“Intending to minister love and aid to thousands, our entire GO TELL Team came away knowing that we had received far more than we had given. The Russian people grabbed our hearts and will never let them go.”
GO TELL Volunteer Team, 2006
Ministering love and hope in the city of Bryansk, Russia, Rick Gage and 20 GO TELL Team volunteers were recently used of God to lead 130 precious Russian people to Christ, while encouraging and ministering aid to thousands.
The GO TELL Team consisted of volunteers from fourteen different churches throughout the Southeast and Texas and included two medical doctors. The gospel was shared through evangelistic meetings and in schools, churches, orphanages, hospitals, on the streets, and from door to door.
Over 800 pounds of food, clothing, and medical supplies were distributed, along with more than 500 New Testaments in the Russian language, 2,000 gospel bracelets, and hundreds of gospel tracts and Christian literature. The medical doctors provided medical assistance and diagnosed children’s ailments in several orphanages.
“Our team’s efforts are not without sacrifice,” said Bob Thompson who leads Gage’s overseas ministry teams and logged his 25th trip to Russia, “but while ministering love and aid to thousands, we always come away feeling that we receive far more than we give.”
School teacher Laynne Earnest from Tupelo, Mississippi, was one of the trip’s volunteers. She became concerned for the Russian people when she attended a GO TELL Camp last summer with young people from her church and saw a video clip of the previous Russia Mission Trip.
“I was immediately drawn to the faces of the children,” she said. “I really tried to dismiss it as reasonable because I deal with children daily. It was more than that! I could not get the faces of those children out of my mind; their eyes were so hopeless. I began praying immediately; almost trying to talk God out of what I believed He was telling me.
“I obeyed the Lord and went to Russia, and at every turn He confirmed that He had me there for reasons that will shape my life forever. I went expecting to join with my team to be used of God to bless others, and came away blessed beyond measure! The smiles on the faces of the children warmed my heart and to see a glimmer of encouragement sparked in a brother or sister's eye to keep pushing toward the Kingdom in Russia was truly a work of God. I will never forget this experience! To be God's hands and feet in fulfilling the Great Commission has truly been a defining moment in my life.”
Volunteer Crystal Pierce of Tampa, Florida, almost missed her connecting flight when her plane from Tampa was delayed. She said of the trip, “My experience while in Russia was extraordinary. God showed Himself strong at every point. From the Tampa airport being closed so that my flight was late to Atlanta and getting there to find the captain of the plane had held it for me, to seeing an interpreter in Russia ask one of our team to help her find Christ while standing in the snow, my heart was warmed and challenged. Praise swelled in me as we ministered to precious children, telling them and their workers of the love of Christ.
“The Lord opened my eyes to a world that is far bigger than Florida, a world that needs love and hope and Jesus. JOY truly is Jesus, others, and you--last. That is exactly what I found to be true while ministering and serving with the GO TELL team. The trip to Russia was, and always will be, unforgettable. I am already planning to go again next year for another very meaningful and awesome trip.
Dannie and Beckie Dempsey have been going to Russia with the GO TELL Overseas Team for the past six years. Says Dannie, “Each time I go, I feel that it cannot get any better, and each time God shows me more and more of His miraculous working. Each year I find myself opening up to the people of Russia as well as the other team members in ways that I usually would not at home.
“I’ve seen the Lord reach into hundreds of Russian hearts with His love. Going back year after year to share and pray with our Russian brothers and sisters in Christ greatly strengthens and uplifts them. They receive an indescribable blessing just from us showing our love and care for them. I come home each year on fire for God, feeling rejuvenated and longing to keep working for Him and seeing the same moving of the Holy Spirit here in America.”
Teenage volunteer Jessica Wetherington of Centerville, Georgia, commented, “Going to Russia was a very big eye-opener for me as a Christian young woman. Growing up in a Christian home was something I was used to and being around Christians was a lot easier than being around non-Christians.
“Over the summer I made the decision at one of Mr. Rick's camps to go to Russia. At first, I thought it was just a conscious decision, but as I searched deeper, I realized it was God speaking to my heart. My best friend Brittany had gone to Russia two years earlier with Rick Gage and the team. She told me that this trip would change my life forever, and she was absolutely right. Now I know what it really means to be a Christian and to love and give of myself to others, depending on Christ to help me to share my faith as I find my strength in Him.”
Everything that is done through the many outreaches of GO TELL Ministries revolves around the central purpose of evangelizing the world and making disciples. Ministering love and hope overseas is a vital aspect of the ministries.
