The fact is Dr. Tony Evans of The Urban Alternative will be here preaching on Monday and Tuesday, April 27 & 28 at the Perry AgriCenter. He is a man of his word, but for the record, he always deals in a professional manner, and we have made a signed contract. The reason he will be here for two nights only is Dr. Evans is never away from his church in Dallas on Sunday or Wednesday.

Chef Audrey George of "Soul Food for the Soul", whose vision it was originally to have a crusade here, prayerfully considered and discussed with me whom we might have for two additional nights. It didn't take long to decide. She had seen a young man named Nick Vujicic whose ministry is called "Life Without Limbs." She shared the video with me, and I was moved beyond words. Nick was born without arms or legs, hands or feet. That's right, Nick has a head and a torso, and the most incredible message of hope and faith you've ever heard! His international ministry has taken him all over the world to share with hundreds of thousands. Rev. Nick will be our speaker for Wednesday and Thursday, April 2930.

Why have a crusade? Aren't those old-fashioned? There are many reasons: 1. ) Pastor after pastor has asked Chef Audrey and me to try again; 2. ) We saw the Body of Christ come together two years ago, and this is something we wanted to build upon; 3. ) People need hope. We are living in some of the most discouraging times in modern history. People are worried and need fellowship and encouragement. There may be those who have never responded to the Gospel who are open as never before. As people have lost jobs, income, possessions, positions, retirement, etc. they are discouraged. If the community beyond the church ever needed to see the Body of Christ rise up and truly act like the Body of Christ, the time is now.

Are there challenges with having a crusade? Oh, let me tell you. It's been an uphill climb, and may continue to be. For starters, the sheer embarrassment and discouragement from two years ago. Then the fact that the previous crusade was scheduled for the McConnellTalbert Stadium, and we were turned down by our local school board to use it this time. I am a taxpayer; I respect that they need to protect the field, but I can't tell you I wasn't still disappointed. (This is why we had to back up and punt on the location, and split the meeting place between Perry and Warner Robins. Thank God for a two-night opening at the Ag-center and for the open heart and mind of my pastor, Dr. Jeff Laborg of Second Baptist Church). Then, of course there's the economy. If there has ever been a time when churches and ministries are watching funds, it's now. So, again, why continue? The best reason the world: because God has laid it on the hearts of a number of local spiritual leaders, and when it gets done this time in the current economic situation, HE will get all the glory! I recently passed by a sign, and this was the message on it: "You are measured by what it takes to stop you." I reflected on how true that is. If something is easy, then it doesn't take much determination to accomplish it. But, if there are trials, then whether or not we are committed to something is truly going to be shown. Joseph was not made bitter by his trials, but was made better. Nehemiah saw insurmountable obstacles until he sought the God of Heaven and saw His Hand at work to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. The apostle Paul didn't let the circumstances about him dictate the condition of his faith or joy, or hope. The question is do we still believe God's Word is relevant to people and their problems, and that God is able to do great things? Chef Audrey and her team believe it is. Do you?

Great music is being planned; some other guests and celebrities will be part of the celebration, including our own local Rev. Willie Raines; pastors will have a chance to meet and fellowship with Dr. Evans. The last two nights of the crusade (which will be at Second Baptist Church) will be for everyone, but will focus on youth as Bro. Nick Vujicic shares his message of faith and joy. We need you to pray for this effort and to encourage your church to be a part of the more than 30 churches that are already committed to seeing this event unfold. God is at work; there is no way we could have gotten a speaker of either of these two men's caliber, much less both of them unless God was in it. (Space does not permit me to recount for you the absolutely remarkable way that came to be, but please ask Chef Audrey to share it with you when you call for information).

What can you do? Pray. But, also make plans to come and support and participate in this once-in-a lifetime opportunity. Bring someone with you who needs to be encouraged, uplifted, or saved. Please call me at 478-987-0005 or Chef Audrey George at 478-320-0875. A community crusade really is going to happen. Please don't miss it!