Photo by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon Herald
New Life Family Worship Center celebrated 10 years of Cowboy Church on Saturday, September 21 with a Children’s Rodeo.
The support from the community was overwhelming with nearly 500 people in attendance.
The day began as Pastor Jim Owens welcomed the folks and Pastor Steve Lutes of Kingstree, opened with prayer.
Special music was provided by Pastor Owens and Scott Penuel of Latta. Pastor Owens, Richard and Mary Woodell, and Johnny and Vonda Miller were recognized for being instrumental in the establishment of Cowboy Church.
Door prizes were then awarded and included several New Life Cowboy Church anniversary shirts for kids and adults, free breakfast and dinner buffet, kids toys, and a very special homemade chocolate cake straight from the kitchen of Mrs. Darlene Hart.
The folks enjoyed grilled hot dogs, chips, desserts, drinks and popcorn compliments of New Life Family Worship Center.
The attention was then turned to the arena where Mr. Calvin Barfield and approximately 40 members from the Coastal Cowboys for Christ presented the Rodeo.
The Coastal Cowboys for Christ are a group of Cowboys and Cowgirls who volunteer their time to spread the good news of Jesus while using the tools that they know best, their horses.
Laughter rang throughout the air as the spectators witnessed a couple of wipe outs as the cowboys attempted to “surf” while being pulled by a horse and played several games from horseback. A heart touching display of patriotism was seen as The National Anthem was beautifully sang by a member of the rodeo.
A proud cowgirl and her horse galloped from one end of the arena to the other while the American flag waved in all her glory and met up with the Christian Flag in the middle of the arena as the song ended. The rodeo then recognized all veterans that were in attendance.
The Great Adventure Drama was presented complete with costumes as the folks witnessed the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
The arena was lined with children as they watched the life of Jesus unfolding before their very eyes. Many decisions were made for the Lord. . . To God be the Glory!
As the evening began to draw to a close, children of all ages were invited into the arena for “candy in the haystack.” Which was exactly that… the children were given a few seconds to rummage through a pile of hay to claim as many pieces of candy as they could grab. The last event of the evening was the opportunity for the children to ride the horses around the arena. There were even a few adults who were first time riders!
Just before the rodeo left town they gathered together to reflect on the day. . . the question was ask by Mr. Barfield, “Where did you see God?” For the child who loved horses and could not stay for the end because his parents had a previous obligation in ministry. His response would be that
He saw God in the Cowboys and Cowgirls who took the time (in the middle of a major production) to make it possible for him to spend a little time with their horse before he had to leave. The hearts of the Coastal Cowboys for Christ were full of compassion as they interacted with the children at many different levels. One by one the convoy of trucks and horse tailors left town, but the memories of the 10 year Anniversary of New Life Cowboy Church will remain in hearts and lives for years to come…lived forever changed.
Pastor Jim Owens along with New Life Family Worship Center would like to thank the community for their overwhelming support. Until next time.
Below is a slide show with photos by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon Herald:
