Inspiring messages, music, prayer, drama, training seminars, health screening—these features all were included on the 2008 L.A. Metro Festival program. Members and pastors responded appreciatively to each aspect of the well-planned weekend, but responses seemed warmest for the fellowship the occasion provided.

“It was an opportunity for all of our churches to come together as a sisterhood of churches,” said Keith Hassinger, Hawthorne church pastor and a member of the festival planning committee. “Many people mentioned that they were so happy to be fellowshipping and worshipping together and would like to do it more regularly.”

Three young adults were featured speakers for the festival, including Pastor Cherise Gardner, associate pastor of the Glendale City church; Pastor Benjamin McPhaull, associate pastor, Valley Crossroads church; and Pastor Iki Taimi, pastor of the Gardena Community church. “The festival was powerful!” Taimi exclaimed. “It was such a moving experience to see hundreds of God's people singing and gathering around candles to pray. People seem to have really opened themselves up to be blessed by God’s presence. It was a trans-generational group worshipping in an open, relevant setting.

“My church members are people from all walks—some are Adventist ‘lifers;’ others had left and are finding their way home. Still others don't claim the Adventist title, maybe not even that of Christianity. Most came to the festival. From feedback, I found that they all, in one way or another, were blessed by the services. I look forward to seeing what God is going to do with this region; how He will continue to break us and remold us.”

“It was a wonderful spiritual experience to see God use young adult pastors in our region helping to lead our region festival,” said Gerard Kiemeney, L.A. Metro Region director. “A number of individuals commented on how inspiring they felt the messages of these young pastors were, as well as the creative approaches led by the SCC prayer ministry team. The evangelism workshop was also very much appreciated.”