Photo by Alex Blankenship
BENTON, Ark. – Donning solar eclipse glasses, adults and children at Trinity Baptist Church in Benton on Monday watched in awe as the moon blocked out the sun, creating a phenomenon Arkansans will not see again in the state for another 21 years.
The total solar eclipse lasted roughly 2 minutes and 38 seconds in Benton Arkansas. In other parts of the state, it was expected to last more than 4 minutes.
Trinity Baptist Church in Benton was one of the several churches to offer an eclipse viewing party. They handed out solar eclipse glasses, had bounce houses for children, held a baggo tournament, grilled out and offered snow cones and much more.
“We just wanted to host a community event to pull anyone who wanted to view the eclipse. We wanted to provide a safe space for it but also bring people to the church in a very noninvasive way,” Student Pastor Andy Doonan said. “Sometimes church is kind of daunting to go to. This is bridging that gap a little bit.”
The church advertised on Facebook and saw an overwhelming amount of people viewing their website.
“It’s been a good turnout,” Doonan said. Upon arrival, attendees were asked to register. The church collected names, addresses and contact information for follow-up opportunities.
“It’s an opportunity for us to make connections. Ideally, we bring them through the door on Sundays and Wednesdays,” Doonan said. “We want families to know we care about them.”
Following the eclipse, Pastor Mike Titsworth shared a brief devotion. He read scripture from Isaiah 45:7, “I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form light and create darkness, I make success and create disaster; I am the Lord, who does all these things.”
“Darkness makes us appreciate the light. It’s phenomenal to be able to look up and see the sun when it’s blacked out, but aren’t you glad that it’s back,” he said. “I want you to know, as we go through life, there are different times that we experience darkness. In those times, it is important to know that Jesus Christ is the light. And even in darkness, as believers in Jesus Christ, He puts a song in our hearts. We celebrate Him as our creator, as our God, as the one who makes all this possible. And the greatest thing possible for us tonight is to not just see His beauty but to know Him personally.”
Baring Cross Baptist Church
In Sherwood, Baring Cross Baptist Church held an event they dubbed “A Total Eclipse of the Lot.” The event offered treats and activities for all ages. In a Facebook post following the eclipse, the church called the event a “success.”
In attendance was church member Aaron Fluharty and his daughter, Luna.
“I’m excited to be here with our church family and experience God’s amazing work,” Fluharty said. “It’s not every day that you get to experience something like this.”
Balboa Baptist Church
At Balboa Baptist Church in Hot Springs Village, about 225 members and guests attended an eclipse watch party they called “Watch His Wondrous Works.”
Dr. Denny Wright shared that the church supplied burgers and hot dogs with the trimmings, and members showed up with sides and desserts in true Baptist style. Games, fun and fellowship prevailed, but the 3 minute and 50 second total eclipse was the highlight of the afternoon.
Arkansas State University in Jonesboro
At Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) Campus Minister Tyler Hoffpauir said they held “The Great Exchange” on campus leading up to the eclipse.
“We had over 40 spiritual conversations with students in a few hours by asking them to exchange five minutes to complete a survey for a book,” he said. “Our students were able to better understand the spiritual beliefs of students on our campus and share the hope that we have in Christ.”
Parkway Place Church
Parkway Place Church in Little Rock also hosted an eclipse watch party, offering free food and festivities for the whole family. They had around 200 people in attendance.
These are just a few of the examples of Arkansas Baptists sharing God’s love through eclipse outreach events.
