By Allen Palmeri
Associate Editor
The Pathway
CHARLESTON—This Mississippi County town of around 5,000 residents just experienced what may have been its greatest event in a history that dates back to the formation of a community in 1837 on the segment of southeast Missouri land that nestles beside Illinois and Kentucky.
The Rick Gage Go Tell Crusade from Sept. 28-Oct. 1 drew 3,400 to the local high school football stadium and reached about 3,000 in the public school system. There were 282 decisions for Christ, including 165 professions of faith.
“God still does the impossible and the miraculous,” said Michael Brewer, pastor, First Baptist Church, Charleston, and point person for the crusade.
Gage, the evangelist from metropolitan Atlanta, described it as a move of God through a faithful, holy remnant on the ground that refused to get discouraged in the face of financial, emotional and spiritual oppression.
“They could have thrown in the towel, but they didn’t,” Gage said. “They were adamant about seeing God touch their town and touch their community.”
The idea for bringing a crusade to Charleston began within the Charleston Ministerial Alliance, which held a prayer meeting in January at First Charleston, a church that generally runs 130-140 in Sunday worship.
“We were lying prone on the altar of First Baptist in Charleston, and after an hour and a half of crying out to God, we stood up,” Brewer said. “It was the unanimous consensus that God meant for us to go forward with this, and that the body of Christ needed unity to see souls saved and to see Charleston changed.”
By February an organizational plan was in place that would eventually train 75 counselors and pull in more than a dozen churches from Charleston, East Prairie, Scott County, and surrounding communities in the Charleston Baptist Association. It even spread to the point where churches from Illinois and Kentucky, who began to hear about the plans, said they wanted to help.
The original budget was $83,000, but because of the economic downturn both Go Tell and local organizers had to work together to trim it to $52,500, Brewer said.
“We knew that we were going to have to streamline this as much as we could without hurting the overall goal and impact of the crusade vision,” Gage said. “My hat goes off to the local community.”
What the local community did was give.
“One church went into a business meeting and the board recommended to the church family that they give $5,000 to the crusade,” Brewer said. “The people stood up and said, ‘That’s not enough.’ They voted to up it by another $2,500.”
Businesses wrote checks for $1,000, and Charleston Baptist Association Director of Missions Richard Smith delivered a check for the same amount plus another $1,000. The Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) came through with $4,000, local people donated items, participants stayed in homes instead of hotels, and meals were provided by the Charleston church community instead of by local restaurants.
It all came together on the morning of Oct. 1 when the last dollar amount that was needed was received.
“God just did a miracle,” Brewer said. “He didn’t come in early, and He didn’t come in late. He came right on time with the resources to do this.”
Brewer said he and other ministers working on the crusade overcame Satan in spiritual warfare by “prayer, fasting, weeping, prayer, weeping, prayer, prayer. My wife and I felt it in our home. Other ministers shared (that) they felt the struggle in and out of Charleston.”
Gage, who has been in full-time evangelism since 1986, has seen the devil try to disrupt a lot of crusades around the country, but the spiritual reality of Satan sowing discouragement in Charleston by planting seeds of cancelling the crusade amid the financial difficulties, human frailties and skepticism of “small vision” church members around town really hit home.
“There was a lot of resistance,” Gage said. “You could sense and feel the resistance from the evil world. Satan is fighting and bidding for every lost soul. Evangelistically, nothing like this has ever occurred in Mississippi County Missouri. Many have stated that there’s been a stronghold on this area for quite some time, and so when a vision like this comes to enemy territory, you’d better expect opposition.”
One of the more dynamic successes connected to the week of the crusade was in the area of football. A total of 27 players at East Prairie High School made professions of faith, and another seven players plus one coach at Charleston High did the same. The head coach at East Prairie, Jason Acock, is a member of Elm Street Baptist Church in Charleston; the Charleston head coach re-dedicated his life to Christ.
All in all, God showed up.
“The budget was met, souls were saved, and they accomplished something that they had never been able to do, ever,” Gage said. “We’re all in agreement that God gets the credit and the glory.”
Monday, November 3, 2008
Note from Coach Aycock
Rick,
This is Coach Jason Aycock. I just wanted you to know what a blessing it was to have you come to the East Prairie Football locker room and speak to the players. I needed to tell you this because it has been on my mind ever since you came. When you first asked to speak, I thought you were going to give a speech on choices and that was it. Then when you began to explain the gospel to those players, I got very nervous. You know how strict schools are today about promoting religion. My mind was whirling, and I came very close to stopping you. I didn't want to, but my thinking was confused as I thought about my job versus my faith. Well, you know what won. Something came over me that day. It was as if I felt God grab me and say, "This is my man speaking. You sit down and let him go." The Lord touched me that day.
When these events occurred, I knew something very special was going to happen that day. And it most certainly did! Twenty-seven of my thirty-nine players surrendered their lives to Christ! I want you to know that this has been the talk of Mississippi County. It was a tremendous blessing for me because God showed me that He wants to bring revival to football teams as well as churches.
