20th June 2009 - Hope for the Nations
Here are some of the comments we received about this year’s event:
“I’m a Muslim but I appreciate all this….this is so good. I have been in Leeds 11-12 years and have not seen anything so beautiful….”(Ben -Senegal and Gambia)
“Best thing I have ever seen….Muslims can be part of this celebration!” (Justin –Nigerian Geology student)
“Thank you for a magnificent opportunity to reach so many people! All our DVD’s went, especially “More than Dreams” for Muslims (Jeff)
“Every nation has a hope in Christ”( Lucas –MA student from Pakistan)
“I had quite a few chats with some Polish people. Also some of my students were there with their parents when Wera and I were singing in Polish and I could tell they were touched by the message of the songs. Anita(my flatmate) said she had goose bumps when she was listening to the songs...I also had some English people who took some Polish New Testaments for the Polish people they knew at work.
And the songs sung in so many languages-it felt like Pentecost!
All in all, an amazing day!! Full of God’s grace amongst us”
“On behalf of the Korean Church and the Korean children, I wish to say thank you….I also believe the occasion was hugely successful and impressive. Our children were really happy and seemed satisfied with their performance. They were bubbling throughout the day and really enjoyed the experience. The impression and feedback I also had from different friends was really good. They said it was livelier than last year. The atmosphere was good for people enjoying the event and staying the whole day…Overall I wish to say a huge thank you.”
These comments capture something of the impact that HFTN had this year and it is particularly encouraging to hear of Muslim responses to a Christian based event. It was great to see “many hands make light work” as many people helped getting the market stalls and stage erected, especially all those from New Testament Church of God. Everything was ready in good time and in spite of the fact that the generator had to be replaced at the last minute, the afternoon got off to a lively start with Pabama Steel Band getting people dancing to their music.
This year saw more varied musical and dance contributions. It was great to welcome 20 mixed African children’s dancers “ Springs of Christ” for the first time and they together with “Arrows of Promise” and the Korean children dancers” were amazing as people crowded round in there hundreds to catch a glimpse of their performances.
The quality of the harmonies and dynamism of the NTCOG Youth Choir and Voices in Praise was heard again this year, as a clear message of God’s greatness and love echoed around Briggate. Many people are so impressed with the incredible international variety of contributions-all bringing the same good news of Jesus. There were contemplative songs coming from Asia and Wera from Poland and the well organised Korean choir. A cellist from North Korea (who was the premier cellist in her country) played two very moving songs. The Iranian singers drew our attention to the very urgent situation in Iran and explained how they were standing with their people for freedom in their country, before singing wonderful songs of worship in Farsi. It was good also to have some Malaysian young people singing for the first time this year.
The Congolese, Ethiopian and Nigerian contributions drew everyone in as their music and contagious enthusiasm spilled over into the crowd.
Throughout the afternoon the banner of 126 flags of the different nationalities in Leeds was paraded down Briggate and it seemed to carry momentum as it moved towards the main stage. It created a great sense of inclusiveness as many people young and old, different religions and cultures held it, with hundreds of people “partying” underneath it. This year everyone wanted to hold the banner out for longer and together with its variety of colour and the diversity of music and food on the stalls- all contributed to a truly amazing atmosphere.
Lots of people were wanting to know why we were staging the event and over 2000 leaflets were handed out raising the question “What hope is there in the light of the current situation, with the economic crisis and trust in government and politicians at an all time low?” “…This hope is found in God because he never changes in His love and compassion for everyone….”was the message communicated also through Christian literature in many different languages.
Shekinah completed the proceedings at 4.30pm and even by this time, hundreds of people were still gathering to listen as the banner was waved and held for the last time. What a privilege it is to be together with the nations Leeds. This is a truly unique event and everyone is looking forward to next year and the ongoing development bringing hope to the nations!
Paul Lancaster and HFTN team
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