The Gaffney Ledger
Feb. 9 banquet will kick off crusade
By SCOTT BAUGHMAN
Ledger Staff Writer
scottb@gaffneyledger.com
It’s been more than 30 years since Gaffney and Cherokee County have seen a community crusade. But if the Broad River Baptist Association and dozens of local churches can garner community support, they might bring back an old-fashioned tent revival with a new millennium flavor.
“Since returning to Cherokee County to become Director of Missions of the association I have had a burden for lost and unchurched people,” said Donnie Padgett. “How do we reach people? What is the best way? How can churches work together for this purpose? I shared my burden with the Gaffney Ministerial Association and others had the same concerns. After months of prayer and discussion we have invited Rick Gage, a nationally known evangelist, to come and lead an area wide crusade at the football stadium and speak in our schools.”
As part of a committee chaired by local auto dealer Sam Burns, Padgett and other ministers settled on the idea of a crusade with Gage at the helm due to the evangelist’s personal history.
“One of the reasons we picked Rick is, his father is a nationally known evangelist out of Texas,” Padgett explained. “And Rick rebelled against his father’s teaching and Christ and fell into a life of drug abuse and alcohol. He had planned on becoming a college football coach, since he was an athlete in his school days, but God turned his life around and he became an evangelist himself. I think that background really gives him a great story to tell to our kids.”
Although the event is several months away, work has already begun on preparing for Gage and his team to arrive.
“The dates of the crusade will be Sunday, May 21, through Wednesday, May 24,” Padgett said. “It will be for all denominations and all churches. Our prayer is that all the people of faith in our community will be a part of the crusade. A kickoff banquet will be held on Feb. 9 at Broad River Electric Convention Center. We hope to have four to five hundred people attend. Rick will be the speaker and share what a successful crusade could mean to our community. We hope that most churches can sponsor a table at $150 and fill it with their invited guests. Some churches may choose just to sell tickets at $10 each. If the money for a table or tickets is not possible at this time we still want each church to come and fill their table.”
Tickets along with posters and bulletin inserts can be picked up at the Broad River Baptist Mission Center at 100 Railroad Ave. in Gaffney.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Crusade kickoff banquet this Thursday
The Gaffney Ledger
Crusade kickoff banquet this Thursday
In most places a countywide revival conducted by a traveling evangelists are a thing of the past or something reserved for large cities in huge venues, but this spring nationally prominent evangelist Rick Gage will deliver a message of hope to Cherokee County and beyond.
In preparation for the May 21-24 Go Tell Crusade, a kickoff banquet will be held Thursday, Feb. 9, at 7 p.m. in the Broad River Electric Convention Center in Gaffney.
During the banquet, Gage will talk about his testimony and encourage people to get involved with the crusade. The banquet is both an informational meeting and a fundraising opportunity for the crusade itself.
Gage, the founder of Go Tell Ministries, has been involved in more than 500 evangelistic crusades, rallies, conferences and overseas missions trips and has seen tens of thousands make public decisions for Christ.
The former college football coach has been called the “Billy Graham of small towns” bringing the Gospel message to communities that would otherwise not have the opportunity to be part of an evangelistic crusade for more than a decade.
Many well-known individuals have spoken with Gage or endorsed his ministry including: current NFL MVP and Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander, Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden, Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden, former Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka, motivational speaker Zig Ziglar, Campus Crusade for Christ speaker Josh McDowell and Rick Stanley, who is scheduled to be at the Upstate Crusade, an evangelist and step-brother of Elvis Presley.
For more information about the banquet or the May 21-24 crusade, please call (864) 4893119 or email brba@bellsouth.net. For more information about Rick Gage and Go Tell Ministries, please call 1866-I GO TELL.
Crusade kickoff banquet this Thursday
In most places a countywide revival conducted by a traveling evangelists are a thing of the past or something reserved for large cities in huge venues, but this spring nationally prominent evangelist Rick Gage will deliver a message of hope to Cherokee County and beyond.
In preparation for the May 21-24 Go Tell Crusade, a kickoff banquet will be held Thursday, Feb. 9, at 7 p.m. in the Broad River Electric Convention Center in Gaffney.
