Cole Valley Cluster Funday

 

• Churches with a heart for sharing the Gospel in their multicultural part of the city

• Working together to offer a Funday in East Birmingham, enabled by a Mission Project grant from Home Mission funds

• Sharing the Gospel in the park, with support from the London Full Gospel Church

Five local Baptist Churches straddling the river Cole in East Birmingham held their fourth Funday for their local communities providing about 1,000 hamburgers as well as craft activities, games and free Bouncy Castle Slides.
A Mission Project Grant was provided from Home Mission funds.
 
The theme for the day was 'Freely you have received, freely give'.

The event was supported by a group of Korean young people from the London Full Gospel Church who provided music, plays, sketches and sharing the Gospel.  Despite the concern of some parents for their children's safety, following reports of a recent stabbing, sixty children came to the Funday in the choir.  They were determined to give their witness to the Lord Jesus whatever had happened.  The children were wonderful - performing dances, singing, sharing Bible stories, and telling the Gospel story.  The Pastor preached a powerful Gospel message.
 
This year was remarkable in that groups of people were sitting or standing together listening to the Gospel message.  Because of the atmosphere of love and joy, many didn’t want to go home and we almost had to 'frogmarch' them out of the tents and gazebos in order to pack up!
 
The feedback has been very positive. One children’s evangelical outreach group booked 32 children into a four day Holiday Bible Club.  Other groups had positive interactions with members of the public.
 
Dave Ellis, HEBA Regional Minister says, "The Cole Valley Cluster has put this special summer event over the last four years.  Its activities and attendance have grown and the community eagerly look forward to the Fun day.  It is inspirational example of how churches can work together to put on a quality community festival that brings the good news and hope to the people of East Birmingham".