"From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised." - Psalm 113:3
The 2008 Michigan District Ablaze! Torch Relay - "Coast to Coast" took place June 11-20, as runners went "Coast to Coast" across the great state of Michigan. This event was a great opportunity to share the Gospel with others. This year over 70 runners/walkers participated.
The purpose of the relay was to highlight awareness of the Ablaze! movement; create opportunities to share the Gospel; inspire and train people to witness; and raise funds for church planting through the Michigan District’s 125th Anniversary Thank Offering and for scholarships to students studying at Concordia University Ann Arbor to become professional church workers through The Future is Now - Michigan District. An estimated 1600 people attended the rallies and over $42,000 was raised for new mission starts and church worker students. Last Year, the Ablaze! "Hell to Paradise" Torch Relay raised over $30,000 for mission planting through the Michigan District's 125th Anniversary Thank Offering.
 We thank
Church Extension Fund of the Michigan District who was an underwriter of the event.
Share the Gospel
Rallies were held each evening along the route. David Paul Britton, 30 year worship leader and educator lead each rally site in music and worship. "Follow the Event" Journey in the online photo gallery by clicking each rally site.
 June 11 - St. Paul, Trenton KICK OFF RALLY
The kick off rally was held at Elizabeth Park and included food and fun. On June 12, the first runner left the shores of the Detroit River.
 June 12 - St. Paul, Ann Arbor - A Car Care Event was held at St. Paul's School.
 June 13 - Trinity, Jackson - Trinity & redeemer Jackson joined forces and held their rally despite storms indoors.
 June 14 - Our Savior, Lansing - Our Saviors held a Road Rally, placed games, served food and enjoyed a Family Dance.
 June 15 - St. Andrew, Portland - St. Andrew's held its event at the Community Band Shell. Festivities included Ice Cream, Music by the Portland Orchestra, and pre-VBS events.
 June 16 - St. Matthew, Grand Rapids - St. Matthews & Friends enjoyed Events, Food and Extreme Games as runners had a sherriff's excort.
 June 17 - St. John, Grand Haven - St. John's took their rally to the Waterfront Stadium and Served free popcorn to passers by. The mayor spoke and a video of the event can be found at www.grandhaventribune.com/index.bsp.
 June 18 - Faith, Whitehall - Faith wrapped up its VBS with an Inter-generational Family Night and Pig Roast.
 June 19 - Our Savior, Scottville - The Shoreliners joined David Britton to praise the Lord with Fellowship and Food.
 June 20 - Trinity, Arcadia FINAL RALLY - Runners finally reached the shores of Lake Michigan as Trinity Congregation members welcomed them with a special rally near the shoreline.
Inspire and Train
LCMS Ablaze! Website
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Michigan District Library Resources
Raise Funds
This year, half of the proceeds will go towards the 125th Anniversary Thank Offering for mission planting and the other half will help provide scholarships to students studying to be professional church workers at Concordia University, Ann Arbor through The Future Is Now - Michigan District Church Worker Endowment Fund.
For additional information:
Regarding Ablaze! in Michigan contact Rev. Dave Davis at 517.339.9119 or pastorddavis@stlukehas.com
For questions regarding The Future is Now - 125th Anniversary Thank Offering contact Ray Zavada at 888.225.2111 or ray.zavada@michigandistrict.org
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