The Gift

A number of years ago, someone gave me beautiful fridge magnet. It is a

2 inch x 2 inch fridge magnet with this inscription:

Let us work together to become the best we can be. This 100 Days of Encouragement is to help us grow and blossom into the beauty that we

have not realized from within ourselves.

Journal Entry: After the Concert

This could not have been possible without all of the generous sponsors and great volunteers that rolled up their sleeves, lent a hand, and worked hard. A big thank you to everyone that was part of a fever of activity that made the “Compassion” benefit and sponsorship for under-privileged children a successful event. Without the generous sponsorship of Allstar Show Industries, who donated several thousand dollars worth of sound equipment and a technician to operate the soundboard, the concert could not have happened. In addition, the local Christian radio stations AM 930 The Light and Shine FM aired advertising for the One Voice concert. A lot of people pounded the pavement to gain all of the sponsors that opened the way for the concert to happen.

When we needed plywood to build a drum riser for the bands, Winsor Plywood cheerfully donated what we needed. Marshall fabrics came to our aid with 40 meters of fabric.

 Many of the guests said it was the best concert of the year. The music was great and so were the activities.

 Upon entering the gate of the amphitheatre, people were excited to enter their names for many free draws. These included a free skydive package from Eden North Parachute School, several free dinner gift cards from Montana’s and The Olive Garden, and free singing lessons from Milton Liska. There was even a tall vase filled with jellybeans and everyone had fun trying to guess how many jellybeans were in the vase. There were almost 4000 jellybeans. A young girl went home with enough sugar to last her a year. Hopefully she shares them.  As well, Axe Music donated a beautiful electric guitar that was raffled. The young man that won the guitar was thrilled.

Being an outdoor concert at the Hawrelak Park Amphitheatre, some families enjoyed sitting on the grass behind the nice seats instead of being restricted to specific seats. This offered parents with strollers and older children an opportunity to let their children run around and have fun while parents relaxed and enjoyed the music, although many enjoyed the comfort of the amphitheatre seating.

Val Martin from Joyful face painting donated her time by painting spectacular images on the faces of the children. There was coloring for the children, and an opportunity for 30 young children to receive a small music instrument and go up on the stage with the band ‘On the Altar.’ The band performed ‘This Little Light of Mine’ (Rock and Roll Style), while the children enthusiastically danced, sang, and played along.

By the end of the night, everyone was exhausted, but happy.

 Someone dared to dream, step out in faith, and let God’s hand bring the reality and joy of the event together. It took approximately 100 days of pushing through all of the work and obstacles to make the event a reality.

Wow!!! And “Thank you Lord” is all I can say. It truly was amazing.

A large charity group has come on board with the One Voice concert and has stepped in to ensure that a big name Christian music artist will be there. Dare to dream and step out in faith.