June Hope for Today column: Chrysler Debt & Christ's Forgiveness
Nearly 800 Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge dealerships across the country got an unwanted package last month.  They received a letter from Chrysler’s corporate office telling them to close up shop.  In the end, 25% of the dealership’s network got the bad news.  One of those I read about was Frederick George of Flint, Michigan.  His family has been in the automobile business since 1928.  He said, “Were upset, stunned.”  Many others probably echoed his statement across the country.

Wheatland LifeFest Kick Off Rally (by Larry Wallace)
As I hopped into my car to depart on the two and a half hour journey from Clay Center to Phillipsburg, Kansas, a strong south wind was blowing--which proved to make driving a challenge.  Another challenge for me was to learn more about Wheatland LifeFest, coming in September.  LifeFest is the result and vision of Clint Decker, along with his wife Kathe. They have created an outdoor festival that uses music, extreme sports, food and other creative ways to share the good news of Jesus Christ in a one-weekend event. Clint’s greatest passion is to see rural communities transformed for Christ.  The Kick-off rally is the vehicle towards accomplishing just that, Wheatland LifeFest.

A Kick off rally would seem to indicate the start of something, but before any big game there must be work behind the scenes.  In all actuality, Clint and Kathe have been working hard the last two years in Phillipsburg and surrounding communities to share their vision, develop relationships, and get local people to come along side.  There are also logistical things to accomplish before you can put on a huge event like LifeFest.

One of these is choosing the location.  The local Invitation Committee has chosen the McGill Huck Boyd Center, named after the famed local businessman to host the event.  Since the decision, Clint has learned much about Huck Boyd and what he stood for.  His efforts to see progress in rural America could not help but make Clint pause and think that it was no accident this facility was chosen. I marvel at the building, auditorium, entire facility and the sprawling grounds. It is unlike any other building that I have seen in a community its size. A 500 seat auditorium, state of the art technology, huge meeting rooms, large lobby and throw in an orchestra pit; all in a town the size of 2,500. Not your ordinary rural America building!

The Invitation Committee has accomplished the daunting task of recruiting twenty-eight area churches (with a hope for many more to come) coming together to work for the same goal--to see the kingdom of Christ glorified! How awesome is that? What a great testament to this rural area that they want to work together for this purpose. 

The Kick-off rally started with worship music led by Gabriel Peter. Gabriel is an excellent musician/pianist who moved with his family from urban to rural America in his teens. He has developed a passion for rural Kansas much like the Decker’s. They happened to meet in Clay Center last February and discovered their similar goals for small town Kansas, and decided they should team up, which has become a good fit. 

Kathe then read scripture and described the purpose of the Kick-off rally: to start building their vision of Wheatland LifeFest with church leadership that they may carry on excitement to their church and communities.

Many people have been recruited from local communities to step up and be part of committees and teams for LifeFest. These strong leaders were introduced and thanked for their willingness to provide that leadership. Thanks and prayers will continue to go out for these people for their efforts so far and for what is yet to come.

Next Clint mapped out his four reasons for “Why LifeFest?"

1.    Christ saved him. 

2.    Christ called him to evangelize, and he answered “yes”. 

3.    Clint’s heart is for the people of rural America, who need Christ as much as the inner cities. 

4.       The urgency of the hour.  There has never been a more urgent time to share the gospel. 

The night concluded with more worship songs from Gabriel and prayer. What a successful night for the Kick-off rally!  The next step toward LifeFest is called Fresh Encounter gatherings; a three-day event that will keep building the momentum for the Wheatland LifeFest.  The first day will focus on pastors, the second on church lay leaders and the third day will focus on the entire church. The gatherings will take place April 24-26^th.

One of the goals for Clint and Kathe Decker is change. To see hearts, minds, and eternities changed throughout rural America.  As I left the McGill Huck Boyd center for the long trip home, I noticed something; the wind had changed direction and now was blowing just as strongly from the north; yes the winds of change. Can you feel it?

Larry Wallace is married with children and lives in Clay Center, Kansas.  He is a full-time insurance agent and wrote this story of a personal account, attending the Wheatland LifeFest Kick Off Rally.