as a source of strength for lifes up and downs instead of Jesus."

Anonymous

The Soulfest • P.O. Box 197 • Merrimac, MA • 01860 • 978.346.4577 • info@thesoulfest.com