What happened here at our school is monumental. It made me think that if one lady in the past could remove prayer from our schools, one football coach could make a difference and see it put back in. I would love to hear back from you on this. I need your support and guidance regarding how I can go about this. I know that the devil will attack me, but I feel we must stand and do something.
What do you think?
Coach Jason Aycock
East Prairie
This is Coach Jason Aycock. I just wanted you to know what a blessing it was to have you come to the East Prairie Football locker room and speak to the players. I needed to tell you this because it has been on my mind ever since you came. When you first asked to speak, I thought you were going to give a speech on choices and that was it. Then when you began to explain the gospel to those players, I got very nervous. You know how strict schools are today about promoting religion. My mind was whirling, and I came very close to stopping you. I didn't want to, but my thinking was confused as I thought about my job versus my faith. Well, you know what won. Something came over me that day. It was as if I felt God grab me and say, "This is my man speaking. You sit down and let him go." The Lord touched me that day.
When these events occurred, I knew something very special was going to happen that day. And it most certainly did! Twenty-seven of my thirty-nine players surrendered their lives to Christ! I want you to know that this has been the talk of Mississippi County. It was a tremendous blessing for me because God showed me that He wants to bring revival to football teams as well as churches.
What happened here at our school is monumental. It made me think that if one lady in the past could remove prayer from our schools, one football coach could make a difference and see it put back in. I would love to hear back from you on this. I need your support and guidance regarding how I can go about this. I know that the devil will attack me, but I feel we must stand and do something.
What do you think?
Coach Jason Aycock
East Prairie
Rick Gage Crusades Rock Georgia's Historic Heartland and Russell County, Kentucky
The Spirit of God moved as lives were eternally changed in two recent crusades in Madison, Georgia, and Russell County, Kentucky.
More than 700 spiritual decisions were recorded during the crusades with almost 400 first-time professions of faith. The GO TELL Crusade Team ministered in jails and in county middle and high schools, presenting their nationally-acclaimed On Track School Assembly Program. This drew hundreds of students to each of the crusade’s Wednesday Youth Nights where scores made decisions for Christ.
Crusade Chairman Keith Kelly was excited to serve again as chairman at Madison’s second GO TELL Crusade. “We had a GO TELL Crusade in 2004 that was the most phenomenal thing Morgan County has ever witnessed. It started fires of revival that swept through our county uniting churches, individuals, and races, and it has had lasting results” said Keith.
“We had a completely new group of young people in our high school and wanted them to experience a real move of God. If it could be possible, this crusade was even better than the last one!
“It’s difficult to put into words what it means to see a young man, a middle-school football leader, get saved, then turn around the next night and bring eight of his team members to the crusade. Every one of them was also saved!
“At the invitation of the head high school football coach, Rick Gage spoke to the high school varsity team. One coach and 25 players prayed to receive Christ as Savior at that meeting! It is phenomenal how the Lord works. A distinguished UGA football player is joining the FCA staff that will work in our county and several nearby counties to help follow up and disciple all the athletes who got saved at the crusade.”
Many from both crusades testified to the life-changing impact of Christians from many different churches coming together to work for a common cause. Churches reported that God had worked in incredible ways through the crusade to unify their congregations as well as congregations from church to church.
“The pastors here in Russell County, Kentucky, are excited about how God used the crusade to unite us, breaking down strongholds and barriers that existed between our churches,” said Pastor Rick Mann. “We’re working together to support an Addiction Ministry that will minister the love of Christ to many who desperately need this kind of ministry.
“I deeply appreciate Rick Gage and his staff’s commitment to seeing people come to Christ and then seeing churches come together to disciple those people. The daily luncheons with the crusade staff and those who had made decisions at the crusade were special times. Not only was it a tremendous testimony time for those who had made decisions, but we were all encouraged with how important it is to follow-up with each decision.
“The day after the crusade, we had our final luncheon. I thought Rick Gage would be in a hurry to get away and begin his five-hour drive home. Instead, he went with some men to witness to a man who they felt burdened to see. That man accepted Christ while sitting on his lawnmower!
“This man who got saved is an avid fisherman. Last evening (September 18th), at the conclusion of a fishing tournament, he testified in front of all his fishing buddies and then was baptized right there at the boat ramp at Lake Cumberland. Between 60 and 70 people were there to see him baptized. Nothing can compare to that kind of excitement!”
Both counties have reported baptisms every Sunday in various churches. Stories abound about businessmen and women being saved; counselors taking off their badges and getting saved, long-standing church members getting saved, and many bringing their friends and loved ones to the crusades and witnessing their salvation.
As counseling chairman, Pastor Tom Duff was thrilled to be a part of seeing so many people come to Christ. “It was great,” he says. “I loved the high energy of the crusade, and now the follow-up that is so critical. We have five ready to baptize and will baptize others also. I asked one young man who was one of our crusade counselors when he had been saved. He answered, ‘At the Rick Gage Crusade four years ago.’ This is a lasting work that will have an impact for years to come.”
