In 2013 the Way Festival saw several hundred people hear vibrant presentations of the Gospel & many people touched by the Father’s love & power. Peter Ruck with steering group of Alan Cass, Jem Trehern, Gary Seithel, Chris Lincoln and Tony Tuffnell got together to rekindle the flame of mission this summer, and give opportunity for gifted evangelists to encourage, equip us and share the Good News. The team approached local churches to be a part of this tent mission from 19-26 July and declare the truth about Jesus Christ and what HE means to you.
Changing lives and hearts through the preaching of the Gospel and demonstrating His Kingdom. We see evidence of His work breaking out all over! As we step out in faith in response to the great commission to “Go in to all the world & preach the gospel” We’ve seen the truth of “The Lord working with them and confirming the Word with signs and wonders following”. Mark 16:15 & 20.
We invited spirit filled live bands each evening representing ministeries from Chemsford, East London, Southend , Bristol, Romford.
We had special Youth, Ladies & Men’s events which including boxing ring testimony by Jimmy Tibbs.
This was a six day event in a “BIG TOP” events like this take a lot of organising physically putting up the tent thankful my colleague Tim Grant owns and has the experience of errecting these tents.
We took to the street with leaflets designed to look like a tent, we had many interesting encounters inviting people. One noteable one was a lady who came from a distance in Kent. She said, she was interested but truthfully we had expected to see her. It just showed how important street outreach is she came and her four teenagers came to make a decision to receive Jesus. In fact this family came every night and brought other members of the family.
We displayed banners with partnering churches, put up posters in pet shops, fish and chip shops.
We were focussed on getting the message out there for the event. This included Peter Ruck and Anna Trehern appearing on SKY Ben TV you can see this in our Photo & Video file, Tim Grant & Peter Ruck appeared on Pheonix Radio promoting the event we used many forms media to reach out. The Way Festival had its own facebook page and website www.thewayfestival.com they’re live so can pick up on events still.
You can still see accounts and photos of George Osborn speaking, Tim Grant, Peter Ruck. Kalbi Massey and others at the Ladies events and Jimmy Tibbs at the men’s event. on this media.
Gary Seithell one of the steering group leaders forwarded this short report to some local ministries:
Praise to the Father for the Way Festival – There was a lovely sense of God’s presence/ wonderful worship/ and many churches represented.
The theme seemed to be “The God of the Unexpected!’ Mary & her friend wanted to hear Jimmy Tibbs – a top boxing trainer from the East End of London- talk about his life and faith. Mary had known the family years ago & her neighbours invited them. This was a men’s breakfast! We hoped some men would respond… but both of these older ladies prayed to receive Christ at the end! They then asked about God healing today. Mary had fallen and hurt her back badly. Peter & I prayed for her … she tested it & it was fine! Her friend said “Pray for ME! I have breathing problems” As we prayed her breathing became easier & both of them continue to grow in grace.
Another unexpected outcome was a flyer Peter gave to a woman from Kent…she said “I’ll be coming to that!” Peter admits his thoughts were more “I’ll never see her there.” The surprise was when she did come & bring her four children. Then her brother came as well almost every night! It turns out Margaret had recently lost her husband & needed the prayers & encouragement. Her son Tommy rededicated his life to Christ. The three younger ones all gave their lives to Jesus for the first time! Her brother Larry felt the “time is now” to get his life recommitted to Christ.
Every night some came to Christ for the first time, others rededicated their lives, and others came forward for prayer where the Father did amazing things! Bernadette hasn’t been able to kneel for decades.. now has no pain or stiffness in her knees! Alan had back pain & it has been completely fine since receiving prayer at the festival. We heard testimonies of people who’s acid reflux was completely better, of depression that has lifted, of a deeper sense of confidence in God. Nicki gave testimony of her knees and arm being healed and instead of discouragement depression & anxiety a new peace in her heart from Christ. Please pray for those who have come to Christ and seen answers to prayer to continue to grow in their faith and walk of discipleship. (Gary Seithel).
We continue to hear testimonies and stories of how God touched lives, these are still filtering through weeks later. The Way Festival brings tremendous unity blessings to those who get involved – just want to say thank you!
