Spark in the Park

Spark in the Park 2025 – A Night to Remember!
Harrisonville City Park, July 4th

What happens when a group of God’s people shows up to a public park with patriotic songs, cold water, gospel tracts, and the love of Christ in their hearts? You get a powerful night called Spark in the Park—where freedom rang louder than the explosives, and the true Light outshone the fireworks.

First and foremost, praise the Lord Jesus Christ—the one who gives true liberty: freedom from sin, shame, and self. Everything that happened that evening was because of His power, His provision, and His presence.

From the start, we knew we’d be in a battle. Spiritual resistance showed up early—logistical hiccups, last-minute changes, and the feeling we’d been given a "forgotten" corner of the park. But the Lord knew what He was doing. And as Jesse Larcom pulled off superhero-level transport and setup (cape not included), we were reminded: where two or three are sweating and lifting heavy equipment in His name, there He is in the midst of them!

Caleb kept the sound humming and the mics from squealing (a miracle of its own). Meanwhile, Pam Jackson held down Shelter #3 like a true defender of the faith—armed not with a shotgun, but with grit, grace, and a determination not to give up one inch of gospel ground.

As the sun started to drop (finally!), Sherry Walker opened the evening and Vicki Slyster closed with moving renditions of the National Anthem, each delivering a verse with reverence and heart. Not to be outdone, Ron Kassen led us through a full medley of patriotic songs, each more powerful than the last—and then… he paused. And with a voice thick with emotion, he gave a bold and beautiful testimony: how Christ didn’t just save him from sin, but saved him to something greater—to praise, to purpose, to ministry, and to true freedom that lasts longer than the 4th of July fireworks at Harrisonville Park.

And speaking of courage, Vicki’s testimony earlier in the night lit a fuse in many hearts. She shared how the Lord brought her out of the bondage of religion and into the freedom of a loving relationship with Jesus Christ—and it was a beautiful reminder: you can have all the form and miss the freedom... but you don’t have to.

Then there was Cammie—stepping up at the end of the night with faith, fire, and trembling hands—and giving one of the most heartfelt, Spirit-led testimonies of freedom and trust in Jesus that we’ve seen. That moment alone was worth the whole night.

On the “front lines” of face painting, Jeff Trude braved the inferno-like heat for four straight hours. No shade (well, some), no retreat—just pure, paint-smeared patriotism. He didn’t just paint red, white, and blue on cheeks—he shared the gospel of true freedom in Christ to kids, parents, and passers-by. Shoutout to Dana and the others who helped wrangle the crowd, wipe sweat, and keep the joy flowing with their game faces on (and actually face games, too).

Luke Fleshman and his family hosted the Gospel Tent this year—a quieter space off to the side, where visitors walked through a clear, convicting presentation of the gospel. It was like a heavenly detour—for those ready to go deeper and discover not just truth, but purpose in life.

Water bottles flowed freely, but more importantly, we had countless conversations pointing people to the Living Water—the kind you don’t have to lug around in a cooler, because once it’s in you, it flows forever.

All in all, it was a night to remember. The Lord was glorified. Souls were stirred. And every servant who showed up—whether behind a mic, under a tent, or hauling gear—played a part in one of our biggest and most joyful outreaches of the year.

We’re already praying and planning for next year’s Spark in the Park. So if you missed it this time… consider this your official nudge: come sweat, sing, serve, and shine with us. God’s not done lighting sparks in this town—or in His people.