I recently met a Christian man in Dallas who shared a unique Harvest America experience. It just happened that Harvest America last June landed on his birthday. Having never heard of Harvest America, he had made plans to celebrate his birthday with family and some friends. He also decided to invite a neighbor he didn’t know all that well. His neighbor, a nice man, was also a fairly heavy drinker and partier.
To his surprise, when he asked his neighbor if he’d like to come to his party he was told emphatically, “No, I can’t come. That day I reserve for Harvest America. It’s the one day of the year I don’t drink!” Amazingly, this man who doesn’t attend a church reserved a day on the calendar each year to soberly listen to the gospel!
Now we don’t know the end of that story just yet, whether the gospel has taken root in his life. We do know, however, that the Christian man who invited him is now very familiar with Harvest America and a supporter of our mission. But in the end, it says something about those outside the church and their curiosity in an event that draws them to a place where joyous song and Christ-centered preaching unashamedly occur. It tells us, people want to know about Jesus and they are attracted to a festive event where God’s people from all ethnicities, all denominations, all walks of life, come together under the banner of the gospel.
Harvest America, at its core, is a celebration of the gospel and the influence it has had on our nation. Harvest America is an opportunity for churches across the nation to open their churches to their communities and invite the curious to come and experience the joy resounding through a stadium filled with people in love with God. It is a party, a celebration of the great mystery of our God and His gospel message.
Become a host site and join the party at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on June10th and proclaim the gospel in your church or community!