The Aug. 31 Labour of Love Music Fest drew more than 20,000 spectators to Bolsa Chica State Beach and 6,000 others watched it on a “live stream” in Argentina, Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, Germany, France, Australia, the U.S. and other countries.
“It was the biggest crowd I’ve ever seen at the Music Fest,” said an amazed Laura Swanson, who enjoyed the event with her husband, Doug. “It was absolutely awesome—seeing this gigantic crowd so full of authentic love for each other.”
The 7th Annual Music Fest, which was free to attend and featured well-known Christian singers like Jeremy Camp, Danny Gokey, Jordan Felix, TYE and Anchored 247, was honored in Proclamations by the State, County and City for helping bring people together from different cultures and countries in a family environment.
“What an honor and joy it is to have such an awesome, Christ-centered, family-friendly event like the Labour of Love in my district,” said Michelle Steel, Vice Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. “With all the craziness going on, it’s so important to have a positive light like this and Calvary Chapel of the Harbour, which created and produced it. I applaud the more than 450 volunteers and 27 churches, who helped make this happen. Each year, it’s bigger and better and that’s a testament of great leadership as well as dedication and commitment from all involved.”
Assemblyman Tyler Diep presented a State Proclamation for being the first concert ever held on a state beach (2013) and for continuing to bring people from all ages and cultures together annually. Huntington Beach Mayor Pro-Tem Lyn Semeta also presented a Proclamation signed by the Mayor. While Air Force planes flew overhead in formation, during fellow Council member Jill Hardy’s singing of the National Anthem, a thrilled Semeta said, “I can’t believe this is happening.”
“It’s a testimony to God,” said Joe Pedick, Senior Pastor at Calvary Chapel of the Harbor, who along with his wife, Kathleen, helped create the Music Fest. “The Labour of Love is a life-changing event, not just for those who decide to give their life to Christ but those evangelizing on the beach, from the stage and in special prayer areas (where 640 Bibles were given away). “Just listening to people requesting prayer was such a blessing,” said Ray Carvalho, a prayer volunteer. “I was the one who felt blessed!”
“This was the perfect punctuation mark on what has been a wonderful Summer,” said Huntington Beach City Councilman Patrick Brenden, who attended with his wife, Anto. “It was faith-sharing, fellowship and a whole lot of fun.”
The crowd was diverse—more than 40 young students came on a bus from Anaheim; Gwendolyn Button came from England and called the event (that also had free games, a Ferris Wheel, rock climbing, bounce houses and face painting as well as 100 vendors): “Brilliant in every way;” Oliver Chi, who will become Huntington Beach’s new City Manager this year, drove down from Monrovia to enjoy it; Stephen Kostlan came from North Carolina to be a vendor and sell his book, “Depression Isn’t a Disease, It’s a Condition,” others came from several states and countries.
Tidbits from some of the 450 volunteers: Navy Veteran Eric Skinner, who worked Security, carried a device which showed he walked 34,256 steps, that translates into 16 miles during the six hour event! Julie Purchase voluntarily purchased 35 towels to give to some of those going in the ocean to be baptized.
To learn more about or become involved in this annual event, visit labouroflovemusicfest.com; visit Calvary Chapel of the Harbour, 16450 Pacific Coast Highway or email: info@ccoth.com.
