by Melita Thomas
On August 8, an estimated 20,000 people gathered next door to our steeple for the Mayor's First Day Festival. The annual event celebrates the start of a new school year, and for the second year in a row, First Baptist Nashville members played a key role in its success.
More than 50 of our members braved the heat to meet the physical needs of those waiting in a line that wrapped around the Bridgestone Arena. A cool bottle of water, a warm smile, a refreshing popsicle, and a blessing for a happy and safe school year were freely given by our members and well received by children and parents alike. Free parking and flying discs bearing English and Spanish versions of the plan of salvation were also offered as gifts from the church.
When I reflect on First Baptist's involvement in this event, I am reminded of a principle Jesus illustrated when He fed the 5,000: people's physical needs must be met before their spiritual needs can be addressed. I am pleased that First Baptist Nashville members were the ones offering thirst-quenching water on a very hot day. I pray our simple act of service might also afford us opportunities to introduce those same people to the Living Water.
Mayor's First Day Festival offers us a unique opportunity to build bridges to our city, its leadership, and its people. It gives us the opportunity to well represent the name of our church and our Lord. Thank you, church, for praying, for serving, and for faithfully giving to make such outreach opportunities possible.
