PARIS, Tenn. (Sept. 11, 2007) – Evangelist Rick Gage, once dubbed “the Small Town Billy Graham” by the Associated Press because of his emphasis on outreaches in small communities, will conduct his Greater Kentucky Lake Go Tell Crusade at Patriot Stadium at Henry County High School Sept. 16-19, 2007, beginning at 7 p.m. each night.
Rick Stanley, step-brother of the late Elvis Presley, will share his testimony at the crusade Sept. 17. Stanley served as personal assistant to Presley and became a Christian shortly after his death. He has been in ministry for more than 25 years, has spoken in more than 4,000 churches and to millions of young people about the problems of alcohol and drugs.
University of Tennessee head football coach Phillip Fulmer will give his testimony via video Sept. 18.
Chuck Sullivan with Chuck Sullivan Music Ministries will serve as worship leader for the crusade, and guest artists Amy Lowry of Nashville and Joy Fowler of Atlanta will perform each night. Sept. 19 is student night, with free pizza offered beginning at 6 p.m.
“We are very excited that Rick Gage is holding a crusade in Paris. He is a dynamic, much sought-after speaker who is making a difference in communities across America,” said Carlton Gerrell, chairman of the Greater Kentucky Lake Go Tell Crusade.
“Rick challenges, inspires, and motivates people of all ages; and we believe his life-changing message will have a very positive influence on our community,” he added.
For more than a decade, Gage has been filling high school football stadiums with Graham-style crusades in small communities like Dalhart, Texas; Gaffney, South Carolina; Gardendale, Alabama; and Dublin, Georgia.
As with Billy Graham Crusades, local churches work together to help make the crusades a success by nurturing new believers as they follow Christ – only there may be dozens of churches instead of hundreds.
“God gave me a heart for rural America,” said Gage whose ministry is headquartered in the Atlanta area. “People in small towns need Jesus just as much as in big towns.”
Over the years, many well-known individuals have spoken on Gage’s platform, including nationally known athletes; two former Miss Americas; and Christian leaders Josh McDowell, Dr. Jerry Falwell, and James Robison. Major college football coaches Tommy Bowden and Mark Richt; Mike Ditka, former coach of the Chicago Bears; and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar all have endorsed his ministry.
Gage and his crusade team also visit local prisons, youth detention centers, and high schools where his nationally acclaimed On Track school assembly program focuses on life’s choices concerning drugs, alcohol abuse, teen suicide, and premarital sex. On Track has touched two million students nationwide.
In addition to crusades, Gage started a Go Tell youth camp ministry in 1989. Since then, Go Tell camps in Colorado, Georgia, Florida, New Mexico, Texas, and Virginia have trained more than 75,000 teens and leaders in evangelism. Camp speakers have included well-known Christian leaders such as Ergun Caner, Johnny Hunt, James Merritt, and Josh McDowell, and professional football players Shaun Alexander and Danny Wuerffel.
Gage’s life story is chronicled in the book More Than a Game. As Mark Richt, head football coach of the University of Georgia Bulldogs, notes in the foreword, “This book is not about football; and actually, it’s not about Rick Gage. It’s about the wonderful grace of God who extends His love to you and me through Jesus Christ.”
For more information about the Kentucky Lake Go Tell Crusade, call (731) 642-4641. For more information about Gage’s ministry, visit www.gotellcrusades.com.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Sunday, August 19, 2007
God blesses GO TELL Ministries’ Costa Rica team
CHANGED LIVES!
God blesses GO TELL Ministries’ Costa Rica team
with wonderful harvest.
Ministering love and hope overseas is a vital aspect of GO TELL Ministries. During a recent overseas trip to Costa Rica, 23 volunteers were blessed to lead 165 precious Costa Ricans to Christ while distributing much Christian literature and humanitarian aid.
“Only 3% of Costa Rica’s 4.5 million people claim to be Christians,” says Rick Gage. “As long as God gives me strength, I will continue to take GO TELL Teams of volunteers overseas to countries like this where the Spirit of God is moving and precious people are hungry for the gospel message.”
