Contact: Randy Burtis, Luis Palau Association, 503-614-1500

KINGSTON, Jamaica, March 25, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- The tropical breeze in Kingston, Jamaica, carried with it a message of hope through faith in Jesus Christ at "Fun in the Son" on March 19. The free festival for all ages featured world evangelist Andrew Palau from Portland, Oregon, and drew an estimated 60,000 people to the Mona Bowl at the University of the West Indies.

The festival's record-breaking crowd was well accommodated at the new and larger venue. They cheered, sang and waved brightly colored cloths to Papa San's high energy reggae beat and Tye Tribbett's soulful gospel rhythms. And the audience was visibly touched when Andrew Palau introduced his adopted daughter, Sadie, from the main stage as he talked about a heavenly Father who is eager to know and love each and every person. Hands were raised all across the crowd when Palau extended the invitation to know Jesus Christ.

In the week leading up to Fun in the Son, the Palau team ministered in schools and some of the more challenging neighborhoods in Kingston. A cooperative effort with church leaders saw local churches banding together to minister in practical ways to victims of a recent flood. Projects included refurbishing the grounds and facility of the neighborhood school and rebuilding the home of a family who had lost everything in the flood. The Palau team also spent three days at an orphanage in the Blue Mountains doing facility cleanup, repair and activities with the kids.

Next year's Fun in the Son Festival will celebrate its tenth anniversary, as well as Jamaica's "Year of Jubilee." The Year of Jubilee signifies Jamaica's 50 years of independence and will be marked by celebrations all across the island. Already, churches are signing up mission teams to partner with Palau to join in ministry projects that will include both hands-on service and sharing the Gospel of Christ.

Churches and mission groups are invited to join the Palau team next year, March 10-18, 2012. Get more information at andrew.palau.org.