The seventh annual Family Garden Prayer returns as a breakout room “Amazing Race” experience called Betrayal & Blessings at 6 p.m. Thursday.
The event, hosted by Refuge Church, is free and anyone is welcome, the Rev. Jeremiah Holcomb said.
“It doesn’t matter if you go to church somewhere else or if you don’t go to church and are simply curious about who Jesus is,” Holcomb said. “That’s the joy of this event. It’s always been a casual experience without missing the truth of the gospel.”
As Easter weekend commences, the goal of the event is to determine through online clues and visiting various locations around Eudora whose fault it was for betraying Christ to put him on the cross.
Holcomb wanted to capture the night Jesus and his disciples went to the garden and prayed before Passover because that’s where Jesus was betrayed. In 20 years of being a pastor, this is an experiential event Holcomb hasn’t seen other churches emphasize, he said.
In past years, the experience has consisted of stations and interactive activities, and this year is about exploration with people while learning about the gospel, Holcomb said. Additionally, the first team to complete the clues in under 60 minutes wins a $100 gas card to Casey’s.
The website says participants will need a team, car, notepad, pencil and a Bible, and the more Bibles, the better. There are six codes and locations in total, all in Eudora.
Kyle Stadalman and his family have attended the Garden Prayer experience for the past seven years — since the Refuge Church opened. He said he likes the event because it creates a pause for time to think. Stadalman, his wife Bethany and their four kids will attend Thursday.
“It slows us down from this week, the biggest week of our faith really,” Stadalman said. “To be reminded on Thursday of what Jesus was doing, it sets your mind and heart for the events to happen over the next three days.”
The first step is to text your answer to the first clue and your team name to Holcomb at (785) 917-2263. Once you’ve texted your answer and team name, you will receive a link to know that your timer has begun.
“That’s why we are called the Refuge church,” Holcomb said. “We want to create safe spaces for people to come to experience the gospel and explore their restored relationship with God.”
You can RSVP by calling Holcomb or taking part in the first clue. For more information, visit the Refuge Church Facebook page.
Reach reporter Daisy Bolin at [email protected].
