Oak Cliff church to host President Bush03:59 PM CST on Wednesday, October 29, 2003
Hundreds of members of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship sang, danced and praised the Lord over the weekend to celebrate the opening of the church's Christian Education Center.
But they were just getting warmed up.
While Sunday's dedication was a jubilant event, many church members say that Wednesday's public unveiling will be the real showstopper.
President Bush plans to join worshippers for a ceremony and church service commemorating completion of the new school and recreation center.
"Of all the ministries out there, that he would think enough of ours to come and visit is an honor for us," said Gregory Smith, executive manager of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship.
News that Mr. Bush would be dropping by has meant an increased workload for staff members and volunteers who were already scurrying to ensure that the sprawling building was ready for its debut.
A presidential visit "takes an enormous amount of planning," Mr. Smith said. "There are so many details."
This week's events have been years in the making. Preliminary design work on the 172,000-square-foot building commenced in 1999. The church raised nearly $25 million to finance the center, which will be home to a school, athletic facilities and outreach efforts, including Project Turnaround, the church's mentoring program.
Pastor Anthony T. Evans said the Christian Education Center is part of his master plan, which has guided the growth of a church that began with 10 people in his home in 1976. Today, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship counts about 7,000 members.
As governor, Mr. Bush paid a few visits to the church on Camp Wisdom Road, but this will be his first trip as president.
Dr. Evans said he hopes to emphasize to the president the importance of continuing to incorporate faith in his politics.
Dr. Evans has worked with the president to promote government support for faith-based initiatives. Mr. Bush has credited the Dallas pastor with helping to inspire the idea of using federal dollars to fund faith-based programs.
"It's one of the most important initiatives our country has ever had," Dr. Evans said. "We do believe in a separation of church and state. We don't believe in the separation of God and government."
President Bush has spoken openly about his beliefs and has said that the government should not fear faith nor discriminate against faith-based organizations.
Church member Michael Johnson said the congregation hopes to convey a message to the president about the importance of integrating faith into the community.
"We want to put God back into our schools," he said.
Leslie Gerlach, a member of the choir at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, said the president's willingness to take time to visit her church is evidence that Mr. Bush values the religious community.
"It says a lot about his character," she said.
While construction crews are still putting the finishing touches on the building, which has soaring ceilings and brightly colored floors, church members said they would roll out the red carpet for the president.
"I'm so impressed that he's coming," Brenda McPherson said. "This is overwhelming."
Dr. Evans said his church has much to celebrate Wednesday as members enjoy the new education center and worship with the commander-in-chief.
"It's a great feeling," the pastor said. "We're looking forward to the opportunity to share our faith."
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