Community worship service at fair to feature Breakthrough Ministries of Minneapolis

The annual community worship service in the Grandstand at the Freeborn County Fair this year will feature both local faith leaders and ministries from the Twin Cities with this year’s theme exploring “The Hands and Feet of Jesus.”

The service, which takes place at 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 4, allows everyone who attends the service free gate admission for the final day at the fair.

George Marin, pastor at Grace Christian Church, said Shabach Worship out of St. Paul will lead the praise and worship, and several from the community will also share in leading the service, including Randy Nicol, Teri Brecto, Preston Smith and the Revs. Nancy Overgaard, Alfredo Hernandez and Clayton Balsley.

The special speaker of the service will be David Engman, pastor and founder of Breakthrough Ministries of Minneapolis.

Marin said Engman brings a unique perspective to the theme as his ministry is right in downtown Minneapolis on Currie Avenue, which used to be known as the most dangerous street in Minneapolis. Since Breakthrough Ministries has been there, the crime statistics have flipped and it’s now one of the safest streets in downtown Minneapolis, he said.

Breakthrough Ministries has a daily presence there working among the homeless and praying for people. Marin noted during the riots of 2020 after the death of George Floyd, the ministry served and ministered to people on the streets daily, serving between 3,000 and 5,000 meals a day to everyone from the homeless to law enforcement and fire departments.

“ They have just really emerged as a beautiful example of how believers can be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ,” Marin said, noting they train mission teams right there on the street to reach out and help people.

Grace Christian Church partners with Breakthrough Ministries for its annual homeless ministry around Thanksgiving, and also partners with the organization when it offers a meal for area first responders in Albert Lea each year. Other local church groups have partnered with the organization as well.

A special offering will be received at the service to support the work of Breakthrough Ministries, which is currently in the middle of renovating its facility where it houses and trains missionaries.

“ It’s a great day of community coming together, a great time of family friendly worship, singing, prayers, scripture reading and an inspiring message,” Marin said.

Jill Marin, pastor at Grace Christian, said the service provides a nice opportunity to worship together in the open air.

The service usually lasts about an hour and is sponsored by the Freeborn County Fair and area churches.

The event was rained out the last two years but organizers are hopeful for good weather this year.

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