Gov. Sonny Perdue will speak May 1 at the Mid-State Go Tell Crusade.

"We are very excited to have Gov. Perdue join us at the Mid- State Go Tell Crusade," said Rick Gage, founder of Go Tell Ministries in Atlanta. "He is a committed follower of Jesus Christ, and we are grateful he has taken time out of his busy schedule to be part of the crusade."

Perdue was born in Perry and attended Warner Robins High School. He earned a doctorate in veterinary medicine in 1971 from the University of Georgia. Before his run for governor, Perdue served his local community, as well as Middle Georgia, the state and the nation in a variety of roles. He has been a businessman, community leader, Sunday school teacher, state senator, majority leader and President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate, as well as an officer in the United States Air Force.

Pilgrim's Pride Corporation Chairman Bo Pilgrim, out of Pittsburgh, Texas, also will speak May 1 at the crusade. Pilgrim's Pride is the second largest poultry company in United States, with more than 40, 000 employees.

"We echo Rick's excitement in holding a crusade here in Warner Robins! He challenges, inspires and motivates people of all ages, and we believe his lifechanging message will have a very positive influence on our community," said Chef Audrey George, chairman of the Mid- State Go Tell Crusade.

"In addition to Gov. Perdue's and Mr. Pilgrim's visit, we're also excited to have our very own Mayor Donald Walker; Lauren Ledbetter, Miss Warner Robins 2007; and possibly Amanda Kozak-Miss Georgia 2006 and other local ‘celebrities' participating. We're looking forward to a powerful move of God each night at the McConnell-Talbert Stadium," she added.

The Associated Press dubbed Gage "the Small Town Billy Graham" because of his emphasis on outreaches in small communities.

For more information about the Mid-State Go Tell Crusade, visit www.MidStateGoTell.vze.com.

For more information about Gage's ministry, visit www.gotellcrusades.com.