RHEMA Lighting Up The Skies For The Holiday

RHEMA Bible Church is hosting its annual 4th of July celebration.

Sunday, June 29th 2008, 9:59 pm

By: News On 6


The rockets are launching over Broken Arrow. RHEMA Bible Church is hosting its annual 4th of July celebration. The News On 6's Dan Bewley reports the big bang of fireworks is becoming a staple over RHEMA Bible Church this time of year.

Church leaders say the party is a family-friendly way to show your colors and maybe come away with a little inspiration.

It was a red, white, and blue celebration featuring rock walls, The News On 6's Katie Green behind the mike, a car that would make Starsky and Hutch proud, even a mechanical bull.

B.J. Huber came from Kansas for a ride.

"It spinned me around then it knocked me down, that's what got me loose," said Huber.

It's called Rockets Over RHEMA. It's the fourth year for a party for the fourth. The final count is expected to top 25,000 people celebrating with the Broken Arrow church.

"To me it's an opportunity for the community to see that RHEMA is more than a church, more than a bible school, that we are a part of the community. That we give back to community," said RHEMA Pastor Kenneth Hagin.

The festival keeps growing; organizers say they have more corporate sponsors this year than ever before. But families say it's the atmosphere that brings them back.

"It's family oriented, the bands, the fireworks, everything," said Tulsa resident Alicia Shelton.

"They got good Christian music, a lot of rides for the kids, they love it," said Ryan Shelton.

Besides the fun and games, organizers hope the folks who come here take time to learn about their church. They say this festival is one of their best recruiting tools.

"We believe if people come here and see the place they'll come back,' said Pastor Hagin.

While the event is free, the money raised from rides and concessions goes back to the church. The youth ministry uses hot dogs, cotton candy and soda pop to fund events throughout the year.

"We benefit from the youth so it's nice to give back to the youth ministry," said youth group member Jenni van Sickler.

But the ultimate goal, organizers say, is to honor the country and celebrate freedom.

Pastor Hagin says those fireworks cost the church close to $20,000 every year. He says they're worth it and the church has no plans to charge admission in the future.

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