Anticipation
is in the air at Multnomah as the time approaches for Luis Palau's Portland CityFest 2008 on August 22 and 23 at Waterfront Park. Multnomah's sponsorship of this
event is the biggest partnership since Dr. John Mitchell and Dr. Joe Aldrich's
involvement in the Portland Billy Graham Crusades of 1950 and 1992.
"With
Luis being one of our alumni, we have always felt a special connection to his
ministry," said Michelle Peel, director of Alumni Relations at Multnomah Bible College
and Biblical Seminary. "He is a great example of Multnomah's legacy to
educate and equip Christians for impact in their world today."
The Festival
More than
6.5 million people have attended Luis Palau's festivals worldwide since they
began in 1999. The Luis Palau Association (LPA) seeks to make their festivals
more than just a weekend event; they want to leave a lasting legacy of united
evangelistic efforts among Christian leaders in each community.
Season of Service
As a
precursor to Portland CityFest, Christians from all denominations will work
together under the banner of "Season of Service" to minister to their
communities through relationships, service, and strategic outreach. Through
focused efforts on such needs as homelessness, hunger, poverty, the medically
uninsured, public schools and the environment, LPA strives to change the hearts
of individual people and eventually the city itself.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are
specific ways to get involved. As sponsors of Portland CityFest, Multnomah is looking for 500 volunteers for the
event whether they be alumni, donors, faculty, staff, students, prospective
students, or interested members of local churches. Volunteers will be able to
serve as "advocates" or "decision counselors."
Advocates
will commit to pray for five friends, neighbors, colleagues or family members during
the months leading up to the festival. As part of the commitment, they will
present the gospel message either through sharing their own testimony or
extending an invitation to Portland
CityFest where the Gospel will be clearly presented.
Decision
counselors will volunteer at the festival to be a guide for those who come
forward to make a decision for Christ. Training sessions will be scheduled for
counselors as the festival approaches.
If you
would like to be a part of Multnomah and Portland
CityFest's efforts, notify us at alumni@multnomah.edu or 503.251.6460 and visit www.portlandcityfest.com to sign up for more info. You can also find
additional information about LPA and their festivals at www.palau.org.