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More than 1,000 people braved cool, gusty weather and the threat of rain Friday to join their neighbors in making a positive statement about cultural diversity in Kosciusko County.
Gathering at dusk in Warsaw's Central Park, the purpose of the "celebration of cultures, community and Christ" was to "challenge the community into thinking about the positive aspects of loving one another and building community," said Joe Banks, one of the organizers.
Hosted by Randy Packer, president of the Greater Warsaw Ministerial Association, the event combined music, short speeches, humor and prayer to "make a positive statement about our cultural diversity and the reconciliation through Christ that makes that possible," Packer said.
Organized in only three weeks to counter the negativity of today's planned Ku Klux Klan "rally" in downtown Warsaw, the gathering in Central Park was intended to pull the community together.
Or, as Packer said, "The purpose of tonight is not only to allow the positive to overcome the negative but to let the light overcome the darkness."
The speakers intentionally did not mention the Klan, but they did ask those present to avoid going to downtown Warsaw today.
The positive aspects of the area and its people were emphasized by the speakers. "Richness comes from diversity. Richness does not come from sameness," said Dr. Ronald Manahan, president of Grace College and Seminary. "We must learn to reject hatred and prejudice and bigotry. These destroy the very fabric of community."
Dr. Frank Beard, pastor of Walnut Creek United Methodist Church, said, "Hatred and rage, heartache and rampage, hostility and racism plague our society. If we ever needed the Lord before, we sure do need him now."
The color of racism is fear," said the Rev. Milt Gould, of Otterbein United Methodist Church, Atwood. "The perfect love casts out fear."
Shanna Zolman, girls basketball player from Wawasee High School, and Kevin Carr, Indiana Wrestler of the Year, also from Wawasee High School, talked about overcoming challenges.
"I ... believe that trials make you stronger as a person and a better Christian witness in life," Zolman said.
"We as Christians do not have time for hatred," said Carr. "Instead, we should pray for those who have hatred in their hearts."
Participants allowed a moment of silence to acknowledge the students in Littleton, Colo., the Kosovo deaths and refugees, and "those around the world whose lives have been lost or changed because of hatred or violence," Packer said.
Sign language and Spanish language interpreters were on stage for all events. Hector Ochoa, of New Life Christian Church, spoke in Spanish with an English interpreter.
The event was sponsored by the Greater Warsaw Ministerial Association, Grace College and Seminary, The Committee to Commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Warsaw Community School Corp. and Warsaw Community Development Corp.
