whoever said ministry can’t be exciting? This summer, Soulutions has taken advantage of the sunshine and the local parks in Madison by helping host or sponsor celebrations in the park by bringing  church to the people. At one of our celebrations a man came to the Park equiped with a gun in his waist……..okay it was a security guard. However, to have a security guard with a gun, well it is safe to say we are not always in the best part of town.  

Three times so far this summer Soulutions pulls up in the SWAT truck to a local park were we
canvase the neighborhood, take out the snow cone machine, heat up the grills, fill the coolers, blow up the rented jump house…and SHAZAM we’re ready for a
Celebration in the park! Each event is different to meet the needs of the
neighborhood. However, one thing the
celebrations all have in common is the excitement and fun, while our volunteers are expressing their sharing and giving hearts. 

What draws crowds and makes a fun afternoon in the summer?

We have found sunshine and snow cones will draw crowds and make a fun summer afternoon…oh and GOOD free food too!  The combination of these three elements will even make people stand in line. 

So why do we do what we do?

 We try to bring the light to a people that for one reason or another will not, or are unable to enter the church and find hope in Jesus.  

Amongst all the activities at these celebrations God has really opened doors to minister to people.  It takes an army of people to pull off an event that feeds 150-300 people. Quite often we pull neighborhood families in to help serve. We also try to get help from those that may be known as “troublemakers” or “rift raft” in their neighborhood. These individuals were once part of the problem and now have become part of the Soulution! 

A volunteer that shares the same heart toward in-reach says this: “I was amazed as I sat back to watch what was happening right before my eyes!  This was one of the most beautiful and strategic happenings I have seen in a long time. Everyone was working together including: some who don’t know the Lord, some who are struggling and some passionately motivated.  There were people from various
economic status’ ranging from wealthy to just barely squeaking
by. Why? To serve. To want to be part of something bigger than themselves. They believe that a difference can be made.   They want to be part of the solution and they want MORE.  Wow!  Later, I sat back eating my picnic I saw families lined up to fill their plates with food at a party they didn’t pay for and they didn’t ask for.

My heart swelled out of my chest and tears came to my eyes as I watched these precious little children created in God’s image.  As I looked at the crowds I knew that we the church were missing our purpose! We are missing preaching the real gospel with action and deeds and with the Power of the Holy Spirit. We need to settle for nothing less than a bulls eye and get in there!  If we are missing it, then we are missing out! Do you want to hear God’s voice? Do you want to see light shine in darkness?  Do you want to see? The oppressed set free? Do you want justice for real? Do you really want to step outside of yourself?   Then this is the fast God requires:  To give your bread to HUNGRY, to bring in the HOMELESS POOR into your house, to cover the NAKED, give yourself to the HUNGRY, satisfy the desire of the AFFLICTED, remove the yoke and the pointing finger.  WORK TOGETHER! What is the WORST that could happen? Is God not able to move in the worst of circumstances? Even in a city of people divided by economic status, culture, ethnicity, intellectual reasoning and constant shifting? What is the BEST that could happen? I think I saw  and felt the beginning  drops of rain that are going to water the city and bring life and refreshing to many.  The question is will you choose to live for something MORE than just your everyday life? Do you want MORE?  I will leave you with my favorite quote by Maximus from the movie Gladiator, “What we do echos in eternity.”  The light went on for me. I dare you to answer your own question and desire for justice. I dare you to step out your front door into your city ‘s neighborhoods.  The answer is OUT THERE.” 

Together we have been able to touch hundreds of children and their families to show them God’s love, provision, hope and grace. What better way to do it then over a brat or burger.

God Bless,

Charles & Treena Fiesel

SOULutions

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