An Unforgettable Patriotic Celebration

More than 60,000 people came out to Rockets Over Rhema
this year to celebrate America's freedom. The festivities opened with an original patriotic musical, Route 66: The Red, White, and Blue Tour, staged in the Rhema Bible Church auditorium. The audience followed the adventures of three musical acts "touring" America by bus in the 1950s. Toes tapped along as the cast sang songs honoring the United States and sharing a bit of its history. The cast and their audience made several stops along the historic highway. One was at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, marking America's western expansion. Another was at a Civil War cemetery to honor the brave soldiers who fought in that terrible conflict.

The musical had a spiritual message too. One character experienced God's healing mercy when his injured hand and ankle were restored. Another character, suffering with a broken heart, found that God can heal that too.

Outdoors, the beautiful sunshine and warm but bearable temperature made for a perfect June 29th. Kids smiled, laughed, and squealed with delight as they played on the giant inflatable games. And children of all ages enjoyed face painting, playing in a video game trailer, and riding a mechanical bull.

Nearby, hundreds strolled through a car show featuring antique vehicles, custom-built hot rods, and race cars. And there was plenty of delicious food, with the smell of grilled hamburgers, sizzling hot dogs, and sweet funnel cakes filling the air.

God was exalted throughout the day. On the outdoor stage, Christian artists Plumb, The Vespers, About The Author, and Rhema's own Synergy Band brought their energy to the huge crowd. Families sat on blankets and lawn chairs enjoying the live music.

Finally at dusk, it was time for the fireworks. With campus lights turned off and patriotic music playing, the rockets of the dazzling aerial display lit up the night sky. The multicolored, 20-minute, eye-popping barrage brought plenty of oohs and aahs. As the final boom sounded, the crowd broke into applause. Rockets Over Rhema had once again been an unforgettable patriotic celebration.