Since beginning its ministry in Russia in 1992, God has greatly blessed the efforts of the GO TELL Overseas Team as they have seen literally thousands of Russians come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, while also ministering to the physical needs of the people.
“The Spirit of God is moving in Russia, a land greatly in need of hope,” says Rick Gage. “It is amazing year after year to see Russian men, women, and children giving their lives to the Lord. Those who go on an overseas mission trip with us are forever changed as they share their faith and experience the power of God in a foreign land.”
Rick Gage has witnessed countless decisions for Christ through his many evangelistic outreaches in America and abroad. Rick Gage GO TELL Ministries include crusades, summer youth camps, school assemblies, church revivals, and overseas mission trips.
“Everywhere I go people are personally embracing the gospel message,” says Rick. “It is the only hope for the individual, for society, and for the world. Saturating our communities across America and the world 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 call 1-866-I-GO-TELL; email at info@gotellministries.com or visit his website at www.gotellministries.com.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Evangelist brings his message to youths
By Mary Jimenez
The Shreveport Times
With big business targeting youths with soft drinks, music, movies an other products, Rick Gage has made it his life mission to join them.
“If corporate America has a strategy for teens, don’t you think we ought to have a strategy?” said Gage, an ex-football coach turned evangelist, who spoke in Shreveport on Sunday at the Summer Grove Baptist Church, Road to March Madness Youth Rally and at the evening service.
In the 18 years of Gage’s Go Tell Ministry, he’s reached more than 2 million students in his On Track program and also serves youths in his Go Tell Crusades all over the country and in his Youth Camps held in Georgia, Florida, Virginia and Texas each summer.
About 200 students in the youth program at Summer Grove Baptist plan to attend Gage’s camp in June.
“ This is our kick-off for signing up for camp, “ said Nancy Reynolds, assistant for the student ministries program at the church, “and a way for them to get to know who Rick Gage is and get excited about going.”
Part of Gage’s emphasis on youth is simple math.
“There are more teens today than at any other time in history, “Gage said. “I look at it as an opportunity to make the greatest difference.”
Gage lives in Atlanta, GA. with his wife and two daughters.
He’s a son of evangelist, Freddie Gage, and says it wasn’t until he was 25 that he realized he was following the wrong road.
After listening to Christian preacher James Robinson in 1984, the then Texas Tech assistant coach got his first calling to be an evangelist.
“I came from a Christian home, a great ministry and great churches,” Gage said. “But it wasn’t until then that I realized I didn’t have the real thing. I got down on my knees and wept.”
In 1986, Gage left coaching behind for good and turned to what God had called him to do. But, he says, it wasn’t without taking some of his coaching skills with him.
“The sign of a great coach is getting the most out of your players,” he said. “The same thing goes for the ministry. You want to motivate them to be their best.”
His dynamic motivating style connected with close to 200 students at the morning rally.
“I was ready for something different,” said Tyler Sipes, 17, a senior in the youth group.
“It’s good to have speakers from different aspects of life. If people can relate to a speaker the more likely they are to get something from it.”
The Shreveport Times
With big business targeting youths with soft drinks, music, movies an other products, Rick Gage has made it his life mission to join them.
“If corporate America has a strategy for teens, don’t you think we ought to have a strategy?” said Gage, an ex-football coach turned evangelist, who spoke in Shreveport on Sunday at the Summer Grove Baptist Church, Road to March Madness Youth Rally and at the evening service.
In the 18 years of Gage’s Go Tell Ministry, he’s reached more than 2 million students in his On Track program and also serves youths in his Go Tell Crusades all over the country and in his Youth Camps held in Georgia, Florida, Virginia and Texas each summer.
About 200 students in the youth program at Summer Grove Baptist plan to attend Gage’s camp in June.
“ This is our kick-off for signing up for camp, “ said Nancy Reynolds, assistant for the student ministries program at the church, “and a way for them to get to know who Rick Gage is and get excited about going.”
Part of Gage’s emphasis on youth is simple math.
“There are more teens today than at any other time in history, “Gage said. “I look at it as an opportunity to make the greatest difference.”
Gage lives in Atlanta, GA. with his wife and two daughters.
He’s a son of evangelist, Freddie Gage, and says it wasn’t until he was 25 that he realized he was following the wrong road.
After listening to Christian preacher James Robinson in 1984, the then Texas Tech assistant coach got his first calling to be an evangelist.
