True Freedom Fest

Sunday afternoon my husband and I found ourselves in a long line waiting to enter the arena at the Boys’ Home in Lake Waccamaw for True Freedom Fest. Some folks had chairs in tow; some had kids in tow. Some were there with family or church groups and come came alone. Perhaps we all came expecting different things. Shane and I were excited to have the opportunity to hear 2 of our favorite contemporary Christian musical groups – Newsong and Todd Agnew with his band.
It was hot. It was dusty. At least one performer made note that they were, in fact, singing in a horse barn. (Although, you have to think, if it was good enough for Baby Jesus, surely it’s good enough for us. . . .) Actually the heat, the dust, nor the horses mattered.
Matt Jernigan began the night with clean comedy and a couple of light-hearted songs of his own. He jabbed and paid tribute, in turn, to the fact that he was a local boy.
Then Flight Out of Egypt took the stage – a young group that includes a couple of kids that belong to Newsong. Loud, hard-rocking, driving music married to Christian lyrics received mixed reviews from the crowd.
Newsong unified the audience with some of their most popular praise and worship songs. As I looked around, folks were responding in myriad ways – some with eyes closed and hands lifted; others clapping, dancing, and jumping for the Lord; still others sat visiting with friends, family, and neighbors.
Jamey Ragle bounced onto the stage with a resounding, “Hello, Luv!” He spoke to us frankly and passionately about how our Monday through Saturday life should match our “Sunday life,” and that church was never meant to be boring. He had us from hello. Many people responded to his call to live out their true freedom in Christ.
By far, the highlight of the evening, for me, was the time that Todd Agnew and his band were on the stage. His humble spirit and love for God were evident as he reminded us that we shouldn’t be putting performers on a pedestal, but that God should get all the glory! What a refreshing message in our era of “Idol worship”! He led us in worship, curtailed our applause at every opportunity, and lived out his faith musically right there with us.
Hawk Nelson ended the evening as it began – with loud, hard-rocking, driving music, which I feel sure that especially the young people enjoyed.
Bailey Produce deserves a huge thank-you for providing such a diverse evening of True Freedom Fest that provided tons of inspiration for us all to live out our Christian freedom every day.

Written July 2007