“Eden, you’re on camera two.” Samantha pointed toward stage left.
“That guy standing by the Porta-Potties will direct you to your spot and give you a quick tutorial.”
“See you guys later.” Eden gave me a thumbs-up and jogged off.
Samantha turned to me. “Pastor James wants to gather some people together to pray before the gates open. You want to join us?”
“Definitely.”
We walked behind the stage area toward a patch of grass where about twenty people stood around a man I’d seen at the concert at Samantha’s church back before Greg died. It was Pastor James. I remembered him closing the concert in prayer.
We all joined hands.
“Heavenly Father,” Pastor James began, “we’re here today to implement Your plans and purposes for those who attend this festival. Thank You for everyone who volunteered their time and talents to pull this off. We ask for Your angels to encamp around this fairground.”
I was glad to know he realized that angels would be there. I had no doubt they would be.
“May You be glorified, and may lives be changed as a result of this event. Amen.”
Various voices echoed, “Amen.” We unclasped hands and headed off to our areas of assignment.
As I approached stage right I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned and saw a short man with brown hair and freckles, wearing a headset and holding a camera. “Olivia?”
“Yes.”
“Hi, I’m Glenn. I’m in charge of the camera crew.”
“Great.” We shook hands and walked toward my station.
“Your job is to follow the lead singer. The other cameras will be covering other areas of the stage, and the mobile ones will be onstage getting close-ups.” He pointed to a small brown trailer to the right side of the stage. “I’ll be in there, mixing the camera images and projecting them onto the large screen on the left side of the stage.”
I was excited to think of seeing my shots projected up there soon.
We climbed a ladder onto one of the film towers, and he had me sit behind the camera. From my high perch I scanned the grounds, taking in the merchandise tents, security guards, and concession stands. I loved the bird’s-eye view.
Glenn reviewed all the camera buttons and made sure I knew how everything worked. It was really very easy. Then he handed me a headset.
I placed it on my head and adjusted the mouthpiece in front of my lips.
“I used a headset like this when I worked in the drive-thru at McDonald’s one summer.”
“Terrific. It’s the same idea. So the whole crew can communicate. Samantha says you have a good eye, so I’m sure you’ll do great.”
“I’ll do my very best.”
“Staying with the lead singer can be hard sometimes. They jump around and run a lot.”
“I got this. I’ll keep up with him.”
“I know you will.” He gave me a pat on the shoulder.
“Thanks, Glenn.” I watched as he shimmied down the ladder.
I hoped I wouldn’t have any problems. At least I knew where Glenn would be if I needed him.
“The view is breathtaking from above, isn’t it?” Mike stood beside me, covered in fish-scale armor from head to toe. He wore a silver breastplate with a lion’s head on it. I sure felt safe with my “knight in shining heavenly armor” beside me.
Mike pointed at the crowd starting to come through the entrance. Most had tattoos, piercings, and strange hair colors. “Beautiful, aren’t they?”
Through Mike’s eyes I saw each of these individuals as a precious soul treasured by God, much like my experience at the shelter. And I was part of an extraordinary event that would reach out to people who were often ignored, even rejected by the church. They were coming to hear their favorite bands, but they would get to hear about God and hopefully have their lives changed forever.
I looked toward heaven and gave thanks and praise to the great Creator who made all this possible.
“Take another look,” Mike said.
When I scanned the crowd again I saw hundreds of angels in full armor, doubling the size of the crowd. There was an angel for every single person. Of course.
Mike disappeared. The drummer took the stage and started a slow, driving beat on his kick drum. The crowd screamed in anticipation.
I fixed my eyes on the microphone in the center of the stage and checked the focus on my lens.
Security guards encircled what would soon be the mosh pit.
Sheesh, I guess it gets pretty wild in there. Hope there’s no blood or broken bones today.
A guitar chord blasted. The bass player entered the stage, wearing a black T-shirt and jeans. His long, blond hair had a red streak down one side. My camera was right on him. I didn’t recognize the band, but I was excited for the music to kick in.
A tall man with blond dreadlocks that hung to his elbows ran in, screaming out a note I thought could shatter glass, and held it for about fifteen seconds. The audience yelled louder. I fixed my eyes and camera on him as he jumped to the drummer’s rhythm.
That’s the lead singer! Got him!
My foot started to tap, but I stopped when I realized that it made the platform under the camera shake.
Dreadlock guy screamed, “How are you all out there?”
Everyone yelled and applauded.
“We’re Sacred Sabbath, and we’re here to shake up your world today!” The colorful audience began to crowd the stage, their arms in the air, clapping or thrusting their fists to the beat. I wasn’t really that into hardcore metal bands, so I’d never heard these guys. But I loved any kind of music. Even if it wasn’t my taste I could take one day of it.
Greg would have loved this festival.
As the band played their opening song several people in the area that I could observe mouthed the lyrics. I couldn’t understand a word.
After the first number the lead singer said, “Every member of this band is a Christian. God has radically changed our lives, and He can change yours too.”
Many people clapped and whistled.
After five songs a slim guy with frizzy dark hair tapped me on the shoulder. “I’m Jake.”
