By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer
MANSURA – Powerlifter Steve Carrier performed feats of strength throughout the two-day Momentum Family Crusade in Avoyelles Parish, March 15-16.
But it was the power of the Holy Spirit that was on display in the 100 acts of repentance for salvation and restoration that took place among the 500 people who attended one or both services at the Cochon De Lait Center in Mansura.
The Louisiana Baptist Association-sponsored event was described by organizers as one of the largest evangelistic outreaches for Louisiana Baptists in Avoyelles Parish, with nearly half of the 28 churches in the association participating.
A STRONG PRESENCE
Carrier, who has traveled around the world with MegaForce Ministries to present the Gospel using stunts that feature his unique physical strength to attract crowds, let the Holy Spirit do the heavy lifting in reaching out to those who attended.
“We’re all born with a God-shaped void,” Carrier told the crowd. “You can try to fill it, but you’ll never have complete confidence and peace. What one thing would hold you back tonight from a relationship with God? So many people put God off until tomorrow. But the Bible says today is the acceptable time.”
Louisiana Baptist Association Director of Missions Jacob Crawford led a time of prayer during the Momentum Family Crusade in Mansura. He said prayer was key to a mighty movement of the Holy Spirit during the event. Brian Blackwell photo
Prior to the crusade, volunteers from Life Point Community Church, Mansura, and Philadelphia Baptist Church, Deville, distributed 2,000 fliers to homes and businesses in Mansura. Meanwhile, churches in nearby communities passed out an additional 4,000 leaflets.
Philadelphia’s youth group also got the word out about the crusade through a “trashcan drumline” concert in Mansura, March 16.
Director of Missions Jacob Crawford said prayer was a solid foundation for a mighty movement of God throughout the crusade.
“We have been praying for months for this weekend,” said Crawford, also pastor of Life Point Community Church. “Through the association we prayed. We had several churches come together to put this on. Without prayer there never would have been nearly the response.
A MIGHTY MOVE FORWARD
Presley Bordelon, student pastor of Life Point Community Church, believes seeds were sown and more decisions will follow in the months ahead.
“Seeing God take all the efforts that went into the planning and turn it into a great harvest was very rewarding,” Bordelon said. “We prepared, prayed and just turned it over to God. He did more than we could have ever imagined. So many lives were changed and I believe the effects of this crusade will be felt for many, many months.”
Moving forward, Crawford hopes his association of churches continues to catch the vision of cooperation for the Kingdom.
“It was exciting to see a lot of our churches come together for this event,” Crawford said. “We want our churches to worship, serve and grow together. This was a way we sought to make this happen.
“This crusade helps build momentum evangelistically in the local church,” he continued. “They see the benefit of these mass outreaches and see how effective they are for repentance and revival.
Through this, there will be baptisms and excitement in congregations. And that’s worth everything we put into the planning of the Momentum crusade.”
