Some have labeled it as the Christian version of Woodstock, but En Fuego is more than a music festival.

It is a one-day rally where people of all ages can gather in an outdoor, camp-like environment to worship God through music, messages and prayer.

“It is an evangelistic event,” said En Fuego board member Kevin George. “We just hope that God uses the event to expand the kingdom.”

George said the event developed in 1997 from a vision co-founders Johnny Giles and Travis Crim had when they were serving as youth pastors at local churches.

According to George, 300 people attended En Fuego the first year. Now, more than 20,000 people have been known to fill the horse farm in Verbena where it is held every year.

“Lives will be changed that day,” George said.

The 16^th En Fuego will take place Aug. 25 and will feature musical acts Red, Sanctus Real, Kari Jobe, The Afters, KJ-52, Remedy Drive, Nine Lashes, illusionist Curt Anderson and two speakers, Scott Dawson and Ergun Caner.

Dawson, an evangelist, and Caner, a professor and apologist, will add messages to the entertainment.

Admission is free, and all ages are welcome. Gates will open at 11 a.m., and the show will start at noon.

“We still need volunteers the day of the event,” George said.

A workday to prepare the site will be held Saturday, Aug. 11, from about 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information about the workday or En Fuego, call Kevin George at (205) 516-0467, visit www.enfuegoinfo.com or email info@enfuegoinfo.com.