Night to Shine RVA: On Earth as it is in Heaven
Image courtesy of Night to Shine RVA
“I felt like… I had the whole world in my hands.”
The response above comes from a young man with special needs who was asked how they felt walking down the red carpet at last year's Night to Shine dance in Richmond. His response not only speaks to the experience of the night but his slow and careful deliberation of the question points to the wholeness his response gives. The feeling of belonging—of all things in this world being made right. And that is exactly what Night to Shine was created to do.
If you aren’t familiar with Night to Shine, it is an interactive prom experience, delicately crafted for individuals ages 14 and up with special needs. The Richmond event, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation and local business sponsors, is part of a global movement of churches in over 600 locations, 50 states, and 16 countries to celebrate individuals with special needs. Many over-the-top prom elements make up the night: a red carpet walk down the atrium of the grand ballroom in the Altria Theater, a sit down dinner, professional photographers and videographers, dancing, limousine rides, karaoke, caricature artists, and so much more.
Last year was the fourth Night to Shine dance hosted in Richmond and included over 400 guest, 600 volunteers, and the support of 11 local Richmond churches coming together across multiple denominations. I believe this culmination of people coming together is what the young man mentioned above was describing. That feeling of wholeness that our souls long for. A wholeness that can only come in the presence of Jesus and through fellowship of his children. For one night of the year, the Lord’s Prayer is portrayed so beautifully: “On Earth as it is in Heaven."
The next Night to Shine dance in Richmond is on February 8th, 2019, and I whole heartedly encourage you to witness this wholeness first hand by being a part of the night. Spaces to volunteer for the Night to Shine are almost full so please act quickly since no more volunteer roles can be created once we max out. You can register to volunteer for the Night to Shine Dance and learn more are nighttoshinerva.com.
You can view the response given from the young man mentioned above and also experience the whole night by watching the 2018 Night to Shine Recap video: