Almost a thousand Springfield residents entered Hammons Field around 6 a.m. Sunday morning for the 2021 Easter Sunrise Celebration service.
The service began at dawn with the Triumphant Trumpets, lead by Evangel University senior Jonathan Martin, performing the song “Christ Arose.” Evangel University Associate Professor Music Kevin Hawkins and Katheryn Cole of Springfield Catholic High School led the crowd in a hymn. Music was also provided by former U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison, who performed “O Praise His Name.”
The service also featured leaders of several area churches reading scriptures or offerings prayers, including leaders of Sanctuary of Praise, Second Baptist Church, and Oak Grove Assembly of God.
The event featured two speakers. The first was Janelle Reed, the Director of Advancement for Springfield’s Victory Mission. She shared her testimony of coming to Christ, but also going through a divorce and annulment, and the struggles & emotional challenges. Reed challenged the crowd to see purpose in the pain as she has found in her struggles.
“To see where my pain has come from, in all facets and forms-but to know that there was and is purpose from that pain is a true treasure to me,” Reed said. “I may still carry the scars but no longer need to carry around the shame, guilt or grief that I have held onto for so many years from my sins, mistakes or even circumstances that I didn’t choose.”
The keynote sermon was delivered by former KY3 reporter Sara Forhetz, now with Convoy of Hope. Forhetz referenced the resurrection of Christ in the Scriptures and delivered an Easter message of new life.
The service also took an offering to benefit local children’s charities.