My heart sank. I was having such a good time, I didn’t want to leave.
But it must be time for the hype crew to take the stage soon.
When he reached out to shake my hand I saw a tattoo of a cross on his right forearm.
I love that.
“I’m Olivia.” I tried not to stare at the tiny crystal stud in his pierced nose.
Does it hurt when he blows his nose?
As I slid out of my seat I noticed a cloud of dust brewing inside the mosh pit. Security guards rushed toward the commotion. Wondering if a fight might be breaking out, I prayed, Lord, don’t let anyone get hurt.
Five armored angels that looked like ancient Vikings descended into the pit and swept away five demons. I watched as they were thrown, one by one, into an open black hole in the area above the stage. All of the demons had horns on their heads and tattoos that looked like bleeding wings on their shirtless backs.
I breathed a sigh of relief, said good-bye to my replacement, then climbed down the ladder. I pushed through the crowd to the security gate that led to the backstage area where Samantha was. The guards let me through when they saw the all-access pass hanging around my neck.
I found Samantha pulling T-shirts, wrapped in rubber bands, out of a box. They were shaped into balls that could be shot from a large slingshot.
“Hey, Liv. After we launch the first couple of shirts, hand me some water balloons, OK?”
“Right.” I looked into the box beside the shirts and found some balloons already filled with water. I picked up the box, ready to follow Samantha on stage.
“By the way, we’ve had over five thousand people come through the gates today—and we have not even gotten to our headline band yet, scheduled for tonight at seven o’clock. I’m so stoked!”
Giddy, I replied, “That’s awesome.”<
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After the band finished playing they marched off the stage. When they’d passed us, Samantha said, “Follow me.”
The second my foot hit the stage my nerves quivered. I’d never been in front of so many people.
Samantha stepped up to the mic. “Anybody want a free T-shirt?”
Hundreds of arms raised high and the crowd roared.
I giggled as I handed the T-shirt launcher to Samantha. This is going to be a blast! Especially when we get to the water balloons.
Samantha launched five shirts into the audience. Then it was time for the balloons.
People jumped when the bulging balloons sailed toward them. Everyone who got soaked cheered their appreciation for the water that cooled them off in the open field under a blazing hot sun. I giggled. We were definitely succeeding at getting the crowd pumped up for the next band.
As I handed more T-shirts to Samantha I saw Eden striding though the chaotic crowd as calmly as if she were gliding through a peaceful forest. Her lips were moving. Her guardian angel, Cabriel, followed close behind her.
That’s cool. We might need him today.
Eden stopped to talk to a girl wearing a tight red T-shirt and jeans.
She put her arm around her shoulder and they bowed their heads. Eden was no doubt praying over her.
How amazing to see the transformation in my friend.
Christina strode among the crowd too. Her angel, Gideon, walked right beside her. He pointed to a corner of the field where a small group of people huddled together, praying. Christina headed right toward them.
I knew she’d eagerly join them.
This event needs all the prayer it can get.
Samantha launched another balloon. It landed on the head of a muscular guy with tattoos and a shaved head. He yelled and cursed loudly, throwing his water bottle at the stage. It landed in the mosh pit.
Three armored angels flashed to the spot where the young man stood, leaving blue streaks of light in their path. A green snake slithered out from behind the angry guy and wrapped itself around one of the angels. The angel jerked his arms outward, bursting the snake into dozens of green pieces.
Way to go, warrior!
The crowd quieted and turned in his direction. The angry guy huffed off toward the merchandise tent.
When Samantha had run out of T-shirts and balloons, we exited the stage. “You did a great job, Liv.”
“Thanks. It was fun.”
“I didn’t think the balloons would get someone ticked off.”
“Me neither.”
“I think we should stick with T-shirts from now on.”
“Good idea.” I checked my watch. “I need to get back to my camera.”
“OK. I’ll see you again in two hours.”
I returned to my perch. After Jake left I took the seat and directed the camera toward center stage, waiting for the next band to begin. I was glad to be back at my station. I loved filming the lead singer and listening to the band play.
Goose bumps rose on my forearms when I spotted two burly, bearded angels standing in front of the stage. I looked into my lens and zoomed in. They had ruddy complexions. They faced the crowd, arms folded across their chests.
I pitied the demon that tried to mess with them! They were the biggest, scariest-looking angels I’d ever seen.
They remained in place during the entire song set. Their presence seemed to have a calming effect on the crowd. They must be specifically trained for this sort of thing. No fights broke out. They must be the backup angels that Mike had mentioned before, not guardians, but ones called in as reinforcements. Perhaps someone had prayed them in after the breakout in the mosh pit and the angry guy who got hit in the head with the balloon. I had no doubt that Eden and Christina knew exactly how to pray today.
Before the band left the stage, Jake returned. “Samantha says she’d like you to join her backstage to pray with the speaker before he goes on.”
“Thanks.” I wondered why she’d called on me, but I was honored.
I found Samantha backstage. When she saw me from a distance, she pointed at a middle-aged blond man chatting with one of the band members from a band that had performed before the one playing now. Her voice came through my earpiece. “Olivia, that’s our speaker. Please tell him I’m going to introduce him in about fifteen minutes and will escort him to the stage when it is time. Then pray with him. I was going to join you, but they need me here backstage. Can you handle this one on your own?”