“When I signed up to go to Costa Rica, I really didn’t know what to expect since it was my first mission trip,” said Lisa Parrish. “What I walked away with has changed me forever. I came home with a new appreciation for my many blessings and a new appreciation for the work of evangelism. I saw many hungry for the gospel and the truth of Christ, and witnessed many accept Him as Savior. The dedication, love, and commitment of the missionaries serving in that area was unbelievable.
GO TELL Mission Trip RESULTS
• 165 first-time professions of faith in Jesus Christ
• The gospel shared in 12 schools, churches, orphanages, a nursing home, a juvenile jail, on the streets, in homes, and in town squares
• Over 1,000 pounds of food, clothing, and medical supplies distributed
• More than 500 New Testaments given to the Costa Rican people
• 1,200 gospel bracelets given out
• Hundreds of tracts distributed
• 23 team members
“I was particularly moved by two young girls who accepted Christ at a juvenile jail facility. One had murdered a man and was serving a 14-year sentence. She was absolutely amazed to learn that Jesus had died for her sins and that they could be forgiven and washed away. As we prayed with these them and they accepted Christ as Savior, you could feel the strong moving of the Holy Spirit. It was an unforgettable experience to see their lives transformed forever by God.”
One million Costa Ricans, many of them children, live in the refugee camps of San Jose which are literally sunken garbage holes. Their homes are tin shacks.
“What touched me the most about the trip was The Hole,” said Tracy Steward. “It was heart breaking. One particular house we visited had a mom alone, trying to take care of four children. The 18-year-old daughter tried to help out. She spent three days braiding a bag fabric for which she was paid one dollar. Their home had a dirt floor, with some pieces of tin for a roof over some old boards. When it rained their house would flood. It rained every night we were in Costa Rica, and every night I thought of those people. This trip changed me. I had never felt God’s power like I did there. He is an awesome God who loves people and wants us to take them his liberating message.”
“The most heart-touching scene for me was Los Guidos, ‘the Hole.’ It was a dump with people living in it,” wrote 15-year-old Melissa Medley. “I had never left the country, been on a mission trip before, or left my parents for so long, but I knew it was God’s will for me to go, so I left my fears with Him. And the trip was the best thing that ever happened to me. Seeing the look of shock on the faces of the people when they heard that there is a way to heaven and that Jesus loves them and wants to save them, is indescribable. They were so receptive of the hope we gave them and so thankful.
“My whole view of life is different now. I know that God wants me to spread His Word like wildfire. Because of this trip there will be many more mission trips for me.”
Most American children cast a wary eye at big Phil Keown who could double for “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. That’s why Phil was deeply touched when God allowed Costa Rican’s children to be drawn to him and realized his greatest ministry with them. Speaking to a group one day about the love of God, Phil witnessed four adults and several children accept Christ as Savior. “One of the highlights of my trip,” summarized Phil, “was ministering love and hope to a little girl named Cynthia who crawled up in my lap and sat there for two hours while we watched a movie which presented the gospel. That little girl needed the love of Jesus and the human touch to convey that love to her. While seeking to bless her, I was enormously blessed myself.”
Ginger Squires and her two daughters have been attending GO TELL Camps since 2003. “It was at camp that we heard about the Costa Rica trip, and I just knew we all had to go,” said Ginger. “We love GO TELL Camp because Rick Gage’s priority is reaching people for Christ. Our lives and churches are dead without that. I knew this mission trip would be one of the greatest gifts we could give our daughters. Anything you do with GO TELL Ministries leaves you with a changed heart and life forever.
“God often works in strange ways to accomplish His purposes. The greatest impact on my youngest daughter’s life was the outpouring of love she experienced when she got dehydrated. The local pastor and his family took her into their home. Filled with hearts of love, the pastor’s little girls cooled off Roxanne by lovingly washing her hair and caring for her. At the pastor’s request, a disabled, one-armed man brought her fresh coconuts on his bicycle. The demonstration of love my daughter witnessed by people truly sold out to Christ is something that left her changed.”
A school teacher, Laynne Earnest had her summer completely planned out when she heard about the Costa Rica trip. “I wanted to go,” she said, “but there was no way with my schedule.” A sudden illness opened the door for everything to change, and Laynne was able to follow her heart to obey God’s command to “Go.”
