Back by popular demand, Engage Sunday has once again made a significant impact across northeast Indiana. This year, the reach extended farther than ever, thanks in part to FEC’s expansion into Kendallville. With 1600 people participating from five Fort Wayne FEC churches plus five Kendallville-area churches on Sunday, August 21, the impact was bound to be big.

According to Steve Shaffer, executive pastor at Pine Hills Church, the general consensus was overwhelmingly positive. “It was exciting to be the hands and feet of Jesus throughout Allen and Noble Counties on one specific day,” he says. Jason Best, worship arts and youth pastor at Crossview Church, agrees. “The great thing about Engage Sunday is that it’s not about any one church. Instead, our purpose is to glorify Jesus in the community.”

Whether people were painting fire hydrants, creating NICU care packages, or stocking food pantries, everyone enjoyed the chance to engage the community outside the church walls. Even better, say organizers, is the way the event opened people’s eyes to needs and opportunities to serve—not just on Engage Sunday, but all year long. And best of all was the fact that at least seven people gave their hearts to Jesus, thanks to evangelism efforts through Time to Revive.

The day wrapped up with fun, food, and games at Riverside Gardens Park in Leo and at First Christian Church in Kendallville. Festivities at both locations culminated in a special service of celebration, with a pastor from each of the participating churches taking part. “It was a great way to reinforce the idea that we are one unified church body,” says Jason. “We’re all called to do good works in Jesus’ name.” To see the complete list of organizations served, participating churches, and some great photos of the many acts of service, visit engagesunday.com.