Children waiting to "squirt" firehose.

After months of planning and preparation, Tuesday afternoon, August 6th, 2002, became a time of hope and blessing to the Christian Park area of Indianapolis, Indiana. Approximately 2,000 children and adults turned out to the neighborhood park for a block party full of fun, fellowship and food.

The Christian Park Action Committee (neighborhood association), Indianapolis Police Department, Trinity Fellowship Church of God and Operation Compassion partnered together for the national Police Night Out. This program designed to bring communities together to meet each other and the local police officers in a non-threatening environment.

Toys to be given away.

Throughout the city of Indianapolis, approximately forty community block parties were occurring. According to Police Chief Jerry Barker, the Christian Park outing was the largest and best attended. In addition to the great turn out from the community, many of the beat officers came as well as the both Deputy Chiefs and Chief Jerry Barker. The community association also invited the fire department and the Fire Chief arranged for a pumper fire truck to be displayed.

Hundreds of children and adults participate.

Operation Compassion delivered a truck full of chips, drinks and toys for the event to compliment the hot dogs donated by Hebrew National. Paul Deitzel of Servant Hands Ministries brought seven inflatable rides for all the children to enjoy. Jimmy Jones of Christ Central Ministries shared a Christ based program complete with drama, mime and Emma’s Kids choir from Africa.

Dr. John D. Nichols, President, Operation compassion sits among the children during Bible story.

Trinity Fellowship Church of God under the leadership of Pastor Ronald Reagan was instrumental in advertising this event throughout the neighborhood. For the past twenty-eight years, Pastor Reagan and Trinity Fellowship have been making an impact in this community through day care, a Christian school, summer camp programs and an active church. Today, as Pastor Reagan and his staff worked the crowd, smiles broke out on the faces of the people they approached. It was apparent Pastor Reagan and Trinity Fellowship was leading this community to a better day.

Emma's Kids Choir from Africa prepare to sing.

Exciting! Unbelievable! Tremendous! Wonderful! Were some of the words used to describe the Christian Park block party. According to Police Chief Jerry Barker, “This is the biggest block party ever in this area. I do not see how it could be better!” Dr. John D. Nichols, president of Operation Compassion, was overwhelmed by the success of the event. “This illustrates what can happen when people are empowered with hope and resources. Lives can be changed and improved,” according to Nichols.

Tim Burdashaw
Communications Coordinator

Anyone interested in donating finances or products or providing a corporate lead may contact:

Operation Compassion
David Lorency, President
114 Stuart Road, NE
Suite 370
Cleveland, TN 37312
423.728.3932 – Office
423.596.4200 – Fax

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