FaithFest had its beginnings in the early spring of 1997. It started as an attempt to expose the people of Faith Lutheran Church to a variety of styles within the contemporary music genre. The concert, which took place that August, was originally to be a gathering of an adhoc group made up of folks from Faith, Peace Lutheran (Southgate) and Holy Trinity (Livonia).

Soon after the planning started, we became acquainted with Rosa Curry and her talented family. They were invited to join in the concert as were T.L.C. from Transfiguration Lutheran Church; and Kurt Radke, a local songwriter, performer, and pastor of Christus Victor in Dearborn, Michigan. The event took place under threatening skies that finally turned to an all out storm. The participants and the audience of about 200 moved inside and a wonderful time was had by all despite the weather. God was truly present.

The following year we took a leap of faith and decided to get a performance trailer, contact more local Christian churches and groups, and make it an all day event. The decision was made that there would be no admission and that sharing the love of Christ and God's grace in song would be our mission. Decisions were also made to have a place for children to gather and refreshments would be made available. We solicited money from local businesses and were blessed with the funds needed to make this happen. Volunteers to work the various areas stepped up to the challenge. But what about sound? A wonderful gift by Mike Carey Music of sound equipment and sound production by Mike Carey himself left no needs unmet. Mike has been there for us ever since. The musical celebration was a success with hundreds of people attending. The weather was perfect this time! Many friendships and acquaintances were made. The day rang with music to the glory of God.

Year three was a banner year also. God blessed us with many musicians, over thirty groups and individuals. In addition to FaithFest, John Ylvisaker (nationally known composer and performer) gave a seminar and concert on Saturday. Scheduling was a feat in itself! The FaithFest Committee had representatives from five different churches pulling for His cause. We had to go to two stages, one inside and one out. Several of the performers had recordings that were made available for sale. Volunteers now numbered about 60 to get everything running smoothly. The attendance rose again with the count approaching a thousand. The mixture of musical types and the oneness of purpose melded into a spirit-lifting day of song. This allows the performers a bit more time (saving the stage manager some frayed nerves). The expanded time will also allow more people the opportunity to attend.

Year number four was the grand experiment. Could we grow from one day and twenty groups to two days and forty groups? Was that in God's plan too? This is what leaps of faith are all about. After much prayer, the Committee jumped! Not only did God provide the number of performers to cover the time period, there also was enough money and enough wonderful volunteers to handle the two days of activity. The second day tested our ability to be flexible, with torrential down pours and flooding that caused us to move the outside stage indoors. The weather did not dampen the spirits of the volunteers nor the attendees, however. God's presence was truly felt. In all, another beautiful event and many new friends were made.

The fifth year of FaithFest, was an event better than all previous years. The support staff has grown and there was much more wide spread involvement on many levels. It's so wonderful to see the fire of Spirit catch on with so many. Not only were we blessed this year with beautiful weather, ever so important when part of this is outside, but blessed with new groups performing and lending their talents to the Lord's work.. Groups like Proclaim, Hope's Call, The Pruitts and Rufus Harris The favorites returned also, such as Heaven Sown, Paul McKenzie, Children of Christ, and Providence . The attendance crossed 2,000. We are now firmly locked into the two day event idea. We are also sure growth is in the future for FaithFest, maybe a third stage?

The sixth year, as all past years, was bigger and better. There were over 56 participating groups or individuals, three stages including the new coffeehouse, and we hit record attendance of over 3,000. We had members of 9 area churches assisting on the board this year bringing in different talents and many new ideas. God's Spirit moved in some phenomenal ways again this year. We were witness to a display of God awesome power, as storms and torrential rains were evident as near as near as a mile away and we were relatively unscathed. Make no mistake it was all about Him, not us. Prayers were answered by a faithful God, and as He has witnessed to us, we need to witness to others about Him. This is faith.

Can you believe it? 7 years and FaithFest continues to grow! Actually, we can believe it because God's Hand has been all over this event since the very first year. We had 80 participating groups or individuals this year, what a blessing. Yet, in spite of the success, we all need to keep this in focus. This isn't about us, it's about our Savior and Lord. That is the common factor in all these people regardless of denominational background or musical style. It is also a common thread among the hundred plus volunteers who work to make sure that FaithFest is able to take place each year. This is all about witness and evangelism, edifying and building up the Body of Christ. We all need to keep this in our hearts as we head into year number 8. There is a lot happening and enjoyment is there but ultimately it is about Him.

FaithFest 2005 - the 9th year! Record crowds Friday and Saturday, more people attending for multiple days, added help for logistics and children's events, performers from across the country... It is overwhelming at times to fathom it all. But still we see God's hand; children laughing and smiling in the Children's Area as they show you their painted puppy dog face, the grandson clinging to his balloon animal, reconciliation between old acquaintances, generous donations to minister to those in need, a man on his knees because God has touched his heart, nearly a thousand people singing praise songs with their hands joined and arms held high in the night sky to glorify Father... and all these years later, that is still the point. The Body of Christ as a whole and each member within it exists to praise and serve our God and Savior and we are privileged to do so. May we be true and humble servants in all we do, Lord!

In 2006 we became very ambitious since this was our tenth year. We had two weekends of music and concerts during the week. We thank St Paul United Church of Christ, Southpoint Community Christian Church, Bethel Assembly of God, the New Exodus, Hebrews, Romulus Wesleyan Church, Peace Lutheran Church, and First Baptist Church of Lincoln Park, for opening their doors and hearts. We especially were blessed by all the musicians who performed and ministered during this event. This was an awesome time of praise to our God and our Savior Jesus Christ, what a joy to be part of.

FaithFest for 2007 was held in Taylor Michigan for the second year at St. Paul United Church of Christ and HeBrews Ministries. We were blessed with great weather and a visit from the Stand Strength Team and an Elvis impersonator doing gospel.. This was also a time of reflection as just prior to this event we had seen the passing of Pastor Jack Yeager, a long time supporter and performer with FaithFest. This year’s event was dedicated to him and his family. There was a strong feeling of being one with the Body of Christ. Times of prayer and renewing of lives and commitments carried on all weekend. To God be the glory.


It has been a blessing to be involved with FaithFest. FaithFest is not about the faith of His children, but of God's FAITHfulness to His people! It has been an event that has shown all those involved that "wherever two or more are gathered in His name, there He is in the midst.

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