During the banquet, Gage will talk about his testimony and encourage people to get involved with the crusade. The banquet is both an informational meeting and a fundraising opportunity for the crusade itself.
Gage, the founder of Go Tell Ministries, has been involved in more than 500 evangelistic crusades, rallies, conferences and overseas missions trips and has seen tens of thousands make public decisions for Christ.
The former college football coach has been called the “Billy Graham of small towns” bringing the Gospel message to communities that would otherwise not have the opportunity to be part of an evangelistic crusade for more than a decade.
Many well-known individuals have spoken with Gage or endorsed his ministry including: current NFL MVP and Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander, Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden, Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden, former Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka, motivational speaker Zig Ziglar, Campus Crusade for Christ speaker Josh McDowell and Rick Stanley, who is scheduled to be at the Upstate Crusade, an evangelist and step-brother of Elvis Presley.
For more information about the banquet or the May 21-24 crusade, please call (864) 4893119 or email brba@bellsouth.net. For more information about Rick Gage and Go Tell Ministries, please call 1866-I GO TELL.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Go Tell Crusade kicks off Sunday
The Gaffney Ledger
Go Tell Crusade kicks off Sunday
By SCOTT BAUGHMAN Ledger Staff Writer
scottb@gaffneyledger.com
Gaffney's W.K. Brumbach Stadium will be the centerpiece of the action when the Go Tell Upstate Crusade kicks off Sunday.
"Since returning to Cherokee County to become director of missions of the Broad River Baptist Association I have had a burden for lost and unchurched people," said Donnie Padgett.
"How do we reach people? What is the best way? How can churches work together for this purpose?" he asked. "I shared my burden with the Gaffney Ministerial Association and others had the same concerns. After months of prayer and discussion we have invited Rick Gage, a nationally known evangelist, to come and lead an area wide crusade at the football stadium and speak in our schools."
As part of a committee chaired by local auto dealer Sam Burns, Padgett and other ministers settled on the idea of a crusade with Gage at the helm due to the evangelist's personal history.
"One of the reasons we picked Rick is his father is a nationally known evangelist out of Texas," Padgett explained. "And Rick rebelled against his father's teaching and Christ and fell into a life of drug abuse and alcohol. He had planned on becoming a college football coach since he was an athlete in his school days, but God turned his life around and he became an evangelist himself. I think that background really gives him a great story to tell to our kids."
In addition to Gage, Rick Stanley, Elvis Presley's stepbrother, will speak at the crusade on Monday.
Pilgrim's Pride CEO Bo Pilgrim will share his testimony Tuesday. Stanley became a Christian two months after Elvis' death and has been preaching for 26 years. Pilgrim has developed his firm into the second-largest poultry company in America and Mexico.
Chuck Sullivan will serve as music worship leader while Nashville singer Amy Lowry will perform.
The Restoration Praise Band will provide special music and Christian artist Meka King has recently been added to the program.
"I've always loved music, every genre. I've also always enjoyed singing," King said. "I sang in church since I was 15 years old. But I never thought in a million years that would ultimately be how God would use me. I recognized that something wonderful happened when I sang. God moved and affected people in a way I never expected. He used me to change people's lives."
Clemson Head Football Coach Tommy Bowden will share his Christian faith via video on Youth Night, May 24.
The crusade will be held May 21-24 at 7 p.m. at the stadium. Each event is open to the public.
"We want to make sure everyone who wants to attend can do so," Burns said. "We'll have shuttle buses to help take people to and from the stadium. They'll be at First Baptist Church of Gaffney, Buford Street United Methodist Church and Central Baptist. The shuttles will start around 6 p.m. and after the service they'll run until everyone has gotten back to their cars. They'll take you straight from your car to the front gate and then back again."
Go Tell Crusade kicks off Sunday
By SCOTT BAUGHMAN Ledger Staff Writer
scottb@gaffneyledger.com
Gaffney's W.K. Brumbach Stadium will be the centerpiece of the action when the Go Tell Upstate Crusade kicks off Sunday.
"Since returning to Cherokee County to become director of missions of the Broad River Baptist Association I have had a burden for lost and unchurched people," said Donnie Padgett.
