Seven – count ‘em – SEVEN YEARS!!! As always, this year’s CFC rally was awesome. Although numbers were down somewhat, the Spirit was not.

Big thanks to all who showed up on Thursday afternoon to help erect the tent. You know who you are and you are appreciated.

Volunteers began showing up Friday morning to begin the huge job of getting everything set up, the stage and chairs under the tent, the tables and chairs for vendors in the building, the registration area, etc. Vendors also arrived and set up their booths, displaying a variety of wares and ministry items.

The gates officially opened and registration began Friday at noon. Some early arrivals browsed vendors and visited with old and new friends. Tents, travel trailers and motor homes began to arrive and set up.

Friday night, the first event under tent began at 5:45, with attendees welcomed and opening prayer by event MC’s Billy Owens and Chester Smith. Great music and inspiring testimonies were heard during open mic time, MC’ed by Ronny Shirley. Fellowship continued afterward, under the tent, in the vendor building, in the camping area and at the host hotel.

Gates opened at 8:00 Saturday morning, with registration for the Bike Show and Jesus Ride. Vendors were also in full swing, including on-site printing of the official 2009 rally tee shirt in the color of your choice. The Jesus Ride, organized by Don Wren, departed at 9:30 with a number of bikes participating. An inflatable water slide and an inflatable jumper were available all day for children’s entertainment. Thanks to Ridgecrest Baptist Church youth for again providing a great time of children’s ministry in the vendor building.

Following the children’s ministry, another open mic time was held in the vendor building, with some great music. A very special treat, several songs by Angelwings, blessed all.

During the afternoon, the bike show judging was held, presided over by Frank "Z.Z." McGlamory. There were some beautiful bikes entered, winners all. Following the bike show, everyone had a great time at the bike games, whether participant or observer. Throughout the day, the Life South bus was available for those wishing to donate blood. Pilcher’s had their ambulance on-site in case of emergency but, thank God, it was not needed.

At 6:00 Saturday evening, the event moved back under the tent with announcements and trophy presentations. At 6:45, the Patriot Guard rode in and performed a very moving tribute to our military, while the Star Spangled Banner was played on the guitar. At 7:00, the featured musicians, the Whisnant Family, began their concert. What a beautiful time of praise and worship to the King!

Following the concert, the featured speaker, Dove Morgan of Loving Hearts Ministry, Bristow, OK, shared her personal testimony and the story of her late husband, Bear Morgan, a story of the great transforming power of the gospel to radically change lives. Ms. Morgan also traveled to Graceville Correctional Facility, Graceville, FL, on Sunday, accompanied by several of the rally attendees, to speak to inmates at their chapel service.

On Sunday, the Whisnant Family opened the morning worship service with more heart-felt praise and worship. The inspiring morning message was presented by Bishop B.G. Shearrill of Montgomery, AL. The service closed as usual with seven (7) baptisms in the back of a pick-up truck. While we have had at least one or more baptisms each year, this is a record number. Praise the Lord for souls added to the kingdom! Following the baptismal service, the local CMA chapter blessed the bikes of those in attendance.

Thanks to all who remained after the close of the rally to clean-up and take down tables, chairs and the tent. And a great big thank you to Don Wren, who wore so many different hats this year and did so much of the preliminary work, as well as working during the rally. Don, you are very much appreciated! The rally was a great time of fellowship and renewal and plans are already underway for 2010. See you there!!!   submitted by: Mary Huckaby