By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer
LEESVILLE, La. (LBM) – Approximately 47 people (of a crowd of about 1,000 who attended on “Church Night”) responded to a plea to make a decision for Christ during the opening service of the West CENLA GO TELL America Crusade in the Leesville High School football stadium, April 13.
At the invitation brought by Rick Gage, founder of GO TELL Crusades in Duluth, Ga., 23 attendees repented and declared Christ as Lord of their lives and another 24 repented for restoration with Christ.
Earlier that morning, 10 people turned to Christ after a message to the First Baptist Church, Anacoco, by Ken Freeman, an evangelist from Martindale, Texas, and another five accepted the Lord after a message by Gage to the Good Hope Baptist Church, Anacoco.
Additionally, a trustee with the Vernon Parish Jail became a Christ follower while setting up the crusade stage on April 11. After the crusade team had a time of prayer on the football field, a trustee began asking questions about why they prayed and the purpose of the event. Moments later, the trustee placed his faith in Christ and has asked to be baptized soon, according to Chad King, pastor with FBC Anacoco.
“It was a great moment because it affirmed that God had His hand on this crusade,” King told the Baptist Message. “It’s been amazing how people from all denominations have come together and are willing to work, serve and participate this week after months and months of planning. We’re trusting, praying and seeking that God will continue to do amazing things this week.”
Jimmy Haymon, a deacon with Good Hope Baptist, said the movement of the Holy Spirit in his church on April 12 and then the unity among churches of different denominations has been inspiring.
“It’s all worth it if just one soul comes to Christ,” he said. “But the Spirit has been moving in our church, in other churches and at the crusade to bring us all together. The Lord has just taken control.”
Gage shared the Gospel on April 13 with inmates in the Vernon Parish Jail. Of those, 14 men, one deputy, and 15 women made decisions.
Earlier in the day, Evangelist Ken Freeman shared words of encouragement with students in four area schools. He also invited them to the crusade sessions.
The GO TELL Crusade continues through April 15 in the stadium, held at 7 p.m., nightly. Those giving a Gospel message the rest of the week are Freeman, Evangelist Tony Nolan (April 14) and Gage (April 15). The award-winning Christian band Rush of Fools will share about Christ through music.
Also sharing testimonies throughout the remainder of the crusade are Fort Polk Post Command Sgt. Major Oracio Pena, USA (April 13), Lt. Gen. Jerry Boykin, USA (Ret), a former member of the U.S. Army Special Forces Command (April 14) and Louisiana Christian University President Mark Johnson (April 15). Kevin Mawae Pro Football Hall of Famer (a Leesville native) shared his testimony on April 12.
“There is nothing more dear to God’s heart than the salvation of sinners,” Gage said. “There is no hidden agenda. We are going after lost souls. “We are going after the crowd that doesn’t go to church,” he said. “Jesus said we are to go out to them.”