"How do we reach people? What is the best way? How can churches work together for this purpose?" he asked. "I shared my burden with the Gaffney Ministerial Association and others had the same concerns. After months of prayer and discussion we have invited Rick Gage, a nationally known evangelist, to come and lead an area wide crusade at the football stadium and speak in our schools."
As part of a committee chaired by local auto dealer Sam Burns, Padgett and other ministers settled on the idea of a crusade with Gage at the helm due to the evangelist's personal history.
"One of the reasons we picked Rick is his father is a nationally known evangelist out of Texas," Padgett explained. "And Rick rebelled against his father's teaching and Christ and fell into a life of drug abuse and alcohol. He had planned on becoming a college football coach since he was an athlete in his school days, but God turned his life around and he became an evangelist himself. I think that background really gives him a great story to tell to our kids."
In addition to Gage, Rick Stanley, Elvis Presley's stepbrother, will speak at the crusade on Monday.
Pilgrim's Pride CEO Bo Pilgrim will share his testimony Tuesday. Stanley became a Christian two months after Elvis' death and has been preaching for 26 years. Pilgrim has developed his firm into the second-largest poultry company in America and Mexico.
Chuck Sullivan will serve as music worship leader while Nashville singer Amy Lowry will perform.
The Restoration Praise Band will provide special music and Christian artist Meka King has recently been added to the program.
"I've always loved music, every genre. I've also always enjoyed singing," King said. "I sang in church since I was 15 years old. But I never thought in a million years that would ultimately be how God would use me. I recognized that something wonderful happened when I sang. God moved and affected people in a way I never expected. He used me to change people's lives."
Clemson Head Football Coach Tommy Bowden will share his Christian faith via video on Youth Night, May 24.
The crusade will be held May 21-24 at 7 p.m. at the stadium. Each event is open to the public.
"We want to make sure everyone who wants to attend can do so," Burns said. "We'll have shuttle buses to help take people to and from the stadium. They'll be at First Baptist Church of Gaffney, Buford Street United Methodist Church and Central Baptist. The shuttles will start around 6 p.m. and after the service they'll run until everyone has gotten back to their cars. They'll take you straight from your car to the front gate and then back again."
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Churches prepare for Rick Gage crusade
The Gaffney Ledger
Churches prepare for Rick Gage crusade
By SCOTT BAUGHMAN Ledger Staff Writer scottb@gaffneyledger.com
"This evangelist will tell the truth to young people. Society will not tell young people the truth," said Emily Dale, a student at Spartanburg Technical College who's looking forward to the Go Tell Upstate Rick Gage Crusade coming to Gaffney.
"Having the Crusade come to the Upstate is a good thing," she added. "There is even a special night for youth."
Dale is one of many local church members who are preparing for the former football coach-turned minister to arrive in town for the first tent crusade in the city in almost three decades. She shared her excitement with Crusade workers at a recent meeting.
An army of volunteers, led by Crusade Committee Chairman Sam Burns, has been working almost around the clock to get ready for the event.
Dale's church, Restoration Church of Gaffney, is one of 60 participating in the crusade, scheduled for May 21-24 at the W.K. Brumbach Stadium.
"Emily is a spiritual model for our youth," remarked Rev. Joey Turner,
pastor at Restoration. For Dale, the truth that many young people seek is already clear.
"The truth is," said Emily. "That answer that young people want when they ask the question 'What's my destiny?' It's God. God has His plan for each one of us. He will give his plan to us, and with it, He will give us peace and direction."
Local philanthropist Oscar Fuller, moved by Dale's comments, replied "Because you understand what you do now about God, it puts you in the place for God to use you and to help fulfill your destiny."
Churches prepare for Rick Gage crusade
By SCOTT BAUGHMAN Ledger Staff Writer scottb@gaffneyledger.com
"This evangelist will tell the truth to young people. Society will not tell young people the truth," said Emily Dale, a student at Spartanburg Technical College who's looking forward to the Go Tell Upstate Rick Gage Crusade coming to Gaffney.
"Having the Crusade come to the Upstate is a good thing," she added. "There is even a special night for youth."