“I came from a Christian home, a great ministry and great churches,” Gage said. “But it wasn’t until then that I realized I didn’t have the real thing. I got down on my knees and wept.”
In 1986, Gage left coaching behind for good and turned to what God had called him to do. But, he says, it wasn’t without taking some of his coaching skills with him.
“The sign of a great coach is getting the most out of your players,” he said. “The same thing goes for the ministry. You want to motivate them to be their best.”
His dynamic motivating style connected with close to 200 students at the morning rally.
“I was ready for something different,” said Tyler Sipes, 17, a senior in the youth group.
“It’s good to have speakers from different aspects of life. If people can relate to a speaker the more likely they are to get something from it.”
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Evangelist Rick Gage continues Go Tell push in U.S. towns
By: Ruth McClellan
Visit www.bpnews.net for the latest news from Baptist Press!
DUBLIN, Ga. (BP)--Year by year, Rick Gage and his evangelistic team stop by a few more towns across America to proclaim the Gospel.
In recent years, the Go Tell crusade itinerary has included Gaffney and Hartsville, S.C.; San Saba and Clarendon, Texas; Prescott, Ariz.; Gainesville, Lincolnton, Swainsboro and Morgan County, Ga.; Gardendale, Ala.; and London, Ky.
“God has burdened my heart to take the Gospel to as many towns as possible in my lifetime,” Gage said.
The Gospel imparts hope -– “hope for the individual, for society and for the world,” he said. “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.”
And at each stop, “people are personally embracing the Gospel message,” Gage said.
In Dublin, Ga., predictions of rain each evening failed to deter thousands from trekking to West Laurens High School Football Stadium earlier this year for a four-night crusade that transcended the soggy weather.
By the conclusion of the outreach, 465 decisions had been recorded, including 211 first-time professions of faith in Christ.
“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,” crusade chairman Skip Evans, a local businessman, said.
“There is excitement in our county,” Evans said. People have continued to talk “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.”
“It was overwhelming to walk through the counseling section in the end zone after each service,” crusade co-chair Anne Payne said, “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 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,” Sloakum continued. “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 worshiping the Lord with us for the first time, and it was truly a beautiful thing to see.”
John Drake, associate pastor of First United Methodist Church and chairman of the crusade’s counselors and follow-up committee, said 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.”
The Go Tell team conducted 14 “On Track” programs in area middle and high schools during the May 7-10 crusade, addressing more than 6,000 students about life’s choices and the dangers of drugs, alcohol abuse, teen suicide and premarital sex.
At Trinity Christian School, students made more than 60 decisions for Christ.
“The crusade was awesome — one of the greatest things that has ever happened in my life,” Trinity student Charlsie Gerrard said. “Our football coach brought the entire team to the crusade straight from practice. They were still in their uniforms.”
More than 4,000 people attended the Wednesday youth night, and 1,000-plus students were treated to free pizza prior to the service.
“As you looked out during the invitation time,” Gerrard said, “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.”
For more information about Rick Gage Go Tell Ministries, e-mail info@gotellministries.com or visit www.gotellministries.com.
Copyright (c) 2006 Southern Baptist Convention, Baptist Press. Visit www.bpnews.net. BP News -- witness the difference! Covering the critical issues that shape your life, work and ministry. BP News is a ministry of Baptist Press, the daily news service of Southern Baptists.
Visit www.bpnews.net for the latest news from Baptist Press!
DUBLIN, Ga. (BP)--Year by year, Rick Gage and his evangelistic team stop by a few more towns across America to proclaim the Gospel.
In recent years, the Go Tell crusade itinerary has included Gaffney and Hartsville, S.C.; San Saba and Clarendon, Texas; Prescott, Ariz.; Gainesville, Lincolnton, Swainsboro and Morgan County, Ga.; Gardendale, Ala.; and London, Ky.
“God has burdened my heart to take the Gospel to as many towns as possible in my lifetime,” Gage said.
The Gospel imparts hope -– “hope for the individual, for society and for the world,” he said. “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.”
And at each stop, “people are personally embracing the Gospel message,” Gage said.
In Dublin, Ga., predictions of rain each evening failed to deter thousands from trekking to West Laurens High School Football Stadium earlier this year for a four-night crusade that transcended the soggy weather.
By the conclusion of the outreach, 465 decisions had been recorded, including 211 first-time professions of faith in Christ.
“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,” crusade chairman Skip Evans, a local businessman, said.
“There is excitement in our county,” Evans said. People have continued to talk “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.”
