Rejoice with us for how God moved this weekend in Southwest Connecticut. After years of active preparation and prayer, thousands came out for CT CityFest with Andrew Palau, a free evangelistic Festival at Seaside Park on August 27 and 28.
Over 175 churches partnered together with us to serve the region and proclaim a powerful message of hope in Jesus through multiple evangelistic gatherings, training events, and community service initiatives.
Many people were reached with a message of hope through CT CityFest. Andrew led multiple outreaches and gatherings throughout the region during "festival week," including a gathering for young professionals and civic and business leaders, a youth worship and prayer night, and two gatherings for women led by Wendy Palau.
CT CityFest featured award-winning artists TobyMac, Lecrae, We Are Messengers, Megan Duke, Zenzo and Impact Music, and AGT semi-finalist Amanda Mammana. There was a special kids outreach (in partnership with Kids Blitz), an action sports demonstration (in partnership with The Stunt Dudes), and multiple presentations of the Gospel throughout the day. In the evening, Andrew shared a clear Gospel message with those in the crowd and those who tuned in online. With much encouragement to give their lives to Jesus Christ, we saw many accept that invitation and make a decision for Christ. Join us in praying for these people!
"So many people are struggling right now. They have questions about God. Is He real? Does He care about me? Is there any hope for me?" shared Andrew Palau. "That is why we're here in Connecticut, to let everyone in the region know that God is real and He is good! He loves you and He wants the best for you. He sent His son, Jesus, to die for you so that you may have life! There's nothing more important or life-changing than that reality. This is good news – the best news! That is what CT CityFest is all about."
In addition to the 22,000 people who attended the festival, more than 47,000 people tuned in for the livestream online in both English and Spanish.
CityFest helped foster greater unity and challenged followers of Christ to serve their neighbors in increasing ways through the CityServe movement. Through this collaboration, local churches have seen open doors for the improvement of the life, heart, and hope of the region. The churches are planning to focus on specific areas of need for their communities in the coming months, including foster care and adoption, education, and food insecurity.
“I got to do a lot of collaborative work with CityServe and see the unity of the Body strengthened quite tremendously… Being able to pull that together under the CityFest and CityServe banner was a real pleasure.” – Gabrielle Beam, Saturate Bridgeport
Join us as we continue to pray that the unity established through CT CityFest continues to deepen and spread, encouraging more citywide outreach efforts and ongoing service initiatives throughout Southwest Connecticut. Pray also for those who made commitments to Jesus Christ through this effort, that they would continue to be led by the Lord and encouraged in their new-found faith, and that they would find a local church where they can continue to learn and grow.
Saturday, August 27
Today’s the day!
Hi everyone! It’s CityFest day #1!
Everything is humming along as planned here at the festival grounds, and we are so excited for this afternoon and evening’s events. The anticipation has been growing all week as event after event has led to more Gospel responses. This morning we got to meet with some of the community leaders who have worked tirelessly to make this campaign a success! It’s so beautiful to see it all coming together now, and we are all feeling the peace of the Lord in this place!
It all starts this afternoon at 4pm with the family fun zone and the action sports events. And tonight on the main stage we’ll have Blanca, Zenzo and Impact Music, and Lecrae, all making music about God’s goodness. Throughout the entire day, there will multiple presentations of the Gospel and opportunities to respond to the Lord’s calling.
We know the Lord is going to change lives today. And not just here on earth, but for all eternity.
I want to personally thank you all for partnering with us in this important work that has eternal impact. And I want to ask you to really pray… that the weather holds (no rain), that all the logistics run smoothly, and most of all that the Holy Spirit would prepare and soften many hearts to receive the Good News.
Wherever you are, near or far, you can tune in to join us on the livestream today, starting at 6:15 PM, eastern time.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26
Reaching women with the hope of Christ . . .
Just 1 day left until the Festival! God has been so good, and we have seen Him move mightily over the past few days. Yesterday, local leaders here in Connecticut generously took it upon themselves to plan and put on two special women’s outreaches where Wendy vulnerably shared her own story of grief and proclaimed the Good News.
Each table was hosted by a local believer who invited 7 others to come and hear about the hope that Jesus offers. Beautiful live worship music filled the room, Wendy poured out her heart, and by the end of the events, women began pouring out their own stories, asking for prayer, and sharing how Wendy’s story impacted them.
“Thank you, Wendy, for sharing your testimony. I was able to cast my burdens at the feet of God. I know He loves me and has delivered me and set me free!” shared one of the women.
Dozens of women responded to the Gospel through these outreaches. Praise God and join us in praying for them!
And the events didn’t stop there! On Wednesday, there was a wonderful outreach for Young Professionals and Business Leaders. Andrew shared his own story and proclaimed the Good News and several responded! Last night was a regionwide prayer meeting as well as a youth worship and prayer night. People from all over the region came together to pray for the festival weekend and the unique needs of Gen Z.
People’s hearts are stirring for the hope of Jesus! Please pray for everyone who will attend CT CityFest this weekend. May their hearts be receptive and open to the Good News!
Wednesday, August 24
3 days to go!
I’ve landed in Bridgeport, CT and the festival events kick off today with an outreach to young professionals and business leaders.
Only 3 days to go until the weekend festival—and we need your prayers! We anticipate many will hear the Gospel and respond to the invitation to begin a relationship with Jesus. Please pray with me over all the week’s events, grace over the team and local volunteers, and for an amazing turnout of ready hearts this weekend. We are so thankful for your prayers and support!
Monday, August 22
Will you please pray with us?
Our next festival—CT CityFest—is this week, and we would be honored if you would pray with us!
Wendy and I are on our way to Connecticut, and we can’t wait to see what God will do. We will be hitting the ground running with several community outreach events. The week is full of meaningful opportunities to minister and share the Gospel—with young professionals, business leaders, youth, and more. As always, Wendy will be sharing the Gospel at women’s gatherings, and we’re praying God will touch the hearts of many women who have not yet met Jesus. He’s always faithful to do it!
Many local churches and organizations have been hard at work for years, tilling the soil and watering the seeds. We know God is preparing many hearts to receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ. What a joy and privilege it is to join in what God is doing! We believe the harvest will be abundant! Would you please cover us in prayer as we head into the festival week? It would mean so much to us. Your prayers make a difference!
Let’s pray day-by-day for God to move:
AUGUST 24: Young Professionals and Business Leaders Outreach
AUGUST 25: Gen-Z Worship and Prayer Night
AUGUST 25: Region-wide Prayer Gathering
AUGUST 25: Stories of Hope Lunch Outreach (Wendy sharing)
AUGUST 25: Stories of Hope Dinner Outreach (Wendy sharing)
AUGUST 27 - 28: CT CityFest
Keep praying, and we’ll keep you updated regularly on all that’s happening and how God is moving throughout Southwest Connecticut!
Thank you so much!