“What Satan meant for evil, God used for good,” said Laynne. “The blessings of the trip are too numerous to count. I will never forget witnessing to people on the street. One man in particular will forever be etched in my heart. I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, I was sent to Costa Rica for this divine encounter which resulted in his glorious salvation. George had been contemplating suicide before meeting Christ. Oh, the joy on his face! From darkness to light! To God be the glory!”
God will go to untold lengths to see that people whose hearts are hungry hear the truth of his Word. Laid off from his job of 27 years on June 29th, Alan Cothran was in the midst of a job search when he felt led to go to Costa Rica. He decided to go anyway and to wait on the Lord. Two hours before he left for Costa Rica, Alan received word from a company that he had been hired and that they would gladly wait for him to return from his mission trip. “What a tremendous thing it was,” said Alan “to know that God is always on time in our lives. The trip was such a blessing. What a great thing it was to see the Lord bring 23 different personalities with different lives and stories together in a common bond, with one purpose—to invite others to accept Jesus as Savior. Many of us are already planning to return next summer.”
Pastor Michael Bowen and his wife, Jennifer, took five people from their church who had never been on an overseas mission trip. They already have over 20 who plan to go on a GO TELL mission trip next year. “It was a great trip,” said Michael. “It is so wonderful to be able to minister to people who are hungry for the gospel. They are amazed at the message of hope in Christ Jesus and amazed at the words of Scripture. What a tremendous blessing it was for a girl on our team to lead her first person to Christ. I don’t know who was happier—she or the teenager she led to Christ.”
“This mission trip was absolutely amazing and life changing,” said Brookes Brinson. “The elderly people at the nursing home captured my heart, as did the orphans who have nothing. My heart was broken for little children living in The Hole whose mothers leave them alone while they go out trying to earn a meager living. All of them were so eager to know and learn about Jesus. The missionaries and the translators work so hard and are so dedicated.
“A precious memory for me was of a lady on a bench in downtown San Jose who motioned to me to come and talk to her. As I told her the story of Jesus, I could just see her heart begin to melt. After we prayed and she accepted Christ, she got up and began to skip around. She was so happy she kissed both me and the translator on both cheeks before she skipped away. How you can ever be the same again after that, I don’t know.”
“The Lord blessed and moved in powerful ways in San Jose and the surrounding areas, changing precious souls for all eternity,” said leader Bob Thompson. “It was an awesome thing to be in on what God is doing around the world in the lives of people hungry for the gospel message. I count it a great privilege to be used to usher people into His Kingdom.”
For more information about GO TELL Ministries, call 1-866-I-GO-TELL; email at info@gotellministries.com or visit the website at www.gotellminitries.com.
God blesses GO TELL Ministries’ Costa Rica team
with wonderful harvest.
Ministering love and hope overseas is a vital aspect of GO TELL Ministries. During a recent overseas trip to Costa Rica, 23 volunteers were blessed to lead 165 precious Costa Ricans to Christ while distributing much Christian literature and humanitarian aid.
“Only 3% of Costa Rica’s 4.5 million people claim to be Christians,” says Rick Gage. “As long as God gives me strength, I will continue to take GO TELL Teams of volunteers overseas to countries like this where the Spirit of God is moving and precious people are hungry for the gospel message.”
“When I signed up to go to Costa Rica, I really didn’t know what to expect since it was my first mission trip,” said Lisa Parrish. “What I walked away with has changed me forever. I came home with a new appreciation for my many blessings and a new appreciation for the work of evangelism. I saw many hungry for the gospel and the truth of Christ, and witnessed many accept Him as Savior. The dedication, love, and commitment of the missionaries serving in that area was unbelievable.
GO TELL Mission Trip RESULTS
• 165 first-time professions of faith in Jesus Christ
• The gospel shared in 12 schools, churches, orphanages, a nursing home, a juvenile jail, on the streets, in homes, and in town squares
• Over 1,000 pounds of food, clothing, and medical supplies distributed
• More than 500 New Testaments given to the Costa Rican people
• 1,200 gospel bracelets given out
• Hundreds of tracts distributed
• 23 team members
“I was particularly moved by two young girls who accepted Christ at a juvenile jail facility. One had murdered a man and was serving a 14-year sentence. She was absolutely amazed to learn that Jesus had died for her sins and that they could be forgiven and washed away. As we prayed with these them and they accepted Christ as Savior, you could feel the strong moving of the Holy Spirit. It was an unforgettable experience to see their lives transformed forever by God.”
