Fresno CityFest will feature Lecrae, Luis Palau and many others

Following in his father’s footsteps, Andrew Palau has become a renown evangelist who will minister in this year’s Fresno CityFest, April 1-2. He came to speak at FC during chapel, Feb. 2. 

The chapel started off with a video promoting Fresno CityFest. The first part of the video featured campaign director Levi Park who encouraged everyone to fill out CityFest’s prayer card. The second portion encouraged everyone to attend the festival while also inviting friends and family.

Following the video, Palau dove into his message. He started off by sharing parts of his past and recalled memories of he and his dad (Luis Palau) going on walks through the rainy Oregon city where his dad would talk to him about the Holy Spirit and the promises of Heaven. Andrew Palau said that he would brush off the conversations and continue down his own path.

As he attended college, he got involved with drugs and alcohol. Palau graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in English literature. 

The most important thing about following what God calls you to be, is to be in the word everyday,” Palau said. “We don’t always know where He is going to lead us but wherever He does bring us, He’ll have a purpose. I urge anyone looking to get started in ministries to trust that God will bring you where He wants you. –Andrew Palau

Palau grew up in a Christian home and attended a church. However, his heart was turned against his family and God. He claimed to have a rebellious heart. He didn’t want trouble and had to pretend that things were fine, when in reality, they weren’t. Everything remained the same until he accompanied his dad on trip to Jamaica at the age of 27. Despite hearing many messages from his father, Palau felt that God opened his eyes to this specific message.

“My parents had done so much to share the good news with me,” Palau said. “They had tried a thousand times and I resisted it, but God mercifully arranged my mind and my thoughts. I had heard that message many times but this was my time where God opened my eyes to the message. I humbled myself and asked for forgiveness. He cleaned me and gave me a fresh start.” 

After his personal stories, Palau started to give his message to the students. He encouraged everyone to really trust in God while also do their best to spread the word of God.

“I want you to nurture a soft heart,” Palau said. “A heart that would own the reality of what it is like to be a follower of Christ. I want you to trust in the gospel, be faithful and bring people the good news of Jesus Christ.”

Palau was one of the key pieces in crafting the content for the first Palau festivals back in 1999. After two years of preparation, Fresno CityFest has finally been planned. Thousands of people from across the Central Valley will gather for food, music and activities for all ages. Palau wanted to have something where he could reach all generations but mainly target the youth.

“We put the festival together to try and make it for everybody,” Palau said. “It has a heavy youth emphasis because they respond well to these types of activities. The younger generation is the future for this nation. We want to reach the youth and also children so that they can build a life with the focus on serving the Lord.”

For anyone looking to get involved in ministries, Palau’s main tip is to read the Bible everyday. Despite no knowing the future, we can be sure the God will lead us to the right place. 

“The most important thing about following what God calls you to be, is to be in the word everyday,” Palau said. “We don’t always know where He is going to lead us but wherever He does bring us, He’ll have a purpose. I urge anyone looking to get started in ministries to trust that God will bring you where He wants you.”

His final directive to the students was to ask for forgiveness and to get on the right path. He urged everyone to resist temptation, turn our hearts to God and to pray constantly. Chapel ended Palau praying over all the students. During the prayer, he asked any student who wanted to accept Christ for the first time to raise their hand so he help them invite Christ into their hearts. 

Pastor Andrew Palau’s message to students from The Feather Online on Vimeo.

After Palau spoke to the student body, he joined The Feather editors for a short additional message to their peers.

For another article, read: Mayor Lee Brand shares vision with Feather staff. 

This writer can be reached via Twitter: @_NickLeBlanc and via email: Nick LeBlanc. The Palau organization can be reached via email: [email protected] or contact Fresno CityFest at [email protected].