Hank Parker, a professional bass fisherman who is seen on his popular television show, gave a powerful testimony at the crusades. He was so moved by the work of GO TELL Ministries and what he witnessed at the crusades that he donated his personal bass boat to GO TELL Ministries.
Hospitality Chairwoman Mary Jean Smith spoke of the crusade in glowing terms: “It was such a privilege to serve as part of this crusade that was indeed orchestrated by God. My impressions are from the inside of things, and I was thrilled to see Rick Gage’s true heart. He is a man consumed with seeing people come to a personal relationship with Christ. I was truly inspired to reach out to people everywhere and be aware of everyone around me.
“The highlight of the crusade for me was helping to lead three young girls to Christ. I am in awe of that moment. I’ve already seen ten students baptized as a result of the crusade. Another direct outgrowth of the crusade is my starting a discipleship class for children grades 1-6. We will not only be following up on those who were saved, but we will continue to lead people to Christ in our county as churches work together.”
More than 700 spiritual decisions were recorded during the crusades with almost 400 first-time professions of faith. The GO TELL Crusade Team ministered in jails and in county middle and high schools, presenting their nationally-acclaimed On Track School Assembly Program. This drew hundreds of students to each of the crusade’s Wednesday Youth Nights where scores made decisions for Christ.
Crusade Chairman Keith Kelly was excited to serve again as chairman at Madison’s second GO TELL Crusade. “We had a GO TELL Crusade in 2004 that was the most phenomenal thing Morgan County has ever witnessed. It started fires of revival that swept through our county uniting churches, individuals, and races, and it has had lasting results” said Keith.
“We had a completely new group of young people in our high school and wanted them to experience a real move of God. If it could be possible, this crusade was even better than the last one!
“It’s difficult to put into words what it means to see a young man, a middle-school football leader, get saved, then turn around the next night and bring eight of his team members to the crusade. Every one of them was also saved!
“At the invitation of the head high school football coach, Rick Gage spoke to the high school varsity team. One coach and 25 players prayed to receive Christ as Savior at that meeting! It is phenomenal how the Lord works. A distinguished UGA football player is joining the FCA staff that will work in our county and several nearby counties to help follow up and disciple all the athletes who got saved at the crusade.”
Many from both crusades testified to the life-changing impact of Christians from many different churches coming together to work for a common cause. Churches reported that God had worked in incredible ways through the crusade to unify their congregations as well as congregations from church to church.
“The pastors here in Russell County, Kentucky, are excited about how God used the crusade to unite us, breaking down strongholds and barriers that existed between our churches,” said Pastor Rick Mann. “We’re working together to support an Addiction Ministry that will minister the love of Christ to many who desperately need this kind of ministry.
“I deeply appreciate Rick Gage and his staff’s commitment to seeing people come to Christ and then seeing churches come together to disciple those people. The daily luncheons with the crusade staff and those who had made decisions at the crusade were special times. Not only was it a tremendous testimony time for those who had made decisions, but we were all encouraged with how important it is to follow-up with each decision.
“The day after the crusade, we had our final luncheon. I thought Rick Gage would be in a hurry to get away and begin his five-hour drive home. Instead, he went with some men to witness to a man who they felt burdened to see. That man accepted Christ while sitting on his lawnmower!
“This man who got saved is an avid fisherman. Last evening (September 18th), at the conclusion of a fishing tournament, he testified in front of all his fishing buddies and then was baptized right there at the boat ramp at Lake Cumberland. Between 60 and 70 people were there to see him baptized. Nothing can compare to that kind of excitement!”
Both counties have reported baptisms every Sunday in various churches. Stories abound about businessmen and women being saved; counselors taking off their badges and getting saved, long-standing church members getting saved, and many bringing their friends and loved ones to the crusades and witnessing their salvation.
As counseling chairman, Pastor Tom Duff was thrilled to be a part of seeing so many people come to Christ. “It was great,” he says. “I loved the high energy of the crusade, and now the follow-up that is so critical. We have five ready to baptize and will baptize others also. I asked one young man who was one of our crusade counselors when he had been saved. He answered, ‘At the Rick Gage Crusade four years ago.’ This is a lasting work that will have an impact for years to come.”
Hank Parker, a professional bass fisherman who is seen on his popular television show, gave a powerful testimony at the crusades. He was so moved by the work of GO TELL Ministries and what he witnessed at the crusades that he donated his personal bass boat to GO TELL Ministries.
Hospitality Chairwoman Mary Jean Smith spoke of the crusade in glowing terms: “It was such a privilege to serve as part of this crusade that was indeed orchestrated by God. My impressions are from the inside of things, and I was thrilled to see Rick Gage’s true heart. He is a man consumed with seeing people come to a personal relationship with Christ. I was truly inspired to reach out to people everywhere and be aware of everyone around me.
“The highlight of the crusade for me was helping to lead three young girls to Christ. I am in awe of that moment. I’ve already seen ten students baptized as a result of the crusade. Another direct outgrowth of the crusade is my starting a discipleship class for children grades 1-6. We will not only be following up on those who were saved, but we will continue to lead people to Christ in our county as churches work together.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)