Carnival of Hope

Last Saturday I was very happy to play a part (however small) in the Carnival of Hope, put on every year by my church in Oshawa on the third Saturday of every August. It was astounding to see the work and organizational efforts that went into making this amazing event the roaring success it always is.

Billed as “Durham’s Totally Free Festival,” it began in 2003 as a way to bring joy and practical help to those less fortunate in the  area. For one day, struggling families can forget about all the cares and daily challenges of life and be blessed by a totally free day. Everything is provided at no cost to the five or six thousand people who attend (many who are bussed in from poor areas) – hot dogs, drinks, popcorn, cotton candy, ice cream, games & prizes, blow up rides, petting zoo, pony rides, paint ball, music, drama, shows, hundreds of great prize giveaways, haircuts, massages, manicures, groceries, clothing, toys and on and on it goes.

Last year, the church gave away over 2000 stuffed toys, over 30 brand new bicycles, a pocket motorcycle, an ATV, TVs, VCRs, a new refrigerator, plane rides, remote control cars, and many more incredible prizes donated by the community. This year there was just as much if not more for people. It is a huge undertaking, with a huge price tag, but one in which almost the whole church gets involved as a wonderful outreach, sharing the love of Jesus.

This year (my first) I was in the area where 10 hairdressers from the community were cutting hair (free), four manicurists were doing nails and two masseuses were giving massages. It was more heart warming than I can describe to see young moms who couldn't afford haircuts for their kids, come into the church and get their kids all fixed up ready for the start of school. Many of the moms and dads got haircuts and manicures or massages as well. It was so beautiful to see them being pampered, loved and looked after. One old fellow with long gray hair and a huge gray beard (who I have seen many times walking the streets of Oshawa), sat up in the barber's chair happily kabbitzing with the hairdresser. He eventually left with a tidy trim, obviously feeling like a million bucks!

At four o'clock in the afternoon, all the rides and events were shut down for an hour while a drama (relevant to the everyday challenges of life faced by many of the people) was presented onstage. Following the drama, the Gospel message was presented. having just seen the love of Jesus so clearly in action, many people raised their hands, signifying their desire to accept Him and have their lives transformed.

There is no greater miracle than a life transformed by the love of Jesus. :)