One million Costa Ricans, many of them children, live in the refugee camps of San Jose which are literally sunken garbage holes. Their homes are tin shacks.
“What touched me the most about the trip was The Hole,” said Tracy Steward. “It was heart breaking. One particular house we visited had a mom alone, trying to take care of four children. The 18-year-old daughter tried to help out. She spent three days braiding a bag fabric for which she was paid one dollar. Their home had a dirt floor, with some pieces of tin for a roof over some old boards. When it rained their house would flood. It rained every night we were in Costa Rica, and every night I thought of those people. This trip changed me. I had never felt God’s power like I did there. He is an awesome God who loves people and wants us to take them his liberating message.”
“The most heart-touching scene for me was Los Guidos, ‘the Hole.’ It was a dump with people living in it,” wrote 15-year-old Melissa Medley. “I had never left the country, been on a mission trip before, or left my parents for so long, but I knew it was God’s will for me to go, so I left my fears with Him. And the trip was the best thing that ever happened to me. Seeing the look of shock on the faces of the people when they heard that there is a way to heaven and that Jesus loves them and wants to save them, is indescribable. They were so receptive of the hope we gave them and so thankful.
“My whole view of life is different now. I know that God wants me to spread His Word like wildfire. Because of this trip there will be many more mission trips for me.”
Most American children cast a wary eye at big Phil Keown who could double for “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. That’s why Phil was deeply touched when God allowed Costa Rican’s children to be drawn to him and realized his greatest ministry with them. Speaking to a group one day about the love of God, Phil witnessed four adults and several children accept Christ as Savior. “One of the highlights of my trip,” summarized Phil, “was ministering love and hope to a little girl named Cynthia who crawled up in my lap and sat there for two hours while we watched a movie which presented the gospel. That little girl needed the love of Jesus and the human touch to convey that love to her. While seeking to bless her, I was enormously blessed myself.”
Ginger Squires and her two daughters have been attending GO TELL Camps since 2003. “It was at camp that we heard about the Costa Rica trip, and I just knew we all had to go,” said Ginger. “We love GO TELL Camp because Rick Gage’s priority is reaching people for Christ. Our lives and churches are dead without that. I knew this mission trip would be one of the greatest gifts we could give our daughters. Anything you do with GO TELL Ministries leaves you with a changed heart and life forever.
“God often works in strange ways to accomplish His purposes. The greatest impact on my youngest daughter’s life was the outpouring of love she experienced when she got dehydrated. The local pastor and his family took her into their home. Filled with hearts of love, the pastor’s little girls cooled off Roxanne by lovingly washing her hair and caring for her. At the pastor’s request, a disabled, one-armed man brought her fresh coconuts on his bicycle. The demonstration of love my daughter witnessed by people truly sold out to Christ is something that left her changed.”
A school teacher, Laynne Earnest had her summer completely planned out when she heard about the Costa Rica trip. “I wanted to go,” she said, “but there was no way with my schedule.” A sudden illness opened the door for everything to change, and Laynne was able to follow her heart to obey God’s command to “Go.”
“What Satan meant for evil, God used for good,” said Laynne. “The blessings of the trip are too numerous to count. I will never forget witnessing to people on the street. One man in particular will forever be etched in my heart. I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, I was sent to Costa Rica for this divine encounter which resulted in his glorious salvation. George had been contemplating suicide before meeting Christ. Oh, the joy on his face! From darkness to light! To God be the glory!”
God will go to untold lengths to see that people whose hearts are hungry hear the truth of his Word. Laid off from his job of 27 years on June 29th, Alan Cothran was in the midst of a job search when he felt led to go to Costa Rica. He decided to go anyway and to wait on the Lord. Two hours before he left for Costa Rica, Alan received word from a company that he had been hired and that they would gladly wait for him to return from his mission trip. “What a tremendous thing it was,” said Alan “to know that God is always on time in our lives. The trip was such a blessing. What a great thing it was to see the Lord bring 23 different personalities with different lives and stories together in a common bond, with one purpose—to invite others to accept Jesus as Savior. Many of us are already planning to return next summer.”
