Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the Lord.

1 Chronicles 29:9a

We are often asked with amazement:

“How do you put on an event like Creation Fest for FREE?”

There are a thousand stories behind the scenes that make the event and year-round ministry possible, but one of the best stories we love to tell is about the joy of working with volunteers. At the end of the day, no one is involved with Creation Fest because they need to be for financial reasons. Quite the opposite is true; it is because of the willing heart of 500+ volunteers that the ministry exists and the festival remains free to attend.

There is a joy apparent in the choices we make willingly. We make many choices each day; what to eat, what to wear, who to speak to, how to approach the challenges and questions of life. The verse above speaks to us of the willingness of what we offer to the Lord freely, with our whole heart.

One of the most beautiful things we see in this wholehearted, willing offering is the delight of knowing the kindness of Jesus in unexpected places. Some of our volunteers have forged lifelong friendships, because serving with friends is one of the best ways to truly experience the depth of life together. Some of our volunteers have encountered the reality of God’s presence in using their ordinary skills for the kingdom of God. Some of our volunteers have discovered their life partners by serving together, although we would never advertise that we have been the home of many love stories. That might set the expectations too high.

At the end of the day, we love volunteers and volunteering because we believe it’s a picture of what Jesus has done for us. Paul says it this way in Ephesians 5:2: “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

We give of our time, our resource, our creativity and our energy with willing joy because this is what Jesus has already done for us, and He is forever inviting us to enter into the work He has done. We’d love to have you join us this summer and discover together the adventure of the God who is making all things new.