By Message Staff ALEXANDRIA – Eighteen pre-teens responded to Micah Mariano’s call to become fully devoted followers of Jesus during Preteen Invasion Saturday, Aug. 25. “We may think as long as we do life for Jesus on Sunday, Wednesday, and at church camp, we are obeying what God wants,” Mariano said during the annual event for fourth, fifth and sixth graders at Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria. “But what God wants is not our actions. He wants our hearts. He wants every bit of who we are.” Mariano, worship pastor of The FOUR56 Church in San Angelo, Texas, was the main speaker for Pre Teen Invasion. The event also featured music by the worship team from Cypress Baptist Church in Benton and powerlifting demonstrations by Steve Carrier of MegaForce Ministries. David Anderson, children’s ministry strategist for Louisiana Baptists, said Pre Teen Invasion has become the go-to event to celebrate going back to school for younger teens. “I love Preteen Invasion because it gives our fourth, fifth and sixth graders a chance to spend the day hanging out and enjoying being with each other while being pointed directly to Jesus,” Anderson said. “This event, which the Lord has let me be a part of over the years, is easily one … [Read more...]