Vincent Dale
Lakeview Church Holds International Festival
The Lakeview Church in Powder Springs, Ga., was transformed into a vibrant celebration of cultures, faith, and community during its annual International Festival on December 14, 2024. Held at the close of the year, the festival brought together hundreds of people to celebrate the miracle of Christ’s birth and the beauty of unity in diversity. With a shared purpose rooted in faith, attendees experienced a day filled with joy, cultural appreciation, and spiritual connection.
The festival’s heartbeat was the extraordinary array of foods representing nations across the globe. Each booth was a culinary showcase, offering a taste of the rich heritage and flavors that define each culture. Ghana’s booth featured iconic dishes like jollof rice, peanut soup, and chin chin. Antigua offered traditional Johnnycakes, saltfish, and plantains, while Anguilla presented pigeon peas, sweet bread, and ginger lemonade.
The United States joined the mix with comforting classics like vegetarian sliders, apple pie, and baked beans. Puerto Rico’s empanadas, Germany’s blueberry streusel, and St. Lucia’s tamarind juice drew eager tasters. The Caribbean flavors of Jamaica shone with ackee and saltfish, jerk chicken, bulla and cheese, and fruitcake — a nod to traditional Christmas treats. Haiti’s Freedom Soup , a dish served every January 1 in honor of independence, stood out as a culinary symbol of unity and resilience.
Beyond the delicious food, the festival celebrated the traditions, stories, and histories of nations worldwide. A parade of flags opened the event, with the master of ceremonies sharing meaningful highlights from each country. Attendees marveled at the unique histories, achievements, and customs that connect people to their roots.
At its core, the International Festival was more than an event — it was a gathering of believers united in their faith and celebration of Christ’s birth. As people shared plates of food and stories, they reminisced about life as children or fun times “back home,” creating an atmosphere filled with nostalgia and joy. The festival served as a poignant reminder of the spiritual connections that transcend cultural boundaries, embodying the message of love, hope, and joy found in the season of Christ’s birth.
As the festival concluded, attendees left with full hearts and a deeper appreciation for the miracle of Christ’s birth and the beauty of a world brought together by faith.
Georgia-Cumberland | March 2025
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