The Gospel Train

In the 19th century, preachers & gospel writers frequently used trains as metaphors for salvation. Railroads were the most powerful symbol of movement and destiny at the time.  Popular songs, like “This train is bound for Glory” used the train as a picture of getting on board with Christ, traveling towards heaven, and not missing an opportunity for salvation.

At the End of the Rainbow

At the same time, the rainbow became a strong biblical symbol of hope, drawn from the biblical story of Genesis 9, where God places the rainbow as a sign of His promise to Noah. Preachers often connected the rainbow with Gods’ mercy after judgment, hope after storms, and the promise of redemption.

Two Images Combined

Preachers from the late 1800s and early 1900s in North America would blend these two images symbolically.  A preacher might say something like, “God has put a rainbow of promise at the end of the track and the gospel train is carrying “sinner’s” home.”  While the name Rainbow Express for a train is difficult to document from history, other names which were similar existed, like “the Rainbow special.”

Rainbow Express?^® 

Today, we would say that Rainbow Express^® is our version of a “back-yard Bible club.” Outdoor games, snacks, crafts, music, and biblical stories are practices which form the foundation of this 4-day events.  The overall purpose is to share God’s love with our community in creative and fun ways.

An Amazing Year – 2025

Last year, through 2025, Mission Arlington^® hosted Rainbow Express in 323 locations across our community for a total attendance of nearly 21 thousand (20,777) children.  127 different student groups (3,674 students) from 12 different states and 38 Texas cities travelled to Arlington to lead this special ministry. We are truly grateful.

The Fields are White

Last week, one student group travelled here to share God’s love through Rainbow Express.^® This week, 14 student groups are here to lead Rainbow Express in 25 different locations across our community. This week marks the beginning of our Rainbow Express season, which will continue through the Spring and into the summer.

We thank God for Rainbow Express.  We thank God for you!  Come join us.