Spirit Midwest Ministries Blog

What an Amazing Day!

Post by Julie Barnes on Sun Jun 28th, 2009

While the day dawned somewhat hot and humid, a five-minute shower around 2:30 cooled things off and left us basking in a beautiful day filled with music, ministry, fun, fellowship, food, fishing and so much more. I don't think we could have had a much better day - unless, of course, our $5,000 Tagged Fish had been caught. Sadly (or perhaps not so sadly for him), he still swims free today.

God blessed us with an awesome team of volunteers who worked together so smoothly that we ran on schedule all day. The music was phenomenal, the ministry enriching, and the magic and chemistry incredible.I pray that you were able to enjoy the day with us! If so, send us an email and let us know your most and least favorite parts of the day. We're already planning Spirit Midwest 2010 and want to make it bigger and better next year - and to God be the Glory!

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One More Day!!!

Post by Julie Barnes on Fri Jun 26th, 2009

Wow! I can't believe it's almost here! With all the work that has gone into nearly doubling the activities and bands for Spirit Midwest 2009, it seems like we've been working forever - and sometimes I thought the day would never come. BUT IT'S ALMOST HERE! And I can't wait!

God has answered the prayers of the many who have been praying in unison this final week leading up to the festival and given us a peace we haven't known in years past. Of course, He also gave me the wisdom to know in advance that I would need some extra time to work on final details this week, so back in March I put in for a week of "vacation" - which has helped immensely. While I have worked about 3 1/2 hours a day, it's all been from home while I'm also working on the festival - so hopefully nothing has been overlooked as I've spent time with Him and He's brought things to mind that need to be done on this final day.

We're still looking for about 17 volunteers who can work a two hour shift Saturday afternoon and evening. If you can do it, give me a call at 515-577-8035. We're also looking for prayer warriors to spend 30 minutes in a private section of our Prayer Tent (the "Inner Sanctuary"), praying for needs presented throughout the day. Again, if you're available, give me a call at 515-577-8035.

Also, please remember your friends, neighbors, co-workers, churches, youth groups, young adult groups, neighborhood businesses - AND SPREAD THE WORD TODAY! We want to make sure our artists and vendors are richly blessed for coming to the festival tomorrow, too. Many of our artists have come for no fee - and our vendors have actually paid a nominal fee - and they are all hoping to make enough money to cover the expenses they incur through merchandise and concession sales - so we need people to attend the festival so buy this merch.

There are so many needs this final day, that I couldn't possibly list them all, but God knows - and I have confidence that He will provide. So, please rest up tonight so you're ready for a FULL DAY OF FREE FUN TOMORROW!!

With God's richest blessings and peace,

Julie Barnes

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This is What $5,000 Looks Like!!

Post by Julie Barnes on Wed Jun 24th, 2009

Check it out. The DNR met us at the Prairie Ridge Sports Complex on Tuesday and tagged this awesome lookin' fish!! Now all you have to do is catch it!

Don't forget, the Fishing Contest runs from 11:00 AM - 5 PM on Saturday, June 27th at the sports complex at 1220 NW Prairie Ridge Drive in Ankeny. Be there! With all the music (19 bands), free inflatable village, concessions, merchandise and more - you'll be glad you did! And who knows? Maybe you will be the lucky one to catch this awesome fish!!!

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Prayer Covering Grows as Festival Draws Near

Post by Julie Barnes on Mon Jun 22nd, 2009

We are so blessed by all of the volunteers who are donating their time to the Fourth Annual Spirit Midwest Christian Music Festival, we really can't thank you/them enough. We especially want to thank those who have joined us in praying for this final week leading up to the festival. If you would like to be a part of this growing force, get a copy of our Prayer Guide and begin praying for the many details outlined in the devotionals for morning and evening. Just click here and let me know you'd like a copy!

Just as important is our Inner Sanctuary Prayer Team who will devote 30 minutes during the festival itself to focused prayer in a private section of the Prayer Tent. Our goal is to cover every minute of the festival in prayer and, as you can see, there are still timeslots available. If you can devote 30 minutes to praying for our attendees, artists, volunteers, etc click here and let me know when you're available. As the timeslots are filled, I'll update this schedule so we can see the prayer covering fill the day.

TIME NAME TIME NAME
11:00 AM Dee 5:00 PM Al
11:30 AM Deanna 5:30 PM  
12:00 PM   6:00 PM  
12:30 PM   6:30 PM  
1:00 PM Al 7:00 PM  
1:30 PM Cindy 7:30 PM  
2:00 PM   8:00 PM Cia
2:30 PM Cia 8:30 PM Julie
3:00 PM   9:00 PM Jeana & Josh
3:30 PM Julie 9:30 PM  
4:00 PM Dee 10:00 PM  
4:30 PM Donna 10:30 PM  

Of course, we want to pray for you, too! We will have prayer cards available at the festival for you to fill out to add to our prayer list. Or, you are welcome to come to the Prayer Tent and receive personal prayer. We will have staff in the tent all day to pray with and for you.

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Join Us in Covering the Festival in Prayer

Post by Julie Barnes on Thu Jun 18th, 2009

We have eagerly watched God trace nearly every detail of the Spirit Midwest Christian Music Festival and we know that He has great things in store for June 27th. However, along with these many details has come great responsibility. Our committee meets regularly to pray, to discuss each one and to ensure that we are doing what He has called us to. However, we can easily become overwhelmed or items can be overlooked (not by Him, but by us). So, we're looking for people to join us in covering Spirit Midwest 2009 in prayer - beginning today and continuing all the way through the festival on June 27th! That way we can be assured that each one of His plans is brought to fruition: those He has called will be present, hearts that have been closed will be open, walls that have been erected will be torn down, and lives that have been broken will be healed.

Today, you can be a part by receiving a copy of our Prayer Guide and praying each day for the many details and people involved in the festival. Just click here and let me know you'd like a copy!

On June 27th, you can join us by signing up for a 30-minute timeslot during which you will come to the Prayer Tent at the festival and spend time praying for the needs listed that day, as well as whatever God puts on your heart. If you'd like to volunteer for a timeslot at the festival, click here and let me know when you're available.

Of course, we want to pray for you, too! If you have a need, please come to the Prayer Tent and let us know. We will have people in the tent all day to pray with and for you.

 Thank you so much for being a part of this awesome event!

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