One need only make a casual observation of the world today to see pervasive divisions. Whether politics, religion, or race relations, divisions abound.
The gospel according to Mark 3:25 records that a house divided against itself will not stand. Abraham Lincoln, a young would-be senator from Illinois back in 1858, relied heavily upon this principle in his “House Divided” speech. While he believed the country would endure, he further believed and fully expected that certain divisions would arrest the development of this nation.
Three years ago in Montgomery County, a small group of Christian leaders felt a similar need.
“The time was now ripe for Christians of Montgomery County and church leaders to work together and make our community better,” said Jody Czajkoski, one of the organizers of Faith Fest ’15. In short, Faithfest, Inc. is a partnership between community leaders, business leaders, and local faith-based organizations to promote “Unity in The Community.”
“God has really blessed this ministry in only a few years. We’ve been able to secure sponsorship in the past few years from such notables as Woodforest National Bank; Office Alert; MHW Commercial Real Estate, Inc.; McKenzie’s BBQ; and True Source Technology—not to mention faith-based organizations, including the Texas Music Christian Association; Lone Star Cowboy Church; Sacred Heart Catholic Church and School; First Conroe Baptist; Grace Lutheran Church and School; West Conroe Baptist; and Caney Creek Cowboy Church.
“This year, we are expecting to have more than 5,000 supporters come out to the Lone Star Expo Center at 9055 Airport Road in Conroe on November 21st,” continued Czajkoski. “With the doors opening at 2:00 pm, everyone can enjoy fun, great local artists, Grammy Award nominee Jeremy Camp, male vocalist of the year Aaron Watson, Rex Robards and the Grateful, activities for families, and much more.”
Faith Fest organizers believe coming together as a community to celebrate unity can not only be fun, but help to build relationships that will lead to the common good, first to the community, and later as an example to the nation. “This year, we partnered with the Rex Robards and the Texas Christian Music Association. It was Rex’s vision to combine the Christian with the secular music,” Czajkoski said. “But even with our secular acts, the music is still respectful to God and God’s people. What I think is unique is that each performer gives their testimony to what God has done in their lives. That’s powerful, and people are going to really be helped by this.”
Faithfest Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization, donations are tax deductible. This “mission-minded” organization has not only provided the proverbial “fish” that feeds for a day, but is teaching charities “how to fish,” thus feeding for a lifetime. All proceeds after expenses will go to the four local charities.
Currently, there are three levels of corporate sponsorships available.
First there is the Star level. Those donating $2,500 receive four VIP tickets, a table/banner area, and the opportunity to pass out brochures.
Next is the Gold level at $3,750. Six VIP ticket are provided, with an additional four general admission tickets. Logos of companies or organizations have the opportunity to be printed on select Faith Fest literature and posted at faith-fest.com, in addition to a table/banner area and opportunities to pass out brochures.
Then there is the Platinum level, reserved for those with donations of $6,000.
At this level, stage mentions of sponsorship will be made during the festival, with company names mentioned in selected radio ads. Logos will be printed on all related material as well as posted on the website. Those on the platinum level can expect prime table and booth locations, as well as ten VIP seats.
Each charity works to benefit a certain aspect of the community that at times has been underserved or ignored.
Home of Hope is an organization working to house and care for victims of sex trafficking.
Established in 2008 as an organization dedicated to help fight adolescent human trafficking in the U.S., the organization has been actively involved in raising public awareness and acquiring adequate facilities to provide long-term aftercare helping the youth become productive in society once again. Through extensive programs of care, counseling, medical, therapy and education, Home of Hope’s goal is for children to be restored and mature into successful adults.
Compassion United helps those who have fallen through the cracks of society. They work to provide clothing, food, and other services. They act as “Good Samaritans,” bringing the ministry of Christ to those closest to His heart.
St. Vincent De Paul in Conroe serves as a food pantry that also supplies medical assistance, clothing, utility and housing costs, hot meals, medical assistance, and counseling to those in need. This organization has worked for many years on the efforts of volunteers and donations; however, they have grown to provide services to several thousand within the Montgomery County area.
The goal is to raise more than $500,000 to help provide assistance to these worthy charities.
The committee is working hard to provide…not a “goodie bag”…but a “fresh start bag.” There will have some “goodies” in it, but the Holy Bible is what gives it that fresh start feeling. If you would like to get involved as a sponsor, participant, charity, vendor, or volunteer, please contact Jody Czajkoski at Jody@faith-fest.com or (713) 560-6069.
Lone Star Expo Center
9055 Airport Road
Conroe, TX 77303
www.Faith-Fest.com