The Gaffney Ledger
Bowden will share faith during crusade via video
By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Staff Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com
Clemson Head Football Coach Tommy Bowden will share his Christian faith via video on Youth Night of a May crusade in Gaffney.
Bowden is entering his eighth year at Clemson, where he has a 52-33 overall record and six bowl appearances. He was named ACC Coach of the Year in 1999 and 2003 and ranks third behind Frank Howard and Danny Ford in total wins at Clemson.
While prior scheduling conflicts prevented Bowden from making a personal appearance, crusade chairman Sam Burns said organizers are pleased the Clemson coach's message will still be heard.
"It warms my heart for someone who coaches our young people to be willing to express his faith in this way," Burns said. "He shows the type of leadership we need to see from all of our coaches and youth leaders."
A devout Christian, Bowden has spoken in several Cherokee County churches and has provided a videotape for use at the Upstate Go Tell Crusade. Bowden was presented the Grant Teaff Coach of the Year Award in January by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
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.
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.
Bowden's video testimony will be shown at Youth Night on May 24. A free "pizza blast" will be held at 6 p.m. before the program.
"We are still trying to get several football players from Clemson to come for our Youth Night on Wednesday," Broad River Baptist Association Director of Missions Donnie Padgett said. "We hope the football players will be able to speak in some of our schools and then spend time with our youth that evening."
Rick Stanley, Elvis Presley's stepbrother, will speak at the crusade 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, Pilgrim's Pride, 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.