Dale is one of many local church members who are preparing for the former football coach-turned minister to arrive in town for the first tent crusade in the city in almost three decades. She shared her excitement with Crusade workers at a recent meeting.
An army of volunteers, led by Crusade Committee Chairman Sam Burns, has been working almost around the clock to get ready for the event.
Dale's church, Restoration Church of Gaffney, is one of 60 participating in the crusade, scheduled for May 21-24 at the W.K. Brumbach Stadium.
"Emily is a spiritual model for our youth," remarked Rev. Joey Turner,
pastor at Restoration. For Dale, the truth that many young people seek is already clear.
"The truth is," said Emily. "That answer that young people want when they ask the question 'What's my destiny?' It's God. God has His plan for each one of us. He will give his plan to us, and with it, He will give us peace and direction."
Local philanthropist Oscar Fuller, moved by Dale's comments, replied "Because you understand what you do now about God, it puts you in the place for God to use you and to help fulfill your destiny."
Crusade nearing goal of $72,238
The Gaffney Ledger
Crusade nearing goal of $72,238
By SCOTT BAUGHMAN Ledger Staff Writer scottb@gaffneyledger.com
Plans for Cherokee County's first community crusade continue with notable speakers announced. And now the committee behind the event is eyeing the completion of a huge goal - raising the money to pay for it.
"We have a little more than $55,000 already spoken for in donations or pledges," committee co-chair Sam Burns told the group at a meeting Friday. "We hope to be able to have 100 percent of our budget taken care of two weeks before the event."
The crusade will be held May 21-24 at 7 p.m. nightly at W.K. Brumbach Stadium. Each event is open to the public. A total budget of $72,233 is needed. Nationally known evangelist Rick Gage will lead the crusade. Gage entered full-time ministry in 1986 after quitting a successful college coaching career to follow in his father's footsteps as an evangelist.
More than 60 churches have joined Broad River Baptist Association in working with Rick Gage Ministries to plan the 4-day event. Those preparations have been ongoing for months. This week, most area churches and many mailboxes will receive crusade update bulletins detailing the progress of various subcommittees.
Rev. Scott Wachter, pastor at Buford Street United Methodist Church (BSUMC), is helping the committee with counseling efforts.
"We need a total of about 400 volunteers to serve as counselors at the Go Tell Upstate Crusade," Wachter said. "The next volunteer training for that will be April 10 at 7 p.m. at BSUMC. Following that, we'll have another session on April 18."
In addition to Gage, Rick Stanley, Elvis Presley's stepbrother, will speak at the crusade on Monday. Pilgrim's Pride CEO Bo Pilgrim will share his testimony Tuesday. Stanley become a Christian two months after Elvis' death and has been preaching for 26 years. Pilgrim has developed his company into the second largest poultry company in America and Mexico.
Chuck Sullivan will serve as music worship leader while Nashville singer Amy Lowry will perform. The Restoration Praise Band will provide special music at the crusade. Clemson Head Football Coach Tommy Bowden will share his Christian faith via video on Youth Night, May 24.
Crusade nearing goal of $72,238
By SCOTT BAUGHMAN Ledger Staff Writer scottb@gaffneyledger.com
Plans for Cherokee County's first community crusade continue with notable speakers announced. And now the committee behind the event is eyeing the completion of a huge goal - raising the money to pay for it.
"We have a little more than $55,000 already spoken for in donations or pledges," committee co-chair Sam Burns told the group at a meeting Friday. "We hope to be able to have 100 percent of our budget taken care of two weeks before the event."
The crusade will be held May 21-24 at 7 p.m. nightly at W.K. Brumbach Stadium. Each event is open to the public. A total budget of $72,233 is needed. Nationally known evangelist Rick Gage will lead the crusade. Gage entered full-time ministry in 1986 after quitting a successful college coaching career to follow in his father's footsteps as an evangelist.
More than 60 churches have joined Broad River Baptist Association in working with Rick Gage Ministries to plan the 4-day event. Those preparations have been ongoing for months. This week, most area churches and many mailboxes will receive crusade update bulletins detailing the progress of various subcommittees.
Rev. Scott Wachter, pastor at Buford Street United Methodist Church (BSUMC), is helping the committee with counseling efforts.
"We need a total of about 400 volunteers to serve as counselors at the Go Tell Upstate Crusade," Wachter said. "The next volunteer training for that will be April 10 at 7 p.m. at BSUMC. Following that, we'll have another session on April 18."
In addition to Gage, Rick Stanley, Elvis Presley's stepbrother, will speak at the crusade on Monday. Pilgrim's Pride CEO Bo Pilgrim will share his testimony Tuesday. Stanley become a Christian two months after Elvis' death and has been preaching for 26 years. Pilgrim has developed his company into the second largest poultry company in America and Mexico.
Chuck Sullivan will serve as music worship leader while Nashville singer Amy Lowry will perform. The Restoration Praise Band will provide special music at the crusade. Clemson Head Football Coach Tommy Bowden will share his Christian faith via video on Youth Night, May 24.
Crusade announces some speakers
The Gaffney Ledger
Crusade announces some speakers
By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Staff Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com
Elvis Presley’s step-brother and the CEO of the country’s second largest poultry company will be among the guest speakers for a May crusade in Gaffney.
Rick Stanley is the step-brother of the late Elvis Presley. Two months after Elvis’ death, Stanley became a Christian and has been preaching for 26 years.
Stanley will join Pilgrim’s Pride CEO Bo Pilgrim for the May 21-24 crusade led by evangelist Rick Gage, Broad River Baptist Association Director of Missions Donnie Padgett said.
Discussions are underway to bring a nationally known sports figure or coach to speak at one of the crusade events.
Pilgrim opened a feed store in 1946. He has developed his company Pilgrim’s Pride into the second largest America and Mexico. The company processes six billion pounds of chicken and 40 million dozen table eggs each year.
The Upstate Carolina Go Tell Crusade will be held at 7 p.m. daily at W.K. Brumbach Stadium.
More than 60 churches have joined Broad River Baptist Association in working with Rick Gage Ministries to plan the crusade.
Chuck Sullivan will serve as music worship leader while Nashville singer Amy Lowery will perform.
Sullivan performed at a kickoff event last week which drew nearly 1,000 residents to Broad River Electric Convention Center.
Sullivan started his own music and worship ministry in 1985 shortly after graduating from Liberty University. He traveled with Dr. Jerry Falwell as a soloist for six years before moving to Nashville.
Sullivan continues to work as a studio session singer with well known arrangers such as Don Marsh, Don Wrytzen, David Clydesdale, Lari Goss and the popular Gaither Homecoming series. He has been the worship leader and music director for Go Tell Crusades since 1998.
Gage, the founder and speaker for this ministry, said he feels called to county seat towns to share the Gospel. He hopes the W.K. Brumbach Stadium will be filled to capacity during the crusade.
“About 60 percent of Cherokee County residents are unchurched. We want to cast out a vision and burden for leading lost people to Christ by sharing the Gospel,” Gage said. “There is nothing more dearer to the heart of God than leading sinners to salvation.”
Gage entered full-time ministry after giving up a promising football career. He quit his assistant coaching position at Liberty University in 1986 to become an evangelist.
Crusade announces some speakers
By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Staff Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com
Elvis Presley’s step-brother and the CEO of the country’s second largest poultry company will be among the guest speakers for a May crusade in Gaffney.
Rick Stanley is the step-brother of the late Elvis Presley. Two months after Elvis’ death, Stanley became a Christian and has been preaching for 26 years.
Stanley will join Pilgrim’s Pride CEO Bo Pilgrim for the May 21-24 crusade led by evangelist Rick Gage, Broad River Baptist Association Director of Missions Donnie Padgett said.
Discussions are underway to bring a nationally known sports figure or coach to speak at one of the crusade events.
Pilgrim opened a feed store in 1946. He has developed his company Pilgrim’s Pride into the second largest America and Mexico. The company processes six billion pounds of chicken and 40 million dozen table eggs each year.
The Upstate Carolina Go Tell Crusade will be held at 7 p.m. daily at W.K. Brumbach Stadium.
