On July 5, First Baptist Church in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan held its first Summer Jam, a free community music festival that attracted about 1,000 people, an amazing turnout in a small community of 34,000.

“We really saw the power of God through all of this. It is amazing what God can do when you let him,” says Devin Seghers, Pastor of First Baptist.

Just months before the concert, the church had a date picked and a location, Kinsman Park, yet few performers booked. Then Devin started getting contacted by entertainers he barely knew who didn’t know about the festival but were planning to be in town that weekend. In the end, top Christian musicians and performers like Dana Jorgensen, Carried Away and comedian Leland Klassen as well as many local acts, kept the audience entertained all afternoon and evening. Teen Challenge, a faith-based agency addressing teen addiction, was also deeply involved. More than 70 volunteers made the event a success, providing hospitality, sharing the gospel message and praying with visitors.

First Baptist made sure the event was free to the public and even refused donations. “We didn’t want to take donations,” said Devin. “Churches are too often associated with just wanting people’s money and we didn’t want that to get in the way. We covered all of our costs. God truly did this.”

First Baptist is following up on this event to build on what they have started. Volunteers will stay in touch with those people who requested prayer or more information on Christianity by getting together with them over lunch or coffee. And, they have already set the date for next year’s Summer Jam festival – July 4. Mark your calendar.