Outdoor parties give young adults a chance to reconnect and hear the Gospel after months of isolation.

Carrie Marston
Special to Spur Ottawa

With the province loosening restrictions and youth disproportionately suffering from the isolation, Dunamis Army organized COVID-safe community parties to help bring Kanata back together again. The youth evangelism organization hosted outdoor parties every Saturday evening throughout August, offering young adults a place to get together, have fun, enjoy free food, and hear the Good News.

“The Vision was to bring people together again. COVID has had negative influences on family, friends, and colleagues—they lost emotional and spiritual connections,” states Israel Gimba, founder of Dunamis Army. “This event is a vision, a Jesus vision. Jesus wants people’s connections restored and relationships with Him restored.”

The events even had a DJ spinning Christian music. But why host parties?

“We wanted people to have a lot of fun,” explains Wei Wei Chan, one of the team’s volunteers. “These parties had a summer vibe to them. Being able to do it again and again was really good.”

“We have noticed anxiety, depression, and loneliness on the rise and wanted to bring back community.”

The parties included races, an obstacle course, sports, card games, and a dance battle. Dunamis also set up a booth where participants could receive prayer or ask questions about Jesus. Wonderfully, the weather was beautiful at each of the outdoor events.

Alex Trzmiel says he attended “because of there being a communal event, after being locked down for so long and not being able to see new faces.”

“We had free food and a huge water fight,” adds Kyle Page. “Plus, I was reminded you don’t need alcohol at a party to have a good time.”

Over the course of the month, a dozen people experienced physical healing at the prayer booth and several young adults made decisions to follow Jesus. A few people even got baptized at the parties.

“We have noticed anxiety, depression, and loneliness on the rise and wanted to bring back community,” Chan says. “We want to see people encouraged, uplifted, transformed by the power of God, and to see healing and restoration. Jesus is the hope and peace in the storm and Jesus loves to celebrate.”

Dunamis is not planning new parties in September, but they are continuing their regular Saturday evening ministry events for young adults, at Bridlewood Community Church.