More than 60 churches have joined Broad River Baptist Association in working with Rick Gage Ministries to plan the crusade.
Chuck Sullivan will serve as music worship leader while Nashville singer Amy Lowery will perform.
Sullivan performed at a kickoff event last week which drew nearly 1,000 residents to Broad River Electric Convention Center.
Sullivan started his own music and worship ministry in 1985 shortly after graduating from Liberty University. He traveled with Dr. Jerry Falwell as a soloist for six years before moving to Nashville.
Sullivan continues to work as a studio session singer with well known arrangers such as Don Marsh, Don Wrytzen, David Clydesdale, Lari Goss and the popular Gaither Homecoming series. He has been the worship leader and music director for Go Tell Crusades since 1998.
Gage, the founder and speaker for this ministry, said he feels called to county seat towns to share the Gospel. He hopes the W.K. Brumbach Stadium will be filled to capacity during the crusade.
“About 60 percent of Cherokee County residents are unchurched. We want to cast out a vision and burden for leading lost people to Christ by sharing the Gospel,” Gage said. “There is nothing more dearer to the heart of God than leading sinners to salvation.”
Gage entered full-time ministry after giving up a promising football career. He quit his assistant coaching position at Liberty University in 1986 to become an evangelist.
Monday, May 22, 2006
Rick Gage Middle Georgia Crusade Draws Thousands
by Ruth McClellan
May 22, 2006
Evangelist Rick Gage has been filling football stadiums for more than a decade in small towns across America. Many were skeptical that he could do it here in Dublin.
Citizens were astonished when, despite predictions of rain each evening, thousands flocked to West Laurens High School Football Stadium for the four-night event. By the conclusion of the Rick Gage Crusade, 465 spiritual decisions had been recorded, including 211 first-time professions of faith.
Crusade Chairman Skip Evans, a Christian businessman, summarized the impact the crusade had on his life by saying, “It was a tremendous crusade. It was an awesome experience to sit on the stage and watch each night as people came forward and to see their lives miraculously changed by the power of God. There is excitement in our county.
“Everywhere I go people are still talking about what the Lord did, and our hearts are filled with gratitude. I truly believe the impact of this crusade will have far-reaching results and will be felt for years to come. The possibilities are limitless as we all continue to work together to see this move of God continue.”
Crusade Co-chair Anne Payne was especially impressed with the lives that were changed by the crusade. “The Lord really blessed our community,” she said. “It was overwhelming to walk through the counseling section in the end zone after each service and see ordinary people with their Bibles open, loving others to Christ. It was a tremendous witnessing effort I will never forget.”
Pastor Joe Sloakum of Poplar Springs North Baptist Church rejoiced in how the community pulled together for a common purpose. “What God did was incredible. Churches came together across denominational and racial lines with a united goal of loving and reaching people. We worked together, and that common bond enabled us to see people come to Christ who would never set foot in a church. We carried church to them and introduced them to Christ. The first Sunday morning after the crusade, I looked out over our congregation at people who had never been in a church except for a wedding or a funeral. Now they were worshipping the Lord with us for the first time, and it was truly a beautiful thing to see!”
Rick Stanley, an evangelist and step-brother of Elvis Presley, gave the testimony of his life story at the crusade. He has spoken at four Billy Graham crusades.
Associate Pastor of Dublin First United Methodist Church, John Drake, who served as the crusade’s chairman of the Counselors and Follow-up Committee, spoke of his formation of a ministerial association as a result of the crusade. “God moved in mighty ways, changing lives all across the community. Unchurched people found Christ as Savior; ministers were revitalized; and scores were brought to a closer walk with Christ. Church members saw those for whom they had prayed for many years come to Christ. Nothing will build up your faith more than that.”
A Wednesday Youth Night was the culmination of Rick Gage’s outreach to the Middle Georgia region. More than 4,000 people attended that evening; and over 1,000 students (youth) were treated to a free pizza blast prior to the evening service.