“It was overwhelming to walk through the counseling section in the end zone after each service,” crusade co-chair Anne Payne said, “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 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,” Sloakum continued. “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 worshiping the Lord with us for the first time, and it was truly a beautiful thing to see.”
John Drake, associate pastor of First United Methodist Church and chairman of the crusade’s counselors and follow-up committee, said 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.”
The Go Tell team conducted 14 “On Track” programs in area middle and high schools during the May 7-10 crusade, addressing more than 6,000 students about life’s choices and the dangers of drugs, alcohol abuse, teen suicide and premarital sex.
At Trinity Christian School, students made more than 60 decisions for Christ.
“The crusade was awesome — one of the greatest things that has ever happened in my life,” Trinity student Charlsie Gerrard said. “Our football coach brought the entire team to the crusade straight from practice. They were still in their uniforms.”
More than 4,000 people attended the Wednesday youth night, and 1,000-plus students were treated to free pizza prior to the service.
“As you looked out during the invitation time,” Gerrard said, “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.”
For more information about Rick Gage Go Tell Ministries, e-mail info@gotellministries.com or visit www.gotellministries.com.
Copyright (c) 2006 Southern Baptist Convention, Baptist Press. Visit www.bpnews.net. BP News -- witness the difference! Covering the critical issues that shape your life, work and ministry. BP News is a ministry of Baptist Press, the daily news service of Southern Baptists.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Eight hundred at "Go Tell Camp," at SFA
By EMILY TARAVELLA, The Daily Sentinel
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Eight hundred junior high and high school students from across the United States are in Nacogdoches this week at "Go Tell Camp," a ministry started in 1989 by Rick Gage, a former college football coach turned evangelist.
Over the past 18 years, more than 75,000 teens and leaders have participated in Go Tell Camps in Georgia, Florida, Texas and Virginia, Gage said.
"It's hard to measure the impact this camp has had on these lives over many years," Gage said. "The two things we're told that people get out of these camps are that they leave with a greater passion for Christ and with a greater passion to reach the unsaved. If we've accomplished that every summer, we've accomplished a lot. We all need a greater passion for the Lord, and we all need a greater passion to reach the lost."
Summer Grove Baptist Church in Shreveport, La. sent about 144 students and 15 adults to camp this week.
DeAnn Bazzell, Kim Thompson and Christa DiPaul, three of the trip sponsors, said the students have been enjoying the activities and speakers.
Josh Davis, winner of five Olympic medals in swimming, spoke to the teens Monday. Rick Stanley, step-brother of Elvis Presley, spoke Tuesday; Danny Forshee, an evangelist from Dallas-Fort Worth spoke Wednesday; and Bo Pilgrim, chairman of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation, will speak Thursday.
"Josh Davis let them pass around his gold medal," Thompson said. "The students actually got to touch it."
Gage said Davis is a friend to the ministry who first spoke at a Go Tell crusade years ago.
"He's a dynamic believer," Gage said. "He's now training for the 2008 Olympics in China. He lives in San Antonio, and he attends (Christian author) Max Lucado's church. He is a charismatic, gifted communicator with a heart for kids."
Gage said Stanley's life story also touches the teens, and he said Forshee is a gifted speaker.
"Bo Pilgrim makes several appearances at our camps each year," Gage said. "He is one of the greatest servants of God I've ever met. He's a big believer in what we do."
In addition to the guest speakers, campers are hearing this week from Larry Graves, camp pastor, who speaks to them about relationships.
Bazzell said she believes her church youth group will gain from this week's experience.
"We want unity for our youth group, and we want them to know what they believe so they will be able to share it," Bazzell said. "We want them to understand biblical conviction."
Lonnie Dunn, a sponsor whom the Summer Grove Baptist teens affectionately call "Papaw," said he hopes each teen will leave camp with "a new touch from the Holy Spirit."
The teens are also taking time this week to write encouraging notes to one another.
In their recreation time, they are competing in sports, swimming and attending workshops, such as the "Common Ground" worship band workshop, and the "From the Branch" drama group workshop.
As part of an outreach project, some of the teens hosted a free carwash Wednesday at Wal-Mart.
Gage and the Go Tell crusade team, which includes Stanley, visit local prisons, youth homes and high schools, where the nationally acclaimed "On Track" school assembly program focuses on life's choices concerning drugs, alcohol abuse, teen suicide and premarital sex, according to a press release from the ministry.
To date, "On Track" has touched 2 million students, according to information from the ministry.
