The theme of the Girls’ Night with Candace was not what one would’ve expected. Even though nearly 1,000 women from all over Northwest Columbus gathered on October 16 to hear 80’s child star Candace Cameron Bure speak; it was not all Hollywood and former fashion trends. The focus of the evening was one of God’s awesome pursuit of each one of us, His abundant grace to forgive and the results of a life changed forever.

The night began in a very lighthearted way with fun 80’s music, a few audience interaction games and Candace talking about growing up on the set of Full House. But, as she would tell you, this wasn’t her purpose in joining us for this outreach event or even why she travels all over the country speaking to various groups. Her heartbeat is to share with everyone how Christ changed her life.

Growing up, Candace believed that she was a good person, and that calling herself a Christian and being charitable were all enough. But, after reading the novel Left Behind—a gift from her brother, Kirk Cameron—she realized that when we inspect our lives against the backdrop of God’s standards—we begin to see ourselves for what we really are.

Candace’s story continued of how this truth changed her life and even her marriage. She began to pray earnestly for her husband and to live out Christ through her actions, hoping that he would one day awaken to the same realization of a complete need for a Savior. Candace encouraged women who are in similar situations to be consistent in prayer and in their walk with Christ as she shared how, after a few years, her husband came to know the Lord. Many women were even challenged to take the next step of faith and invited Christ into their lives!

This Girl’s Night was a great time for women from various backrgrounds and walks with Christ. It was an encouragment and challenge to those who have made that decision to follow Chirst and a welcoming, laid back environment for those women who don’t regurlarly attend church. A reception following Candace’s talk allowed women to both meet Candace, and to talk with Christian women about what they had heard. This time of community, centered around Christ, is what the night was all about!

At Northwest, we desire to reach out to the community by providing events like this that introduce people to Christ in a non-threatening way. Our mission is to actively reach out and allow God to work through us as His hands and feet to the world. Thank you to those involved in this event and past events that have spurred on this mission! We encourage you to be looking for the new ways you can be involved in the future for His honor and glory!