Halswell Community Church set out to share Jesus clearly and openly with their neighbours, and last Sunday’s family fun day created the perfect setting for it.
“The family fun day was a time for us to come together to share Christ through word and through service,” says HCC pastor Mato Kariuki. “It gave our people an opportunity to work together to serve our community, but it also created a platform for us to share why we believe in Jesus, and how it affects our daily lives, our outlook on life and the decisions we make.”
On Sunday 23 November hundreds of people visited the school site in Christchurch where the 60 or so regular attendees of Halswell Community Church usually meet each Sunday.
Visitors were warmly welcomed at the parking area and directed to a full line-up of free activities: face-painters, pony rides, games, food, a pre-loved clothing give-away, live music, inflatables, and a magic show (very handy when your congregation includes a professional magician!) The day culminated in a gospel presentation on the open-air stage.
Mato continues, “This year was particularly encouraging because various members had specific conversations with the attendees, and had a chance to both challenge and encourage them. We hope to create relationships with some of these families long term, invite them to church, but most importantly, we hope that they encounter Jesus for themselves. We are just a tool that would like to be used by God for the sake of his kingdom.”
A gazebo was positioned by the entry and exit point, with HCC elder Richard Howe and two local evangelists offering prayer and welcoming questions from curious visitors. While most younger guests were more interested in candy floss and jumping activities, several parents and grandparents engaged in thoughtful conversations, and at least one visitor gratefully took home a gift of a Bible.
