On Nov. 9, CrossOver Alexandria ends 16 months of planning and hard work, but begins what organizers hope to be a spiritual awakening throughout the area and state.
ALEXANDRIA – On Nov. 9, CrossOver Alexandria ends 16 months of planning and hard work, but begins what organizers hope to be a spiritual awakening throughout the area and state.
This major outreach effort, the second to be held in Louisiana, precedes the 160th annual meeting of the Louisiana Baptist Convention on Nov. 12-13 and is set to start at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the Alexandria Riverfront Convention Center.
It promises to be an extraordinary event.
“We don’t want to limit God, but we are hoping we get in excess of 10,000 people over the three days,” said Kevin Roberts, event organizer and associate pastor at Philadelphia Baptist Church in Deville, La. “And we would love to have 500-plus professions of faith, but that’s just an estimate. I don’t want to limit God or His work, because He could very well blow our socks off if He wants to do so.”
Crossover, sponsored by the North American Mission Board in cooperation with local churches and associations, is an evangelistic thrust to reach the unchurched in the host area.
The weekend is patterned after the national event, which for the past 19 years has taken place the weekend before the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting.
During this time, thousands of volunteers have brought the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the streets and parks across the country through a variety of family-oriented events and activities and have helped thousands to come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
“We have enlisted the aid of a small army of volunteers,” Roberts said. “We have been planning as if no one from outside would be here to help us,” Roberts said. “We knew this wasn’t going to be the case, but we planned on pulling this event off with just the volunteers from our local churches. As others volunteer we will pair them up with the event coordinators.
“In one aspect, a revival has already taken place. I believe the coming of this event has led to our local churches working more closely together. It is almost like it was an Acts 1:8 Challenge event … our churches have come together for the sake of the Kingdom.” Roberts said.
CrossOver begins at 5:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 9, in the parking lot of the Rapides Parish Coliseum with Extreme Motorcycle Exhibition. In addition to different stunts, the bikers and skateboarders will present the Gospel.
“Hopefully, a number of kids that come to the event will come to know Jesus Christ at this time,” Roberts said. “We are excited about Friday’s event, but out biggest outreach efforts will take place the next day at the four block parties.”
The four block parties will be held simultaneously. Three will be held in Alexandria – Jackson Street, behind Checkers; Bolton Street Community Center, Frank O. Hunter Park in the Peabody area — and the other will take place in Pineville at Kees Park. Each event features door prizes, giveaways, free food, face painting, games, jumpers, music and other family friendly activities.
Not only will volunteers from area churches staff these block parties, but also volunteers from NAMB’s ICE – Inner City Evangelism – team, and members from the Louisiana College and the Louisiana State University at Alexandria BCMs.
“While everything is free, those who attend must register,” Roberts said. “By registering people we will be able to pass on the information to our area churches, so they can follow up with those who may be looking for a church to attend.”
Saturday evening at 7 p.m., CrossOver moves to the rodeo arena at LSUA where Christian bull riders will put on a bull-riding display and then share the Gospel with those in attendance.
The weekend concludes Sunday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. at the Alexandria Amphitheater with a patriotic salute. Following a flyover by the Louisiana Air National Guard down Red River and singing by the massed choirs, nationally known Clebe McClary, a highly decorated Viet Nam veteran, will speak to the crowd. The event will conclude with the massed choir singing God Bless the U.S.A. and a firework display by the City of Pineville.
“Governor-elect Bobby Jindal is tentatively scheduled to attend the event Sunday evening to share his testimony,” Roberts said. “We hope God will use these events as a catalyst to a spiritual revival. We are hoping it proves to be an extraordinary event for all.”