Son of God Shines at KidzFest

Rain Dissipates as Rock the Lakes Kicks Off

August 19, 2011 - The first event of Rock the Lakes drew hundreds of families from across Milwaukee.

Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. ~ Luke 18:16

by Janet Chismar

Although rain tried to dampen spirits in Milwaukee this morning, intrepid kids happily donned lady bug rain clickers and Green Bay Packer hoodies while their parents grabbed colorful umbrellas. Once assembled, they said a prayer and headed out the door to KidzFest.

The first event of Rock the Lakes drew hundreds of families from across Milwaukee, including the Dacenzos. Mom, Melanie, and daughter Brittany, came after a neighbor invited them to hear the band God Rocks and the Gospel message.

Melanie knew her daughter needed something. Brittany came home from school every day crying after a day full of merciless teasing. Melanie also felt empty these days after being separated from her husband. She went to church when she was a child, but left her faith behind when she started college at nearby Marquette University.

After hearing the Gospel message presented by Sheryl of God Rocks, she realized that “something” for her and her daughter was Jesus. “Even though this is supposed to be for kids,” she said, “I just felt something pull on my heart.”

Brittany felt the same tug.

Once the rain and clouds cleared, the sun shone brightly on Brittany’s face and her mom cried tears of joy.

Dozens of other children basked in the sunlight as they prayed to receive Jesus.Those rain umbrellas? The only purpose they served then was for a bit of sun protection.

Kathleen Cook, chair of the Children’s Committee and emcee for KidzFest, was gratified to see how God moved on the lake today. “There is something precious when kids are surrounded by other children who love Jesus," she said while looking over the crowd. "It softens their hearts to receive Him.”

James Danielson, who shared emcee duties with Cook and a counselor for Rock the Lakes, has been praying for an event like this for years. “We need revival in Milwaukee, especially with events of the last year,” he said. “When you look out over the city, you see a lot of steeples. Milwaukee was founded on faith.

"Now it is time to reclaim our city and our youth for Christ.”

We'll bring you more details and photos from Saturday, and complete coverage of Sunday's event. Please stop back, and check out the webcast! Log on to billygraham.org/rockthelakes from 5 to 8:30 p.m. (ET), 4 to 7:30 p.m. in Milwaukee for music from Canton Jones, Charlie Daniels and Michael W. Smith, and preaching from Franklin Graham.