OH, WHAT A GLORIOUS DAY!

After the rain of Biblical proportions on Saturday last week, we really prayed that we would have a good day weather-wise today and we certainly did.  In fact, it was an amazing and glorious day, starting before 8 o’clock this morning with Mr. HCB going off to help with the setting up of the various marquees, inflatables and various gazebos.

He got back just after 11.30 but we were off again by 12 noon to take our positions before all the people were allowed in.

The whole area of the recreation ground was fenced off and the various marquees and gazebos were around the perimeter together with the bouncy castle and the other inflatables.  There was also a Toddler Tent, with various activities for those not old enough to go on the bouncy castle and a tent for older children where they could make “crafty” things.  Mr. HCB hadn’t volunteered for anything specific, but was roped in, or should I say I volunteered him to be in the the craft tent, where he was overseeing the making of clay pots, which the children made and then they arranged various flowers in their pots to take home - I’m sure the Mums who received these would have been delighted.  There was also an area in the centre where games were played and towards the end there were several races - needless to say I didn’t take part, but I noticed several volunteers who were still able to run!

It is very difficult to pinpoint anything in particular, so I have made two collages of the day, from which you will see that there was plenty going on and it got hotter as the day progressed.

In total, 1,236 people came through the entrance, each given a ticket for a free burger and drink, and at the end we were told that Rob and Brian had cooked the grand total of 1,020 burgers plus about 15 veggie burgers - WOW!  There were also drinks and cake on offer too - ALL FREE!

Although I was based in the Prayer Tent, I went for a wander along the queue for burgers, and blessed people with the hearts I had made.  That was a great experience, and when I got near to the Fire Engine, I had some lovely conversations with the four Firemen and then asked if I could take a shot of them - after blessing them all with one of the hearts.  They were happy to oblige and wanted to know how the day was funded because so many people had said they couldn’t believe everything was totally free.  I told them that as Christians, we wanted to do something for the community in which our Church is placed, and this was our way of showing the love of Jesus to them.  

The Firemen weren’t the only ones who were surprised - many of those attending were also surprised that everything was free - but it was so good to see all the smiling faces, and especially the parents, who were able to let their children go on the bouncy castle and the other inflatables, and not have to pay.

So - the Gorse Hill Baptist Church Fun Day is over for another year - but once all the people had gone at 4 o’clock it was then time to take everything down, so my second collage shows that happening mainly, although I did sneak in one or two shots on the top row of two volunteers, a couple I prayed with and my tattoo!

It was a lot of work - and even though we left just before 6 o’clock, it still wasn’t finished as several of the guys had to load and unload the van and make sure the whole area was clear.  

We thank God for all the connections made, for the wonderful weather, for everyone who attended, for the fact that there were no medical emergencies and that all the volunteers gave their time willingly.  I would especially like to mention Ben, one of our very loyal Community Fridge customers, who was litter-picking when we arrived just after 12 noon and was still picking up odd bits that he found before he left at 5.45 p.m.  Amazing dedication.  

Thank you too, to the organisers and all the volunteers - and although both Mr. HCB and I are shattered, we won’t be the only ones who are looking forward to a good night’s sleep, and I’m sure we will all be back to do it again next year.  

Hope your Bank Holiday Monday has been a good one.  M xx