Today is a big day in St. Louis. The veiled prophet parade hits downtown.  A two-hour Independence Day celebration. Thousands of people line the streets for a celebration with Miss USA, Shandi Finnessey, as Honorary Grand Marshal; Disney Channel star Raven Symone; American Idol’s Aloha Mischeaux; and the Voices of St. Alphonsus Rock Church Choir joining with floats, bands and street celebrations.

Yet while the spectators set up on the sidewalk with their picnic baskets and camping chairs, streams of smartly dressed people pass by them on their way to another big day, a General Conference Sabbath. Many have flown in just for the weekend. Why are they here?

“I’ve come to worship and praise the Lord with fellow Christians,” states Maria Lena Lewis from St. Lucia as she makes her way to the main auditorium. She is also delighted to meet up with a cousin she has not seen for years. Florence Callender from New York likes the “global sense of mission, enthusiasm and renewal.” Edward Hastie, a delegate from Brisbane, Australia just appreciates a Sabbath break from the session business.

Dressed in their traditional Indian Sabbath best, Sam and Patta Kamahos from Hyderabad, India are simply impressed by the thousands of people from so many countries meeting together as God’s people. “The idea of unity in Christ is very evident here.”

Petra Ferraz from Switzerland agrees, enjoying the idea of “worshipping and singing with a world family,” the sentiments of many in an auditorium that radiates with color, some hymns being sung in 16 languages simultaneously. Young Ezekiel Dias, a Mexican resident in St. Louis, is impressed. “This is different to my normal church experience.”

There are more youth in attendance than during the week. Three teens, Denrod, Samantha and Elroy, have traveled from New York. They find church “more comfortable” here. A “relaxed free-roaming environment,” where they hope to “deepen a relationship with God and make friends from around the world.”

Even the event staff are caught up in the atmosphere. Tom works on security for guest services. “I’ve done many religious conventions. This is the best. You are such nice people. I’m enjoying being here.”

Jane Botabara-Yap from Malaysia maybe sums it all up. “I’m in heaven. It’s a precursor to worshipping God in heaven.” 

Kelechi Onyenso, an engineer from Nigeria, agrees. “It’s inspiring, uplifting and makes me look forward in hope.”

Happy Sabbath!