“You got it.” I walked up to him. “Mr. Lutz?” I’d seen his picture and name on the concert poster. He clutched his Bible to his chest as if drawing strength from it.
“Yes?”
“I’m Olivia. My cousin Samantha will be here shortly to escort you to the stage. In the meantime, I’d like to pray with you.”
“I’d appreciate that.” A trace of distress crossed his face. “Most of the music festivals I’ve spoken at are attended mainly by Christians. I’ve never stood in front of a crowd like this.” He wrung his hands. “I’m not sure I’ll be able to hold their attention.”
I put my hand on his shoulder as we bowed our heads and closed our eyes. I felt power transfer from me to him. Like part of my strength left me and entered him. “Lord, calm this man’s heart and nerves. Speak through him today. Control the crowd, and limit any distractions that might keep these people from hearing Your word for them.”
I opened my eyes and spotted a cloud of huge bats heading straight for us, darkening the sky. I held out my hand toward the demonic assault, grasping for the power that could only come from God’s authority given to me.
Mike appeared and put one hand on my back and the other on top of my head. I felt a heaviness from his hand, and I knew the power of God was being dropped into me at a time I needed it. I shuddered, wondering what kind of evil I would face.
Another angel appeared behind Mr. Lutz and encircled him with mighty wings.
I had no idea what to say, so I just said, “Jesus,” over and over.
A blue beam of light shot out of my raised hand. I turned my palm and shot the beam from my palm at the bat-like creatures. Mike and Mr. Lutz’s angel did the same. More blue lights shot from the hands of additional angels surrounding me, just as I raised my hand. The beams joined, forming a force field that sent the bat-like demons flying backward.
Cool. This is new. I feel like some superhero in a movie right now.
A dome of light appeared around the stage and extended over the entire festival grounds. All demons within the circle of light were sucked out of the illuminated orb and into a slice of space that opened again, just above the stage. I let my hands fall to my sides. My throat constricted from tears of joy, relief, and wonder.
Mr. Lutz hugged me and whispered, “Thank you.” He clutched his Bible to his chest and directed his attention toward the stage where Samantha was walking up to the microphone.
My cousin shouted, “Put your hands together for national speaker and best-selling author Mr. Bill Lutz!”
The crowd applauded enthusiastically as he walked up the steps. Since I didn’t need to work the camera during his talk, I joined the audience. Christina, Ty, and Eden found me and Eden tapped me on the shoulder. We stood together, waiting for Mr. Lutz’s talk to begin.
As Mr. Lutz spoke to the throng, a few people walked away. Some talked among themselves. One tall boy with a Mohawk who was standing near the stage shouted, “I didn’t come to get preached at.”
A murmur arose. All eyes turned to Mr. Lutz to see his response.
“Hey, buddy, you don’t have to stay if you don’t want to. But I’m just going to talk to you, not preach.” His tone was soft and sincere.
God, silence him! I prayed regarding the guy that yelled out.
The two burly angels still in front of the stage covered the heckler’s mouth. He turned and walked toward the concession tent.
I let out a sigh of relief. Thanks, God. That was quick.
After break
ing the tension with a few jokes, Mr. Lutz opened his Bible and read Luke 18:16. “People brought the babies to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. When the disciples saw it, they shooed them off. Jesus called them back. ‘Let these children alone. Don’t get between them and me. These children are the kingdom’s pride and joy. Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.’”
Bill shut his Bible and set it on the platform at his feet. “At the time this passage was written, children were to be seen and not heard. But God made a point of saying that young people are the kingdom’s pride and joy.” Bill’s voice wavered as he was overcome with emotion.
The crowd quieted. The hecklers stopped. More faces turned toward Bill than when he’d begun speaking.
“I speak at high schools all over the country. I’ve met young people who feel unloved, unaccepted, and unimportant. But Jesus loves every one of you—no matter who you are or what you’ve done.”
This is a good message. Anyone could relate. Great way to connect with the audience, Bill.
“Your parents may be divorced. Maybe you just broke up with a boyfriend or girlfriend. Perhaps you had a fight with your parents before you came here. Or you’re pregnant. You might be waiting for the next high to escape a life you’re unhappy with. Perhaps someone you love just died. I want you to know that it’s no mistake that you’re here today. God cares about you so much that He came to Earth two thousand years ago to live as a human. And to show us how much He loved us, He died so that we can have a relationship with Him here on Earth, and also after death.”
Go, Bill!
“Do you know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, where you would be if you died in a car crash on your way home from the festival tonight?”
Someone shouted, “I’d be partying with my friends in hell.”
A few in the crowd laughed.
They have no idea how serious of a question that was.
“That’s what a lot of people think. Or perhaps you believe there’s a heavenly scale that will weigh the good things and bad things you’ve done, and that as long as the good is more than the bad God will let you into heaven. But God doesn’t require a certain measure of good deeds. He offers the gift of everlasting life for free. All you have to do is accept it.”
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