This March, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Spring Break will be in full swing. Droves of college students will hit the beaches to dance, drink and party. They expect to meet new friends, sure. God? Never.
During this Spring Break, however, God will show up in the midst of the party, His Spirit washing up with the waves on the shore. People will meet Jesus in their hearts, and as the Bible says, the angels of heaven will rejoice.
That's what drives evangelist Luis Palau, 68, and his sons, Kevin and Andrew, to travel the country to orchestrate mega music festivals. When you hear the word festival, you probably think music, food, fun and games. And you are right. But Palau festivals are different in that God is the guest of honor and some people, an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 seekers, will meet Him for the very first time.
"When you look at the big numbers and the thousands of decisions, it's exciting," says Beachfest National Director Andrew Palau. "But each one of those numbers represents a life. The festivals come and go, but that life remains and the relationships that were engaged in that moment go forward."
Relationship builders
Relationships are the foundation of Luis Palau festivals. Christians from more than 800 churches of all denominations will come together to make the Fort Lauderdale festival happen March 22-23. Believers from all over the United States will arrive in Florida to set up the event and work as decision counselors. And finally, music artists such as Third Day, tobyMac, Avalon, Mary Mary, Jaci Velasquez and The Katinas will share the gospel throughout the day with personal testimonies and music.
Up to 200,000 people are expected to show for the two-day music festival. Of that number, about 20 percent to 25 percent will be nonbelievers, according to previous surveys done by the Palau Association. Some people will be invited by Christian friends, explains Andrew Palau, while others will wander into the festival seeking some peace and meaning amidst the chaotic and abusive atmosphere of Spring Break.
Whatever the reason for the crowds, they will be ready, says Kevin Palau, executive vice president of Palau Ministries. Music? Yes. But much more entertainment is planned to entice nonbelievers to this free event. Children will have their own VeggieTales play area and lots of games. For the teens, there will be climbing walls and a 10,000-square-foot skate park. Pro skaters and Miami Dolphins football players will also speak and sign autographs.
Why a music festival for God? According to Kevin Palau, free music draws crowds and makes it easier for Christians to invite their unchurched friends. The first Palau music festival was unveiled in 1999 in Portland, Ore. It was a success, attracting about 46,000 people each day. Traditional crusades typically draw only 5,000 to 10,000 people per day.
"Our overall vision is to win as many people as possible to Jesus Christ here in the United States and around the world," says Kevin Palau. "Festivals do a better job of attracting a younger audience. It still comes down to relational evangelism. We still put a ton of energy into working with the churches during the year ahead to train people in friendship evangelism."