The Town of Haymarket’s (Va.) annual community parade draws over 25,000 people each year, 260 vendors and features local schools, performers and law enforcement. The members of the Living Hope church and the school of evangelism, operated out of the church, took this opportunity to reach out and spread the Good News. Members set up a branded canopy on the parade route and staffed their booth with trained masseurs and church volunteers.
“One lady told us that she was looking for a church who could help her understand the Bible truths about the Sabbath,” says Chris Sealey, the church’s personal ministries director. “She had heard of Adventists, so when she saw the name on the canopy, she was excited to speak with us and sign up for Bible studies.”
During the course of the parade, 95 free massages were provided, 300 free bottles of water and 1,500 pieces of inspirational magazines. There were also hourly drawings for free copies of Teenie Finley’s Natural Lifestyle Cooking. Members also participated in Walk by Faith Christian Outreach Festival in Warrenton, Va., an outdoor event designed to bring awareness to local churches and ministries in a casual setting.
Pastors Mark Finley and Bob Banks shared that between the two events, nearly 3,000 pieces of literature were distributed and almost 150 people expressed interest in Bible studies and upcoming church events. Teams from the church and school, have prayerfully begun the work of following up with the registrants.