Pastor Michael Bowen and his wife, Jennifer, took five people from their church who had never been on an overseas mission trip. They already have over 20 who plan to go on a GO TELL mission trip next year. “It was a great trip,” said Michael. “It is so wonderful to be able to minister to people who are hungry for the gospel. They are amazed at the message of hope in Christ Jesus and amazed at the words of Scripture. What a tremendous blessing it was for a girl on our team to lead her first person to Christ. I don’t know who was happier—she or the teenager she led to Christ.”
“This mission trip was absolutely amazing and life changing,” said Brookes Brinson. “The elderly people at the nursing home captured my heart, as did the orphans who have nothing. My heart was broken for little children living in The Hole whose mothers leave them alone while they go out trying to earn a meager living. All of them were so eager to know and learn about Jesus. The missionaries and the translators work so hard and are so dedicated.
“A precious memory for me was of a lady on a bench in downtown San Jose who motioned to me to come and talk to her. As I told her the story of Jesus, I could just see her heart begin to melt. After we prayed and she accepted Christ, she got up and began to skip around. She was so happy she kissed both me and the translator on both cheeks before she skipped away. How you can ever be the same again after that, I don’t know.”
“The Lord blessed and moved in powerful ways in San Jose and the surrounding areas, changing precious souls for all eternity,” said leader Bob Thompson. “It was an awesome thing to be in on what God is doing around the world in the lives of people hungry for the gospel message. I count it a great privilege to be used to usher people into His Kingdom.”
For more information about GO TELL Ministries, call 1-866-I-GO-TELL; email at info@gotellministries.com or visit the website at www.gotellminitries.com.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Gage returning to midstate with another Go Tell Crusade
Evangelist Rick Gage, who has been called the "small-town Billy Graham," will hold a kickoff banquet Jan. 8 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry to gear up for an upcoming crusade in Warner Robins.
The Mid-State Go Tell Crusade is planned for April 29-May 2 at McConnell-Talbert Stadium.
For a decade, Gage, a former college football coach, has been filling high school football stadiums with Graham-style crusades in small communities like Dalhart, Texas; Gaffney, S.C.; Gardendale, Ala.; and, earlier this year, Dublin.
"We are very excited that Rick Gage is holding a crusade in Warner Robins. He is a dynamic, much sought-after speaker who is making a difference in communities across America," Audrey George, chairwoman of the Mid-State Go Tell Crusade, said in a release.
"Rick challenges, inspires and motivates people of all ages, and we believe his life-changing message will have a very positive influence on our community."
The kickoff banquet will be at 7 p.m. Jan. 8 at the Miller-Murphy-Howard Building at the Georgia National Fairgrounds. James Merritt, past president of the Southern Baptist Convention, will be the guest speaker.
For banquet ticket information, call 953-7480 or visit the crusade Web site at http://www.midstategotell.vze.com/. For more about Gage's ministry, visit http://www.gotellcrusades.com/.
The Mid-State Go Tell Crusade is planned for April 29-May 2 at McConnell-Talbert Stadium.
For a decade, Gage, a former college football coach, has been filling high school football stadiums with Graham-style crusades in small communities like Dalhart, Texas; Gaffney, S.C.; Gardendale, Ala.; and, earlier this year, Dublin.
"We are very excited that Rick Gage is holding a crusade in Warner Robins. He is a dynamic, much sought-after speaker who is making a difference in communities across America," Audrey George, chairwoman of the Mid-State Go Tell Crusade, said in a release.
"Rick challenges, inspires and motivates people of all ages, and we believe his life-changing message will have a very positive influence on our community."
The kickoff banquet will be at 7 p.m. Jan. 8 at the Miller-Murphy-Howard Building at the Georgia National Fairgrounds. James Merritt, past president of the Southern Baptist Convention, will be the guest speaker.
For banquet ticket information, call 953-7480 or visit the crusade Web site at http://www.midstategotell.vze.com/. For more about Gage's ministry, visit http://www.gotellcrusades.com/.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Rick Gage Team Ministers Hope in Russia
“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.
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 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.
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