Student reflects upon three day event

Essentially I was afraid that I would get bored during the three days of solely Christian music from morning till night. I like Christian music but I had a feeling it would be like one long church service. However, I was surprised to find the event was not only bearable but enjoyable and even inspiring.

The most intriguing thing was not the performers but the crowd. The little things that people said and did, as a body, was much different then in the outside world. I learned that a smile or a good word can change someone’s whole day.

There surely were exceptions, but for the most part people there showed hospitality and the love of Christ. So many times in daily life people forget to act out simple gestures of kindness and don’t take the time to concentrate on the lives of others. At Spirit West Coast, I noticed a radical difference in the way people acted and it inspired me to do the same.

The music did literally play all day but it wasn’t as boring as I had first imagined. The acts often were entertaining with lights and special effects. Even songs that I had heard millions of times over the radio or at church were reanimated through the visual perspective. Also, because of the raceways massive size there were many different stages, which allowed multiple acts to proceed at the same time. Among my favorites were Mathew West, For King and Country, Jeremy Camp and Jamie Grace. Less widely known performers also received a spot at Spirit West Coast. These rookies although tentative at first were very talented and soon warmed up to the crowd.

In the heat of the day many people were not inclined to stand and worship instead sat on towels or lawn chairs. However, when night time came everyone stood up and worshiped collectively as a group. The unity of all the people was felt during the late night concerts as they raised their voices to God and even danced out of joy. Despite the different backgrounds, ages and nationalities of those present the common cause of worship united them all.

The only thing I did not enjoy about Spirit West Coast was the weather conditions. In the day it was very hot and there was nowhere to find adequate shade. At night it became just as cold and the only way to find warmth was through several layers of coats and drinking a hot beverage. Needless to say the line to get a hot drink was very long. However, I managed to have fun despite my sun burned body and frozen toes.

Spirit West Coast did not only have bands playing constantly throughout the day but booths for shopping, food and charities to partake in. The stores sold band related or other Christian merchandise for very reasonable prices. There was no tax on anything sold and the money went to charities or to the funding of the event. The food in itself was out of the ordinary and delectable although most likely not the healthiest. Deep-fried peanut butter sandwiches, Twinkies, and artichokes were among the most popular dishes.
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My family decided to sponsor a child in Africa named Aziz Abdoul Malgoubri through the Compassion International Foundation. We found that a simple sacrifice on our part of money and time could save a child?s life and pave the path for his future. I also had the opportunity to write a letter to men in the military and thank them for their services. There were many other charities present with the genuine goal to help those who cannot help themselves.

Besides charities, food, shopping and performances, other forms of entertainment were offered as well. Several Christian comedians had shows throughout the day. At first I doubted how funny a Christian comedian could be. However, like many times throughout the trip I was proven wrong. My favorite comedian was Bob Smiley. His show was not only hilarious but managed to reflect how a Christian should act and live.

The acts themselves were truly fantastic. Besides the new visual perspective there was also a deeper connection from viewing them in person. The performers gave God all the glory through their words and actions. Often they would stop and give mini sermons that were both heart felt and intriguing. I soon felt guilty for my negative expectations of the event and found it was not only a perspective changing experience but the highlight of my summer.

Spirit West Coast changed my perspective and attitude about several things. First I realized that being a Christian does not have to be boring. A Christian can have fun and enjoy life in ways that point others to God?s glory. Also, there are thousands of people from all over the world who are in some form of pain.

Christ calls his people to lend a hand to them and sometimes the smallest of sacrifices can radically change a life or even a whole community. I found that when Christians come together they are strong and can accomplish great things despite any strengths or weaknesses. I left Monterrey with a better attitude and the inspiration to view the world differently.

Check out the Rock and Worship Road show Article and Spirit West Coast 2014 for more information on Christian concerts.

For more opinions, read the Sept. 17 article, EDITORIAL: Putting life in perspective.

Follow The Feather via Twitter and Instagram: @thefeather and @thefeatheronlilne. This writer can be reached via Twitter: @skylerklee and via Email: [email protected]