Palau's Central Oregon Festival draws thousands to Bend

By CAROLYN PROVENZOLA
CNNW intern reporter
    BEND — An estimated 10,000 to 12,000 people on July 23 welcomed international evangelist Luis Palau as a throng of performers, musicians and volunteers accompanied him to the Les Schwab Amphithe-ater.
Palau’s Central Oregon Festival brought plenty of entertainment for all ages.    The day’s activities began with a Veggie Tales children’s program on the main stage, followed by a salvation prayer for the children. In addition, long lines filled the face painting, craft and activity area, and Veggie Tales stars Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber could be seen wandering through the crowd and posing for pictures.
    For a slightly older crowd, the Livin’ It tours pro skating and BMX biking program brought athletes from Canada, Texas, Callifornia, Oregon and beyond to dazzle the audience and to share the Gospel.
    Included was actor/filmmaker Stephen Baldwin, who later made it to the main stage to share a piece of his testimony..
    Finally, the main evening program was packed with music and encouraging words. Dave Lubben, Tait, Kutless and Pillar brought contemporary Christian music to the stage, and all ages — from the children to the elderly — could be seen clapping, smiling and singing along. The enthusiastic crowd also welcomed Palau, who shared the many ways that Jesus Christ can make a difference in a person’s life.
    The excitement of the evening then came to a silent climax as Palau invited people to commit their lives to Christ, and many in the crowd eagly responded to his call.
    Many of the event volunteers — including intercessors and counselors — were from Bend and the surrounding area, and of course, many in the audience were not far from home.
    Sixty-six churches from across denominations participated in the free-admission event.
   “We’re celebrating that the Lord answered so many prayers, and that so much of Central Oregon truly heard the voice of God,” Palau said afterward.
Palau’s next festival is Oct. 8 and 9 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. For details, go to www.dcfestival.org or www.DCNational.org.