"We cultivate our crusades from the camps," Gage said. "They're like Billy Graham's crusades, except we have them in small towns instead of big cities. We also have an overseas ministry. Since 1992, we've had a ministry in the former Soviet Union, and we'll take 30 or 40 people there in November."
Organizing camps, such as the one at SFA this week, is a year-long process, Gage said.
"We're already making plans for the 2007 camps," he said.
Emily Taravella's e-mail address is etaravella@coxnews.com.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Eight hundred junior high and high school students from across the United States are in Nacogdoches this week at "Go Tell Camp," a ministry started in 1989 by Rick Gage, a former college football coach turned evangelist.
Over the past 18 years, more than 75,000 teens and leaders have participated in Go Tell Camps in Georgia, Florida, Texas and Virginia, Gage said.
"It's hard to measure the impact this camp has had on these lives over many years," Gage said. "The two things we're told that people get out of these camps are that they leave with a greater passion for Christ and with a greater passion to reach the unsaved. If we've accomplished that every summer, we've accomplished a lot. We all need a greater passion for the Lord, and we all need a greater passion to reach the lost."
Summer Grove Baptist Church in Shreveport, La. sent about 144 students and 15 adults to camp this week.
DeAnn Bazzell, Kim Thompson and Christa DiPaul, three of the trip sponsors, said the students have been enjoying the activities and speakers.
Josh Davis, winner of five Olympic medals in swimming, spoke to the teens Monday. Rick Stanley, step-brother of Elvis Presley, spoke Tuesday; Danny Forshee, an evangelist from Dallas-Fort Worth spoke Wednesday; and Bo Pilgrim, chairman of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation, will speak Thursday.
"Josh Davis let them pass around his gold medal," Thompson said. "The students actually got to touch it."
Gage said Davis is a friend to the ministry who first spoke at a Go Tell crusade years ago.
"He's a dynamic believer," Gage said. "He's now training for the 2008 Olympics in China. He lives in San Antonio, and he attends (Christian author) Max Lucado's church. He is a charismatic, gifted communicator with a heart for kids."
Gage said Stanley's life story also touches the teens, and he said Forshee is a gifted speaker.
"Bo Pilgrim makes several appearances at our camps each year," Gage said. "He is one of the greatest servants of God I've ever met. He's a big believer in what we do."
In addition to the guest speakers, campers are hearing this week from Larry Graves, camp pastor, who speaks to them about relationships.
Bazzell said she believes her church youth group will gain from this week's experience.
"We want unity for our youth group, and we want them to know what they believe so they will be able to share it," Bazzell said. "We want them to understand biblical conviction."
Lonnie Dunn, a sponsor whom the Summer Grove Baptist teens affectionately call "Papaw," said he hopes each teen will leave camp with "a new touch from the Holy Spirit."
The teens are also taking time this week to write encouraging notes to one another.
In their recreation time, they are competing in sports, swimming and attending workshops, such as the "Common Ground" worship band workshop, and the "From the Branch" drama group workshop.
As part of an outreach project, some of the teens hosted a free carwash Wednesday at Wal-Mart.
Gage and the Go Tell crusade team, which includes Stanley, visit local prisons, youth homes and high schools, where the nationally acclaimed "On Track" school assembly program focuses on life's choices concerning drugs, alcohol abuse, teen suicide and premarital sex, according to a press release from the ministry.
To date, "On Track" has touched 2 million students, according to information from the ministry.
"We cultivate our crusades from the camps," Gage said. "They're like Billy Graham's crusades, except we have them in small towns instead of big cities. We also have an overseas ministry. Since 1992, we've had a ministry in the former Soviet Union, and we'll take 30 or 40 people there in November."
Organizing camps, such as the one at SFA this week, is a year-long process, Gage said.
"We're already making plans for the 2007 camps," he said.
Emily Taravella's e-mail address is etaravella@coxnews.com.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Crusade kickoff draws 1,000
The Gaffney Ledger
Crusade kickoff draws 1,000
By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Staff Writer
spowell@gaffneyledger.com
Youngsters from Kirby Memorial Baptist Church enjoy a meal before joining 80 church youths as servers at Thursday’s kickoff event for a May 21-24 crusade led by evangelist Rick Gage. Nearly 1,000 people attended the kickoff event at Broad River Electric Convention Center.
Nearly 1,000 local residents attended a kickoff event Thursday evening at the Broad River Electric Convention Center to begin preparations for a crusade that evangelist Rick Gage will lead in May in Gaffney.
