Eastern Oregon University > Press > Faith festival supports Haven from Hunger, June 7-8

Faith festival supports Haven from Hunger, June 7-8

Breaking Ground Faith Festival supports Haven from Hunger

Contact: Will Bowman | President, EOU Cornerstone Christian Community
907-978-3313 | bowmanw@eou.edu

May 31, 2013
LA GRANDE, Ore. – EOU’s Cornerstone Christian Community will host a Breaking Ground Faith Festival, June 7-8, in McKenzie Theatre in Loso Hall.

The free event begins at 7 each night and is open to both EOU students and community members.

Participants will use music and writing to showcase and relate their personal experiences with God. The event will feature local bands “Word of Life,” “Forgiven” and “Nameless,” plus poetry by William Bowman, original music by Sam Ragsdale and Landen Reddington, and more.

“The gospel isn’t something that just happened in the past,” said Bowman, Cornerstone president. “It’s something that happens every day ⎯ in people’s lives, in my life, in other EOU students’ lives ⎯ and we want to recount God’s grace through the artistic mediums that we study and enjoy to the EOU and Eastern Oregon communities we love.”

The festival also has another purpose. Cornerstone is partnering with MESA (Mission for Environmental and Social Awareness) to support Haven from Hunger, a service learning and community development project at EOU.

Donations of nonperishable food items or sundries (soap, laundry detergent, dish soap, sponges, shampoo, conditioner, etc.) will be accepted at the door.

“James 1:31 tells us that the Christian gospel isn’t just words,” Bowman said. “We want this event to be both about speaking the word and living it, right here in La Grande.”

Bowman said the event is non-denominational/all-denominational, and open to Christians and non-Christians alike.

“Breaking Ground is an example of a diverse group in our community coming together for one purpose, to give glory to God through worship…and the testimony of those who have experienced his great love,” said Mark and Lea Emerson.

The Emersons coordinate the Word of Life church that meets on Sundays at the “K” House adjacent to campus. They are also members of the worship team that will be attending the festival.

The two-night event will alternate between personal stories and artistic performances. An optional 30 minute worship and response session will conclude the festival.