"I'm stunned that everything is free!"

[Here's the story from Stratford upon Avon on August 2nd, courtesy of local coordinator, Ruth...]

"I'm stunned that everything is free!" That was the reaction of the interviewer from BBC Coventry & Warwickshire radio who drawn to the Re:Act fun day by the sheer level of noise.

The torrential rain in the morning thankfully gave way to a sun-sparkled afternoon where the team of 42 Re:Act volunteers and the 45 Stratford volunteers took their positions ready to serve.

As the queues formed at the free face painting, hair braiding and nail painting stands, so the buzz around the Recreation Ground grew with many local people coming as well as visitors to Stratford from around the globe.
With bouncy slides, creative crafts, the Stop The Traffik wall of hands and gladiator-style combat activities, there was plenty of fun and purpose, and the participants seemed pleased with the creative outcomes. There was no shortage of free food and drink either, with the delicious barbecue cooked for around 750 people, and up to 1400 fairtrade refreshments were guzzled throughout the afternoon.

The Re:Act band were first class, providing good music that was really enjoyed by all.

The questionnaires completed by the Re:Act team with the general public attending the event also demonstrated the very positive feeling people had about the event and felt that "the church's role in the community is important." When there is so much cynicism in society about large organisations, this is an encouraging endorsement, the local community effectively saying "we need the church". The questionnaires have also provided valuable leads for forthcoming events and the town-wide Alpha course that starts in September.

The outdoor church meeting that followed the fun day activities went well with more quality music and some of the young people who have a faith in Jesus shared their stories of their journey with God. The speaker was excellent and made the message of the gospel clear and accessible. There was an amazing level of response to the message, with at least 12 people responding to Jesus for the first time, and more again making recommitments to follow Jesus. Praise God! Of these, 5 first commitments were by local people and friends of Christians in the town. There was also one family from Rugby where all 5 members committed their lives to Jesus for the first time
- wow! How good is that? At least one person also experienced physical healing. Many more heard the gospel for the first time ever.

For all the hard work, time and energy invested by so many into making the day happen, the outcomes clearly demonstrate that it was all worthwhile. It is incredible to think that this is the first time that an event of this kind has ever been attempted here. The combination of everything and everyone together really expressed the HOPE that we have in Jesus - hope shown in words, hope revealed through actions, hope witnessed by serving, hope experienced in relationships. The hope of Jesus touching the people of Stratford and beyond.