The Reality Behind This Vision

There is another part of my testimony that many people never knew.

While caring for my parents through Alzheimer’s and Dementia, I endured years of hardship that most people never saw. For nearly three years I lived in my home without electricity, water, or gas. I was caring for my parents, trying to hold life together, and still believing that El Shaddai would make a way even when everything around me was falling apart.

The Meaning of the Three Days:

This festival is intentionally a three-day weekend. The number three represents completion, transformation, and rising again. It reminds us of the time between the suffering and crucifixion of Immanuel and the moment when hope rose again. Those three days symbolize endurance, faith through suffering, and the promise that restoration will come.

A Call for Support:

This vision cannot happen through one person alone. It will take support from musicians, volunteers, businesses, media, and the entire community. We need help from every direction to bring this festival to life and to create something meaningful that will last for generations.

My Testimony of Faith:

My journey has been one of faith when everything around me said to give up. Faith when doors were closed. Faith when I stood alone caring for my parents. Faith when people walked away. Faith is believing that El Shaddai is guiding your steps even when the road is uncertain.

Isaiah 11:12

"And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth."

Key Themes of the Verse

• The Ensign: A signal flag or banner representing the Messiah drawing nations together.
• The Outcasts: The exiled Northern Kingdom ten tribes being collected and restored.
• The Dispersed: The scattered Southern Kingdom of Judah brought back home.
• Four Corners: A biblical idiom meaning the complete breadth of the entire world.

II. THE FOUR CORNERS OF BLESSING (Community Totes)

In honor of the four corners of the earth, we are placing four donation totes at the park boundaries to "Bless the Next Person."

1. The Classie Tote (Rhythm of Strength): Supporting families in crisis with basic needs (utilities/transport), honoring my father’s endurance.
2. The Wilderness Tote (Caregiver’s Stand): Providing support for the elderly and those caring for parents with Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
3. The Ascension Tote (Turning Judgment to Joy): Targeted aid for the homeless and low-income families to help them "come up for air."
4. The Mildred Ballou Legacy Tote (The Educator’s Gift): Honoring my mother’s career as a dedicated educator by collecting books and supplies for Waco’s youth.

The Four Corners of Blessing: The Educator’s Heart

Corner 1: The "Classie" Tote (The Rhythm of Strength)

• The Meaning: Dedicated to your father. This represents the "Bread and Water" of life—supporting families facing the same darkness you did (no utilities/no transport).
• The Script: "Welcome to the First Corner. This tote honors Mr. Classie Ballou. We are collecting to ensure no family in Waco has to sit in the dark or go without the basics. Thank you for being the rhythm of strength for someone else today."

Corner 2: The "Wilderness" Tote (The Caregiver’s Stand)

• The Meaning: Dedicated to your 5 years of solo caregiving. This box represents support for the elderly and those caring for parents with Alzheimer’s/Dementia.
• The Script: "Welcome to the Second Corner. This is the Wilderness Tote. It honors the sacrifice of caregivers. We are collecting to support our elderly and those who stand alone in the gap to care for their loved ones. God bless you."

Corner 3: The "Ascension" Tote (Turning Judgment to Joy)

• The Meaning: For the homeless and low-income families. This is where you change the world's judgment into a blessing.
• The Script: "Welcome to the Third Corner. This is the Ascension Tote. We are turning judgment into a blessing today for our homeless and low-income neighbors. Thank you for helping someone finally come up for air."

Corner 4: The "Mildred Ballou Legacy" Tote (The Educator’s Gift)

• The Meaning: Dedicated to your mother as an Educator. This box is specifically for school supplies, books, and youth education—the things she spent her life pouring into.
• The Script: "Welcome to the Fourth Corner. This is the Mildred Ballou Legacy Tote. My mother was a dedicated educator, and this box carries her heart. Your donation goes toward education and empowering our youth to build a better future. Yeah Baby! The legacy lives on through you."

SUNDAY, JUNE 21: THE ASCENSION (FATHER’S DAY)

• EVENT: The Wilderness Ascension Gathering
• LOCATION: Indian Springs Park
• 12:00 PM: GATES OPEN (Community Day & Giving)
• 3:00 PM: PRAISE & WORSHIP SHOWTIME