Uniting Hearts: A Celebration of Diversity and Faith in Victoria

The 5th annual United Hearts Music Festival in Victoria, Texas, was a testament to the power of unity and the celebration of diversity. People from all walks of life, including Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Jews, Christians, and even atheists or agnostics, came together to break down religious and cultural barriers, united in their shared desire to worship and serve God and humanity.

Embracing Diversity, Fostering Unity

A Gathering of Faiths

The United Hearts Music Festival was a unique event that brought together individuals from various religious backgrounds, all with the common goal of promoting unity and understanding. Brendan Cahill, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Victoria, emphasized the festival's sensitivity to all religions and its aim to unite the community. "We've come here to this rally to praise and worship God and to lift our prayers up to God with the message of unity. As you can see, we are doing that here from different faith perspectives. We have our differences, but serving God and humanity, that's what unites us," he said.

Shared Humanity, Shared Purpose

Mike Olson, the CEO of Citizens Medical Center and a leader in the local Church of Latter Day Saints, echoed Bishop Cahill's sentiments. "We are all children of a loving God, whose sole purpose is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of all mankind–men and women–that they might have joy," Olson said. "As children of God, brothers and sisters, we have a responsibility to look out for one another, to help each other to achieve our best selves."

A Community Rallying Together

Olson shared his personal experience of the love and community spirit that emerged in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in 2017. "We [he and his family] had only been in Victoria for a couple of years when it hit and had never experienced anything like that," he said. "We organized as a community, as neighbors, as church congregations, to go out and help those in need. I was shocked by some of the damage that was done but so impressed by everyone helping."

Extending a Helping Hand

In the wake of the recent hurricanes that have devastated North Carolina and Florida, Olson encouraged area citizens to pitch in and help those in need. "We all know what has been happening there and how those hurricanes have impacted them in such dramatic ways," he said. "We have seen the same efforts going on there with neighbor helping neighbor. If anyone wants to volunteer to help those people, and they need people who are willing, there is a system called Crisis Clean Up, and you can go to Crisiscleanup.org to learn more about it."

A Powerful Challenge

Pastor Larry Green of God's Church in Victoria delivered a powerful message to the Christians in attendance, challenging them to be more than part-time believers. "A part-time Christian will never defeat a full-time devil," Green said, emphasizing the importance of unwavering faith and commitment.

A Celebration of Music and Unity

The United Hearts Music Festival featured a diverse lineup of local artists, including John Westphall, Mark Zepeda and Friends, Glory Road, Grupo Alabanza, G824, and the St. Peter's Adult Choir from St. Peter's Baptist Church in Victoria. The afternoon and evening event was a vibrant celebration of music, faith, and the shared desire to bring people together.