By Kevin Williams
For five days every year the Old German Baptist Brethren come together for fellowship, faith, and fun in a combination church doctrinal meeting and family reunion Over 3000 people can fit under the big tent that is erected the first day of the annual meeting. Plus several smaller tents house concessions. A couple of shady shelters are erected just to allow people a place to gather out of the stifling late May sun.
What strikes me is how the Brethren have this even so, so, so well organized, down to the parking arrangements (there are numbered rows so you'll remember where you parked and Brethren will glow sticks guiding the traffic) and diaper disposal. There is a Brethren staffed first aid tent, a nursery, a lost and found, a resting room for anyone that needs to catch up on some sleep, and on and on. Here are some scenes from the conference, with more tomorrow!
Aster makes a fast friend with a young Brethren girl, bonding over a mutual enjoyment of jumping in puddles after the rain!
A sea of empty benches between services, but during services this will be filled with 3000 people, men on one side, women on the other....
The main meals after church are free and open to all, but with 3000 people in attendance, food is a constant need, so a "concession stand" is open most of the time, with proceeds going to the local church that staffs the tent.
Aster and Rosanna head to the concession tent.
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