Talk of the crusade is still a main topic of conversation in and around Dublin. Miracle stories abound and are readily and excitedly shared. A few include: relationships that were healed; couples united; an alcoholic man saved whose family had prayed for him for years; forgiveness extended; denominational barriers broken down; family members saved—sons and fathers, grandmothers and granddaughters, and young people with tears bringing their friends to Christ.
The GO TELL Crusade Team conducted fourteen ON TRACK School Assembly Programs in area middle and high schools. More than 6,000 students listened intently to sobering talks which addressed issues dealing with life’s choices and the dangers of drugs, alcohol abuse, teen suicide, and premarital sex. These students were invited to attend the crusade.
More than sixty decisions for Christ were made at Trinity Christian School. Says student Charlsie Gerrard, “The crusade was awesome — one of the greatest things that has ever happened in my life. Our football coach brought the entire team to the crusade straight from practice. They were still in their uniforms. As you looked out during the invitation time, it was an amazing sight to see many bowed in prayer in their uniforms all over the end zone. Lifetime decisions for Christ were made, and I can already tell a difference in my school.”
“God has burdened my heart to take the gospel to as many towns as possible in my lifetime,” Gage says. “Everywhere I go, people are personally embracing the gospel message. It is hope for the individual, for society, and for the world. Saturating our communities across America with the gospel must be done at all costs. It takes time, money, and involvement to reach lost people; but it will be eternally worth it one day.”
For more information about Rick Gage GO TELL Ministries, please email info@gotellministries.com or visit his website at www.gotellministries.com.
May 22, 2006
Evangelist Rick Gage has been filling football stadiums for more than a decade in small towns across America. Many were skeptical that he could do it here in Dublin.
Citizens were astonished when, despite predictions of rain each evening, thousands flocked to West Laurens High School Football Stadium for the four-night event. By the conclusion of the Rick Gage Crusade, 465 spiritual decisions had been recorded, including 211 first-time professions of faith.
Crusade Chairman Skip Evans, a Christian businessman, summarized the impact the crusade had on his life by saying, “It was a tremendous crusade. It was an awesome experience to sit on the stage and watch each night as people came forward and to see their lives miraculously changed by the power of God. There is excitement in our county.
“Everywhere I go people are still talking about what the Lord did, and our hearts are filled with gratitude. I truly believe the impact of this crusade will have far-reaching results and will be felt for years to come. The possibilities are limitless as we all continue to work together to see this move of God continue.”
Crusade Co-chair Anne Payne was especially impressed with the lives that were changed by the crusade. “The Lord really blessed our community,” she said. “It was overwhelming to walk through the counseling section in the end zone after each service and see ordinary people with their Bibles open, loving others to Christ. It was a tremendous witnessing effort I will never forget.”
Pastor Joe Sloakum of Poplar Springs North Baptist Church rejoiced in how the community pulled together for a common purpose. “What God did was incredible. Churches came together across denominational and racial lines with a united goal of loving and reaching people. We worked together, and that common bond enabled us to see people come to Christ who would never set foot in a church. We carried church to them and introduced them to Christ. The first Sunday morning after the crusade, I looked out over our congregation at people who had never been in a church except for a wedding or a funeral. Now they were worshipping the Lord with us for the first time, and it was truly a beautiful thing to see!”
Rick Stanley, an evangelist and step-brother of Elvis Presley, gave the testimony of his life story at the crusade. He has spoken at four Billy Graham crusades.
Associate Pastor of Dublin First United Methodist Church, John Drake, who served as the crusade’s chairman of the Counselors and Follow-up Committee, spoke of his formation of a ministerial association as a result of the crusade. “God moved in mighty ways, changing lives all across the community. Unchurched people found Christ as Savior; ministers were revitalized; and scores were brought to a closer walk with Christ. Church members saw those for whom they had prayed for many years come to Christ. Nothing will build up your faith more than that.”
A Wednesday Youth Night was the culmination of Rick Gage’s outreach to the Middle Georgia region. More than 4,000 people attended that evening; and over 1,000 students (youth) were treated to a free pizza blast prior to the evening service.
Talk of the crusade is still a main topic of conversation in and around Dublin. Miracle stories abound and are readily and excitedly shared. A few include: relationships that were healed; couples united; an alcoholic man saved whose family had prayed for him for years; forgiveness extended; denominational barriers broken down; family members saved—sons and fathers, grandmothers and granddaughters, and young people with tears bringing their friends to Christ.
