The Tacoma Experience at the Promise Keepers extravaganza,10/29/2005

Project Strait Gate
Dear Chuck,

We had a great time at Tacoma Promise Keepers.  I wouldn’t t have missed it for anything.  Three went with me, and Yolanda Flanagan joined us Saturday morning.  The Tacoma Dome is a perfect for signs and information distribution as there is very little local traffic, and we can be viewed from the entire entrance.  It was even better because of street construction, virtually everyone entering had to pass by us.

We weren’t t there very long, when the Promise Keeper security head came over to greet us.  His opening statement was, “Did you come all the way up from Scottsdale?”.  He may have already seen the Straightgate info sign, but it doesn’t t say Ariz.  He was very nice and reminded us that we must stay on the sidewalk.  This stifled our plan to pass out the fliers off sidewalk.  He came back a little later and wanted to know if we were coming back on Sat., as he had to report to “Denver“.

We noticed the fliers weren’t t going fast, so the flier distributor went a block away before our signs were visible.  They then went quickly.  We passed out 600 fliers.  We had some really great conversations with those in agreement and those who are not.  One of my best was with a soldier (I noticed on PK website that their admission is $59. instead of $89), who had been to Iraq.  Of course his arguments didn’t t hold water, and I think he realized it.  I was able to encourage a young man whose friend is a deserter for CO reasons, after serving in Iraq., and gave him literature for himself and friend.  Most opposition simply yelled their disapproval as they walked away, somehow seeing it necessary to inform they are veterans.  One man called me scum, and another yelled “kill all the infidels”, but otherwise most were receptive. 

Sat. AM one (attendee) said he agreed with last night s speaker that those people would cut our throats etc.  Another later stated that he had some big problems with that same speaker’s statements.  By their physical description it appears they were talking of Dave Roever, but they didn’t t recall his name.  I saw a man from our town go in, and hopefully I can get some details from him. I was interviewed by two young men from www.WYDPodcast.com, which they said is an online radio which covers events like this.  They said they would post your website.  I took a brief look at podcast, which is an interesting hodgepodge.

Except for wind, turning our signs into virtual sails on Friday evening, the weather was also great.  I really feel we made an impact.  It was exhilarating and rewarding for the five of us.  Thank you for your ministry and encouragement.  I ll return your posters next week, and keep the ones we made on hand in case they are needed later.  We took a few photos, mostly posed after the crowds stopped, because we were just too busy and had our hands full during the rush hour.  I ll send them on to you. Also there were church buses from as far away as Idaho and Oregon.  The Northwest got the message.

 Carl Mease meases@hctc.com