Over 140,000 people showed up throughout the weekend long festival celebrating the Message of Jesus. Saturday was cold windy and rainy, but that didn't stop the people of Tampa. To quote my 5yo daughter "This *YUCKY* rain isn't going to stop the Holy Spirit from going ~ so we have to go too!" And so we did, as did thousands of others. No, nothing could stop the power of God this weekend.

Of course the kids were excited because among the BIG NAMES that volunteered thier time and talents to share this awesome message, our own pastor Tommy Kyllonen aka UrbanD of Crossover and various other members of the Fla.vor Alliance (including Demtrius & RAWSRVNT) were rockin the stages:) We at Crossover were also *blessed to have Demetrius join us in our Sunday morning service! I feel *extremely convicted to share Pastor Tommy's heart hitting message with you also, but I will do that in another post.

Amazingly enough, that rain let up just long enough for Luis Palau to share The Message, and then almost immediatly started up again.

"Rain is a sign that God loves Tampa Bay!" Palau joyfully announced to a hyped-up crowd as he strode across the stage. "Now, are you ready to meet God in a special way?"
Luis Palau's mission was to reach our youth and by the power of God he did just that.
The audience, comprised of mostly teens and young adults was mesmerized as he delivered a message of love. And He didn't sugar coat it!

Palau focused on staying away from drugs and alcohol, living in a broken home, depression and loneliness. And he made repeated references to a topic that would make some of his fellow evangelical preachers blush."I know you have temptations. And nothing is wrong with sex!" he told them. "But I'll tell you what safe sex is. It's sex only in marriage. Don't panic, don't hurry, don't make the mistake of choosing wrong."

The message was simple and straight to the point. "Accept Jesus, and He will show you the way. Repent, and your life will be abundantly blessed."

"Kids die," he warned them. "From accidents, from diseases, from unexplainable things. Death happens. But with Jesus Christ, you have the promise of eternal life."

More decisions were made for Jesus Christ in the Livin It (extreme sports) and children’s (Veggie Tales!!!) areas on Saturday, March 3, than in any other single day at a Palau festival! Praise and glory be to God.

Sunday night Luis Palau shouted "He's alive in Tampa Bay" He is quite right!

His Grace Love and Peace to you and yours,
Heather

OH, you can click HERE to check out upcoming festivals :)