Come rain or come shine” — that’s the tune Mike Graham of En Fuego Ministries was whistling as rain pelted the fields of Verbena during this year’s En Fuego festival Aug. 25.
Although thunderstorms sent many participants home, more than 10,000 people stayed, huddling under tents and lifting their voices in praise.
En Fuego, meaning “on fire” in Spanish, is a one-day outdoor rally focused on bringing youth together through worship and Scripture.
Christian bands such as Skillet, Sanctus Real and Building 429 kept the worship going throughout the day, while speaker Tony Nolan brought a message of hope.
When the festival began 11 years ago, the event drew a crowd of 300.
“It’s been amazing to see this event grow,” Graham said. “It started in a little field in the middle of nowhere in Alabama, and people keep coming out to hear the gospel be preached.”
Last year, 20,000 people attended En Fuego, and the count was already at 25,000 by early afternoon this year.
Graham speculated 30,000 people would have come if it hadn’t rained that evening.
Despite the rain, he said the Lord still used the festival for His glory.
In fact, close to 200 people came forward, either rededicating their lives to Christ or accepting the Lord as their Savior.
“To see the response to the gospel was, without a question, the best thing of the night,” Graham said. “It’s all God. That’s all we can say.”
Baptists offer help
More than 350 people volunteered their service that day working concessions, setting up the tent provided by the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions or acting as counselors.
“If the community hadn’t helped and sponsored the event, it would never have happened,” said Johnny Giles, chairman of En Fuego Ministries.
En Fuego received support from more than 10 area Baptist churches and two Baptist associations, Elmore and Chilton.
For the past three years, Elmore Association has helped sponsor the event, and Director of Missions Jim Jackson said it would be on board again next year.
“The testimonies we hear of those who participated and the youth ministers that support it help us to realize this is a worthwhile endeavor,” he said.
As the festival continues to expand and the Lord continues to bless En Fuego Ministries, Graham said the leadership of En Fuego Ministries would keep obeying. “We’re glad to serve and hope God will allow us to do the event next year.”
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