Christian Embassy Church comforts and entertains survivors
By Anisha F. Coleman
For the St. Louis American
Christian Embassy Church, located at 13775 Old Jamestown Road in Black Jack, opened all of its 36 rolling acres and lakes for a very special celebration this past weekend.
“We originally planned Harvest Fest 2005 in an effort to reach out to the community to win souls for Christ through our evangelical mission, but our plans and purpose changed drastically once Hurricane Katrina devastated the city of New Orleans” said Robert Griffin, pastor of CEC since 1991.
“So, instead of making it just a community effort, we decided to have Harvest Fest 2005 serve the dual purpose of winning souls and fundraising for those affected by Katrina.”
With the extensive help of Rochelle Griffin, Trina Williams, Charlotte Griffin and countless church members and volunteers, the planning of Harvest Fest 2005 kicked into high gear.
“We were fortunate enough to personally know some of the people affected by Hurricane Katrina who were staying in area hotels,” Rochelle Griffin said.
“Everyone involved in the planning really wanted to give them something fun to do to lighten their spirits with good fellowship and provide some financial assistance for them as well.”
Out of creative brainstorming, Charlotte and Trina decided to kick off the power-packed fundraising event Friday night with the stage play Satan Bites the Dust, which dramatizes the ploys used by the devil to trick sinners into bondage.
In the play, which is set in the spur-lovin’ state of Texas, “Santana” is the devil’s name and stealing souls is his game. Santana was decked in black from the brim of his cowboy hat down to his firmly creased Levi’s and spurred cowboy boots. His demonic entourage was named after familiar sins: Fornication, Adultery, Rebellion and Confusion.
Jesus, on the other hand, was the angel of light who stole the show. This Jesus rocked the stage in a fresh pair of stonewashed Levi’s and with a white tilted brim. He was flanked by prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah and John the Baptist, who stood steadfast in their faith. In the end, Santana lost the scathing brawl, with Jesus rising up and promising his return.
Children in the audience were tickled at Santana’s lame attempt at stealing souls. Audience members were mesmerized by the play.
“I think it’s great that they had all of those hidden messages embedded in the play,” said 28-year-old Theresa North of Normandy.
“There were great lessons learned for the kids and for us adults as well.”
Although the weather was a bit nippy, the turnout was immense as the excitement carried over into Saturday morning. Members of CEC, the community and those affected by Katrina could be seen for acres sprawled out lakeside, taking in great views, fishing, family fun and delicious chili.
“This is really nice that someone cared enough about our city to do this for us. It really touches my heart,” said Hurricane Katrina survivor Fred Keith, age 51.
“I have my sister in law and cousin with me today, and we have enjoyed everything. But the thing that really stood out to us was how genuinely nice everybody has been to us. They don’t treat us like we are a charity case. They treat us like we are family and friends, and we truly appreciate them for that.”
“We at CEC will continue to reach out to our neighboring communities encouraging them to build a real and solid relationship with the Lord,” said Pastor Griffin.
“As long as we at Christian Embassy are able to do so, we will continue our outreach programs such as Harvest Fest. Our goal for the youth of our church is to enable them to walk boldly for Christ and not be ashamed.”
