Praise, and fun, flow in abundance at family festival

BONNERS FERRY — Hands were raised in praise and prayer flowed at the In His Image Family Festival on Saturday, June 22.

It is estimated that 1,000 people attended the first ever multi-church and business-sponsored day of unifying the community in prayer, praise and preaching. 

“It was uplifting to see such a turnout,” Zach Bushnell, media contact and organizer, said. 

Local pastors speaking on being in the image of God included Len Pine, Henry Yoder and Bill Henshaw. Two worship teams led the bustling crowd in worship, while young kids had the option of four different bouncy houses to play in.

“We think it is paramount to come together and worship the Lord as the body of Christ,” Bushnell said. He noted that the event brought in frequent church-goers and those that have not attended in years, allowing people to mingle, fellowship and make connections they normally wouldn’t. 

“We are looking to plan another event, like this year but Lord willing, it will be an annual event,” he said. 

Organizers are considering hosting another family festival this fall. 

“We don’t want this to be just a one off, but want to promote the body of Christ to come together to worship the Lord and celebrate being in his image,” Bushnell said. “It is an opportunity for the community and churches to display Christ-like behavior and love.

He stressed the importance of the churches and Christians coming together to support families, as the churches are in many ways families, and families make up churches.

The event went off without a hitch thanks to the help of volunteers, organizers said.

    Family festival event goers break bread and share a meal together.