Blog 3

Tragedy at Lifest

We were having an amazing time this year at Lifest, it was actually the best ministry we have ever had there.  We always kind of go into the festival wondering how many people will laugh at us as it seems to be a more apathetic crowd that most festivals, but we were surprised this year.

On Saturday afternoon I was taking a nap in the van as I was not feeling well.  I was woken up by one of the team members telling me some of the worst news I could hear.  Outside our booth area two of our girls were walking by the bungee type ride they have at some of the festivals as a 16 year old girl fell from the top due to a ride malfunction.  She was rushed to the hospital, but died during surgery. 

Most of us were in so much shock we had no idea what to say or do.  I had to get on stage a couple of hours after that to do a talk on behalf of Compassion International, I struggled for the words to say.  We tried to stay busy to keep ourselves from thinking too much about what just happened no more than 50 feet from our booth.

The one ray of light in this was knowing that Liz, the girl that passed away, is a believer.  We are comforted that she is now in the presence of Christ and the worries and fears of the world are gone for her.

I know for us it has helped us take a closer look at our lives and the way we live them each day.  I know it has burned in us a stronger commitment to share the hope and truth of Christ, our Savior with the world.  Some one asked us if we would continue with the Summer Tour or cancel it.  I told them it must continue, we have even more drive then ever to share Christ with a lost world. 

Please pray for the Lifest staff, the people who were working the ride and the Liz's family.