While numerous vendors lined the borders of the old Myrtle Square Mall property, and guests had the chance to see extreme sports demonstrations, the organizers of Beachfest 2008 kept one idea in top priority – Jesus.
It was the BMX riders stopping to give an important message about how having Christ in their life saved them. Then it was main evangelist Andrew Palau speaking a very powerful, relatable message on the main stage.
Andrew Palau speaks
It was, above all else, for Him. And the crowd responded.
Despite downright sweltering heat on Friday and Saturday, June 13 and 14, thousands packed the sandy surface across the street from Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Bottles of water flowed like, well, water and an Atlantic Ocean breeze provided only brief respites of coolness.
Thousands listen to the message
They came in droves and prodded across the soft sand – which was bothersome by the end of the day – to receive a life changing message. Again and again, each speaker prayed a prayer of repent. Then he or she asked the audience members who also prayed that prayer to raise their hand.
One by one Palau counselors approached with a free Book of John gift and contact information. It’s a common method used by contemporary non-denomonational gatherings to bolster their database.
Many contemporary churches also pray the very impactful prayer every service, then provide free information in the hopes the saved will buy additional CD’s and sermon recordings. A church is a business too. Plus, back flips on a motorcycle and Jesus – ain’t nothing wrong with that.
Beachfest in Myrtle Beach is also known as Andrew Palau Festival. The man’s ministry has reached over 1 billion people worldwide. Palau festivals bring together music – with some of the biggest names in Christian contemporary music – and sport – with professional BMX, moto-cross, skateboarders – to spread the Good Word.
All in all, approximately 7,500 people attended Friday’s festival. Saturday’s total is not known for sure, but by the looks of the masses, it was near the 10,000 mark. The last Beachfest was in 2002, and drew about 85,000 people.