The GO TELL Crusade Team conducted fourteen ON TRACK School Assembly Programs in area middle and high schools. More than 6,000 students listened intently to sobering talks which addressed issues dealing with life’s choices and the dangers of drugs, alcohol abuse, teen suicide, and premarital sex. These students were invited to attend the crusade.
More than sixty decisions for Christ were made at Trinity Christian School. Says student Charlsie Gerrard, “The crusade was awesome — one of the greatest things that has ever happened in my life. Our football coach brought the entire team to the crusade straight from practice. They were still in their uniforms. As you looked out during the invitation time, it was an amazing sight to see many bowed in prayer in their uniforms all over the end zone. Lifetime decisions for Christ were made, and I can already tell a difference in my school.”
“God has burdened my heart to take the gospel to as many towns as possible in my lifetime,” Gage says. “Everywhere I go, people are personally embracing the gospel message. It is hope for the individual, for society, and for the world. Saturating our communities across America with the gospel must be done at all costs. It takes time, money, and involvement to reach lost people; but it will be eternally worth it one day.”
For more information about Rick Gage GO TELL Ministries, please email info@gotellministries.com or visit his website at www.gotellministries.com.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Monday, May 8, 2006
Go Tell Crusade to begin Sunday
The Courier Herald
Go Tell Crusade to begin Sunday
Organizers planning for thousands each night
By BRANDY T. MULLIS
05/08/06
After months of anticipation, the Laurens County “Go Tell” Crusade with Rick Gage will begin Sunday.
Gage, a former collegiate football coach, now leads a large Atlanta-based ministry and his crusade events have been dubbed “small town Billy Graham crusades.”
“We believe Rick’s life-changing message will have a very positive influence on our community,” Skip Evans, chairman of the local crusade, said. Over 40 area churches have been involved in bringing the massive crusade to Laurens County.
Laurens County is approximately 70 percent unchurched, according to publicity chair Don Clark. He said organizers feel a “major revival” in the community is needed.
“We are expecting 2,500 people per night,” Evans said.
In 2005 Rick Gage Ministries held four crusades in four states and 40,000 men, women and children attended.
Rick Stanley, an evangelist and step-brother of Elvis Presley, will be a part of the crusade. Gage brings a praise band that promises to move the crowd and Amy Lowry will sing nightly as well. Sunday night will feature a county-wide mass choir comprised of 150 local church members.
The final night will be geared toward area youth, with UGA football players speaking and free pizza being served. The Youth Pizza Blast will begin at 6 p.m.
The crusade will be held May 7-10 at 7 p.m. nightly at West Laurens High School’s Raider Stadium.
Go Tell Crusade to begin Sunday
Organizers planning for thousands each night
By BRANDY T. MULLIS
05/08/06
After months of anticipation, the Laurens County “Go Tell” Crusade with Rick Gage will begin Sunday.
Gage, a former collegiate football coach, now leads a large Atlanta-based ministry and his crusade events have been dubbed “small town Billy Graham crusades.”
“We believe Rick’s life-changing message will have a very positive influence on our community,” Skip Evans, chairman of the local crusade, said. Over 40 area churches have been involved in bringing the massive crusade to Laurens County.
Laurens County is approximately 70 percent unchurched, according to publicity chair Don Clark. He said organizers feel a “major revival” in the community is needed.
“We are expecting 2,500 people per night,” Evans said.
In 2005 Rick Gage Ministries held four crusades in four states and 40,000 men, women and children attended.
Rick Stanley, an evangelist and step-brother of Elvis Presley, will be a part of the crusade. Gage brings a praise band that promises to move the crowd and Amy Lowry will sing nightly as well. Sunday night will feature a county-wide mass choir comprised of 150 local church members.
The final night will be geared toward area youth, with UGA football players speaking and free pizza being served. The Youth Pizza Blast will begin at 6 p.m.
The crusade will be held May 7-10 at 7 p.m. nightly at West Laurens High School’s Raider Stadium.
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