Gage hopes the W.K. Brumbach Stadium at Gaffney Middle School will be filled to capacity May 21-24 at 7 p.m. nightly for his Upstate Carolina Go Tell Crusade. Rick Stanley, a half brother of Elvis Presley, is among the guest speakers who will join Gage in sharing the Gospel.
“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.”
It’s a burden Gage has felt since 1986 when he quit his assistant coaching position at Liberty University to follow in his father’s footsteps into full-time evangelism. He had rebelled earlier in his life by becoming involved in alcohol and drugs while pursuing his dream of becoming a college football coach.
“I thought football would fill the hole in my heart. I was wrong,” said Gage in his book “More than a Game.” “The greatest thing a person can do is to bring another person to Christ.”
More than 60 churches have joined Broad River Baptist Association in working with Rick Gage Ministries to plan the crusade. Churches will provide personnel to help with the months of preparation, the actual crusade days and the extensive follow-ups with people who make decisions to follow Jesus Christ.
Local residents are being sought to serve on committees dealing with tasks such as attendance, program arrangements, counseling and follow-ups, fundraising, outreach, music, publicity and ushering. A proposed budget puts the total cost of staging the crusade at $72,000.
It’s an effort which will extend well beyond the 300member community chorus that crusade organizers hope will perform at W.K. Brumbach Stadium.
Ministers will play a key role in the success of the crusade in May.
“The most influential voice in the church comes from the pulpit. We need pastors to give this crusade priority,” Gage said. “Our vision is an army of God working to help share the Gospel.”
Gage is the founder of Go Tell Ministries and holds annual Go Tell summer camps to reach teenagers. He has spoken in many schools about young people’s abuse of alcohol, drugs and other moral issues such as premarital sex.
“We need for teenagers to stand guard against anything that can ruin and destroy their lives,” Gage said. “One of our goals in this crusade is to reach out to teenagers and help them become winners in life.”
Crusade kickoff draws 1,000
By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Staff Writer
spowell@gaffneyledger.com
Youngsters from Kirby Memorial Baptist Church enjoy a meal before joining 80 church youths as servers at Thursday’s kickoff event for a May 21-24 crusade led by evangelist Rick Gage. Nearly 1,000 people attended the kickoff event at Broad River Electric Convention Center.
Nearly 1,000 local residents attended a kickoff event Thursday evening at the Broad River Electric Convention Center to begin preparations for a crusade that evangelist Rick Gage will lead in May in Gaffney.
Gage hopes the W.K. Brumbach Stadium at Gaffney Middle School will be filled to capacity May 21-24 at 7 p.m. nightly for his Upstate Carolina Go Tell Crusade. Rick Stanley, a half brother of Elvis Presley, is among the guest speakers who will join Gage in sharing the Gospel.
“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.”
It’s a burden Gage has felt since 1986 when he quit his assistant coaching position at Liberty University to follow in his father’s footsteps into full-time evangelism. He had rebelled earlier in his life by becoming involved in alcohol and drugs while pursuing his dream of becoming a college football coach.
“I thought football would fill the hole in my heart. I was wrong,” said Gage in his book “More than a Game.” “The greatest thing a person can do is to bring another person to Christ.”
More than 60 churches have joined Broad River Baptist Association in working with Rick Gage Ministries to plan the crusade. Churches will provide personnel to help with the months of preparation, the actual crusade days and the extensive follow-ups with people who make decisions to follow Jesus Christ.
Local residents are being sought to serve on committees dealing with tasks such as attendance, program arrangements, counseling and follow-ups, fundraising, outreach, music, publicity and ushering. A proposed budget puts the total cost of staging the crusade at $72,000.
It’s an effort which will extend well beyond the 300member community chorus that crusade organizers hope will perform at W.K. Brumbach Stadium.
Ministers will play a key role in the success of the crusade in May.
“The most influential voice in the church comes from the pulpit. We need pastors to give this crusade priority,” Gage said. “Our vision is an army of God working to help share the Gospel.”
Gage is the founder of Go Tell Ministries and holds annual Go Tell summer camps to reach teenagers. He has spoken in many schools about young people’s abuse of alcohol, drugs and other moral issues such as premarital sex.
“We need for teenagers to stand guard against anything that can ruin and destroy their lives,” Gage said. “One of our goals in this crusade is to reach out to teenagers and help them become winners in life.”
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Feb. 9 banquet will kick off crusade
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.
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.
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.
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