Thousands Attend Annual Fun in the Son Festival in Kingston
The biennial Fun in the Son Festival lived up to its name in Kingston, Jamaica on July 16th as thousands of people gathered under the warm Jamaican sun for a free family festival with international evangelist Andrew Palau. The crowd packed into National Heroes Park in Kingston to enjoy the festivities and hear the Good News of Jesus Christ proclaimed.
“It is remarkable to see Fun in the Son growing year after year,” Palau shared. “With each festival, many more of God’s people are capturing the strategy of bringing friends and family so that the depth of impact just grows and grows. I know exactly how this plan can transform a person . . . it is the story of my life!”
The festival—a collaborative effort between the Luis Palau Association, Jamaica Broilers, and Glory Music—began with several marching bands in brightly colored uniforms, effectively setting the celebratory tone for the rest of the day. Other performers included Donnie McClurkin—a special guest visiting from New York City—and Jamaican artists Kevin Downswell, Judith Gayle, Carlene Davis, Papa San, and many others. A children’s area featuring carnival games, bounce castles, and face painting proved to be a popular attraction, along with world-class action sports demonstrations including skateboarding, professional BMX athletes Vic Murphy and Jon Andrus, and three-time Freestyle Motorcycle X-Games Gold medalist Kyle Loza.
The main stage presentation began in the afternoon, with the highlight being a message of the Good News of Jesus Christ from Palau. The crowd was attentive as he shared from John 10:10 about God’s promised abundant life for those who turn to Jesus, appeal for forgiveness, and receive Him personally. Palau made a point of clarifying some of the common misunderstandings about what is required to be saved, and then appealed passionately that not one would reject the free gift of God. Afterward, Palau led a prayer from the stage and invited those in the audience who wished to accept the Lord to join him in praying and raise their hand in an outward expression of their commitment. Across the crowd, a sea of hands could been seen in the air. In addition to those who responded on-site, many others heard the message via radio broadcast and were able to text their decision to the follow-up committee.
“This was my first time attending, and I have no regrets,” one festival goer shared on Facebook. “When I walked in the crowd, I could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. Truly awesome.”
In addition to the festival, the Palau Association worked with Jamaica Broilers to put on the first ever Fun in the Son Women’s Luncheon. Nearly 300 women attended and heard a message of hope from Wendy and Andrew Palau. Many women in attendance made the decision to follow Jesus at the event. Palau also invited a team of volunteers from around the world to serve local churches in their ongoing efforts—such as providing reading glasses at health clinics, school outreaches, infirmary visits, a sports camp, and more. Andrew also shared the Good News at four prisons during the week.
“Many lives were powerfully touched throughout this week of ministry,” festival coordinator Randy Burtis shared.
The festival in Jamaica holds a special significance for Palau because it was at a very similar event where he accepted the Lord 23 years ago and received his calling as an evangelist. The speaker at that event was his very own father, renowned evangelist Luis Palau.
The Palau team’s next stop will be in Malawi in August 2016, where Andrew Palau will once again partner with hundreds of local churches, thousands of local believers, and dozens of volunteers from around the world to share the message of Jesus in the African country’s capital city, Lilongwe. Additionally, partner evangelists will also help to share the Good News in five additional regions, making it a truly national effort.
(Source: Christian Newswire)
