SAVED

Kelly Jasper / senior photographer Springfest in the Valley, a series of concerts and performances that took place in the Convocation Center, hosted many bands including Jars of Clay, Hawk Nelson and Toby Mac. Each concert which lasted about four hours, was accented with prayers and teachings from the Christian rockers. The fest, which lasted from April 8 to 10, attracted thousands of people eager to revel in God's love.

Envelopes, like bricks, link in a white, paper wall that blankets a folding table on the Convocation Center floor. Outside each envelope is the name of a church. Inside each envelope is the name of a new-found or rededicated Christian — someone who was "saved" Saturday night at Springfest in the Valley.

The "follow-up" table, practically hidden in a niche behind the sound and lighting techies, hasn’t seen much foot traffic tonight.

But Linda Neff, a volunteer with the follow-up team, doesn’t mind. The real work is being done out on the Convo floor, where hundreds of students and Virginians are gathered to worship the Lord with a half dozen Christian rock bands.

"There’s a party going on in heaven tonight," Neff said. Her hand over her heart, her eyes closed, Neff said with a great smile, "Fifty people were saved tonight."

Speak to Me

Neff knows because each person filled out an information card with the guidance of a Springfest-hired counselor. The cards identify the person’s church of choice and will be sent to that church, building a "fellowship network," Neff said.

The counselors — some students, some Harrisonburg residents — guided worshippers as they slowly, and sometimes, hesitantly, reached the Convo floor.

Steve Wingfield invited them. The speaker led worship each night of Springfest, Friday through Sunday.

"This arena that was built on this campus for sporting events," Wingfield said Saturday. "We pray that we turn it to you for prayer and thanksgiving."

He continues, talking of the alcohol use, eating disorders and pornography issues students told him they most frequently struggle with. He calls on them, urging anyone with doubts, questions or desire for God in their hearts to come to the Convo floor. Those who don’t come stand to clap.

"It is my hope that people will build courage in their faith," Wingfield said after leaving the stage. "The Lord isn’t looking for Secret Service agents. We hope that Springfest has created an awareness that gives people the opportunity to talk about their faith."

Volunteer Arvid VanDyke, a retired JMU faculty member, said some students seemed reluctant to discuss faith.

"I’m doing more praying than talking," said the 64-year-old. "We pray God will speak to them through the music."

Entertaining Worship

The music, students said, was what attracted them to Springfest.

"It’s free, first of all," said sophomore Olen Gunn, who volunteered to work the Jars of Clay merchandise table. "You’d pay at least $45 to see these groups somewhere else."

Jars of Clay headlined Friday night, followed by Hawk Nelson, Kutless, Toby Mac and Audio Adrenaline Saturday night. Jaci Velasquez played Sunday night. The concerts, each about four hours long, were studded with prayers and teachings from the Christian rockers.

"To all you people who decided to welcome Jesus tonight, welcome to the family dog," shouted Toby Mac, a Virginia native.

But Toby’s mix of entertainment and worship bothered some at Springfest.

"It took all my strength to keep myself from going up on stage and taking the microphone out of his hand," said Luray resident Angela Goebel. "This is not how you worship God."

Ben Jenkins, an associate pastor of a Page county church, said he pulled his teenage youth group from the Convo floor.

"I’m scared for their safety," he said from outside the Convo. No security guards were present for the first two acts and several teens were pushed over temporary metal barriers and into the stage.

Brenda Jenkins, who traveled with the group, said even as she protested the teens’ crowd surfing, nothing was done.

"I know two females who were put up who didn’t want to be put up," she said. "I love the Lord and I love our youth, but they are not safe when they mimic the sorts of behavior they see on stage."

By the second set, an impromptu team of security guards secured the stage. Still, Jenkins says he has no plans to return to future events like Springfest.

"In there, they’re trying to become more like the world but still be Christians. As Christians, we need to try and become more like God," he said. "We don’t need to package the gospel in the world’s medium of entertainment."