J-Walk's Nite of Fast Food

High School students from all over East County came to find out what J-Walk's Nite of Fast Food was all about. The evening was in fact the result of a huge effort by the students and leadership of J-Walk High School Ministry. The goal of this event, a quarterly occurance uniquely titled Sooper Outreech Nite, was to attract un-churched high school students to hear the Gospel.

The theme of the evening being "Fast Food," students were bombarded with a barrage of fast food paraphernalia upon entry. Burger King crowns, Jack-in-the-Box antennae balls, Happy Meals, flying cheeseburgers, fast food wrappers, bags, coupons...the list goes on! After hanging out in the decorated church lobby, eating snacks and listening to fast food themed music, the students entered the main room through giant golden arches, à la McDonalds.

The students arrived in the room littered with hundreds of fast food trash (wrappers, bags, etc.), and the night was kicked off with the classic Veggietales music video, "His Cheeseburger." Students then jumped at the chance to challenge others in a Happy Meal eating contest. Devouring a cheeseburger, french fries, and a soda in record timing, Chris Purvis took home the prize.

J-Walk's own worship band, led by Josh Ducharme, got the night rocking with some Jeremy Camp tunes and more high-energy worship. With the recent addition of an electric guitar, the band has never sounded better!

When the band's set sadly came to an end, the students settled down in groups of five to play what is now widely considered "the greatest game at J-Walk ever!" Whether that statement is true or not may be up to individual opinion. However, here are the facts about this wild game. It's called "Drive-Thru Special Order" and is a DVD created by J-Walk leaders. The video starts with our very own Russell Flannery telling viewers that he is in the mood for drive-thru fast food BUT that he is a "picky eater." He then presents players with the challenge: "As I make my 'special orders' your job is to determine the response of the fast food employee."

The audience then sees footage of Russell making his rounds through various drive-thru establishments, making absurd requests when asked for his order. For example, when asked for his order at Carl's Jr., Russell politely responds with, "Oh, no thanks. I'm just browsing." At Jack-in-the-Box, Russell asks to speak with Jack. When told that Jack is not there (obviously), Russell then requests his cell phone number. This part hidden camera show, part reality TV, and part PowerPoint game was definitely one to remember!

Our Nite of Fast Food not only boasted fun and games, but we also presented students with a life-altering message, given by multi-talented speaker, Shawn Wisley. Wisley resounded with the teenage worker by recalling his days in the fast food industry. Dressed in his vintage Dairy Queen garb, Wisley resurrected his old Blizzard flipping abilities, astounding the audience by not spilling a single drop.

After presenting his Top Ten List of "Best Fast Food Meals of All Time," Wisley moved into more serious discussion--one of eternal importance. He described that we are selfish people who, like Burger King has so accurately reminded us, want to "have it our way." Unfortunately, this selfishness leads to death. Wisley then gave us the good news--we can have eternal life in heaven if we accept the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Believing that Christ led a perfect life and died on the cross (and rose again) as the sacrificial atonement for our sin, we can be saved!

Life-changing decisions were made, and the program concluded with some reflective worship songs. Students headed back to the lobby for more awesome fast food treats, including corn dogs, burritos, and chicken nuggets! The delicious food was prepared and served by the amazing Rick and June Buxton--thank you!

Our Nite of Fast Food concluded as one of the most memorable nights J-Walk has seen! Check out the pictures below!

PICTURES