Our 8th annual Expo in West Palm Beach and 42nd Expo overall was this past Saturday and God blessed us with a new all-time high for any of our outreaches of 1,307 attendees! As the event has grown, set-up and tear-down have become a larger and larger task each year and this year having over 50 tents including 33 for resource exhibitors was also record for any Expo to date. However, as always God gave us all we needed to accomplish the goals He set before us and the 160 kids from Palm Beach Atlantic’s Workship program with the youthful energy that many of us seem to be running low on from time to time were a huge help on both Frida and Saturday.
Also, with the extra large pontoon brought down by friends from Central Florida, we had more boats and seating capacity than ever in West Palm Beach and in turn, gave more rides than in any previous year there. We served virtually every food item we had on site, too. From the over 500 hamburgers, 1,000 hot dogs and 2,500 bottles of water to the thousands of snacks, apples, oranges, chips and moon pies, both participants and volunteers were well fed at the Expo.
All in all, it was such a joy to see both participants and volunteers fellowshipping and enjoying some wholesome fun in the light and love of God presence that day. However, what has Leanne and I excited the most are the glimpses of ongoing ministry starting to happen after years of planting seeds. Seeing annual participants and volunteers begin to build friendships, church and other faith based ministries for people living with disabilities surfacing and the growth of leaders on our outreach team are all so encouraging. We are even helping facilitate some local fish grants and a Spring Fling in May through the local ministry Outpost team.
It reminds me of the words of Galatians 6:9: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” So many folks have faithfully prayed, given and served in West Palm Beach since 2011 and it is such a blessing to see the fruit of their labor and the even greater harvest of hope, faith and love to come if we don’t grow weary. Which then reminds of the words in Isaiah 40:31: “But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” All in All, we have to rest in the Lord and have our strength continually renewed so we won’t grow weary but finish strong.
Finally, it is Leanne’s and my hope and prayer that you know how much we appreciate all our ministry partners and your commitment to share the love and gospel of Jesus with folks living with disabilities from TX to TN to FL and even Belize. Whether you are the hands and feet of Jesus through your prayers, giving or service THANK YOU for answering God’s call and coming together as His people to shine His light and shower His love on those who join us at each outreach. :)