ANNUAL OUTPOURING OF LOVE
IN FAIRGROUNDS PARK - ST. LOUIS, MO

August is one of the major months which CFN pours out much needed food into the inner cities and poverty stricken communities of America.   We meet in a major park for an entire day of activities which ends in the distribution of boxed and frozen food that day.   Targeted recipients are poverty stricken children and their families whom are struggling with the costs of enrolling their children in school during the month of August.

A semi concert stage hosts various music groups, choirs and drama teams as thousands of hotdogs, chips and soft drinks are cooked and served to the community.   The gospel is preached to thousands who attended throughout the day by participating churches and musical talent.

Those who attend are able to enjoy clowns, children's activities, blood pressure, cholesterol and HIV testing, interaction with the St. Louis drug enforcement police unit, the gang enforcement unit, free hair cuts, clothing and literature, music, youth drama teams and more.   At the end of the day, those who register for a free food box are given a wonderful assortment of food that anyone could be proud to give or receive!  

Everyone has plenty to take home with them and they are also encouraged to give once they go back to their home.   Dr. Daniel Daves, president of CFN said, "The giving on this day goes well beyond what we see at the semi trailers in the park."

Many personal stories pour in throughout the day.   One testimony rang out loud and clear in St. Louis this year as a woman and her son drove by the park.   They had just been burned out of their home the day before, and the boy asked his mom, "Momma, do you think we'll eat today?".   She said, "I don't know son."   As they drove their car/home by the park.   The woman said that she saw the huge rally, and pulled over to see what was going on.   One man who was carrying off his box of food began talking with her, and after finding out her dilemna - gave his box of food to her.   Staff members quickly converged on the situation, and made sure that the man was given another box of food.   She was also given more food, and one of the ministries involved offered her immediate assistance in finding another place to live.   Her response was, "Thank God, you guys just showed up like the lone ranger out of nowhere and saved me! Praise the Lord!!"

Bishop Arthur Kelly has been instrumental in organizing the various church and community organizations that come together in the park annually in St. Louis, MO.   He received an award of recognition in 1999 for the outstanding efforts on his part to bring the community together in a joint unity, destroying racial and doctrinal barriers that divide men.   This event has become a rally point for united non profit and community effort in the inner cities of America over the years.