Congregations from six counties in Southwest Mississippi are joining together for a large-scale “Go Tell America Crusade” featuring evangelist Rick Gage, scheduled for Oct. 19-22 at King Field on the Brookhaven High School campus. Each evening begins at 7 p.m., and admission is free.
The event brings together churches from Lincoln, Lawrence, Franklin, Copiah, Pike, and Amite counties, representing multiple denominations, all with one mission: to share the Gospel message through worship, testimonies, and nightly sermons.
The planning was a year-long effort, said David Williams, Associational Mission Strategist for the Lincoln Baptist Association.
“I had a burden on my heart about how I could reach Lincoln County for the cause of Christ across denominational and racial lines,” Williams said.
Williams said when Gage reached out about organizing the event, he viewed it as divine confirmation.
“We have an opportunity to make an impact in Lincoln County like we’ve never seen before,” Williams said. “Let’s let go, let God, and say yes to see people come together for the cause of Christ. I don’t want any more of our young people to die by gun violence, suicide, etc. This can be the beginning of a change across the board with our young people, families, etc. The time is urgent. We’re closer today than we were yesterday to the end of times.”
Over the past 14 months, Williams said, churches, pastors, and businesses have collaborated to make the Crusade a reality.
“God’s presence and power has been evident every step of the way. I believe we have a divine moment to see a movement of God like Southwest Mississippi has not seen in our lifetime,” he said.
Worship will be led nightly by Rush of Fools, a Christian band from Birmingham, Ala. Speakers and evangelists will change each evening:
- Sunday: Evangelist Rick Gage, founder and president of “Go Tell Ministries.”
- Monday: Evangelist Rick Runkles of Levelland, Texas, and Cameron Tate, executive director of “Bridging the GAP Ministries” in Jackson.
- Tuesday: Evangelist Adrian Despres, Forge speaker and former University of South Carolina Gamecocks chaplain, and Rev. Luther Martin of Pearl, founder of “Luther Martin Ministries.”
- Wednesday: Youth Night, with Rick Gage returning to speak, and a free car giveaway sponsored by Stan King Super Store of Brookhaven, along with free pizza for all students. Students must be present to win.
Leading up to the Crusade, “ON TRACK” motivational rallies will be held in the area’s schools. The assemblies are not religious but focus on positive decision-making and life choices.
“This has nothing to do with religion, but it has everything to do with being a winner in the game of life,” Gage said. “And taking a stand against anything that could ruin or destroy your future, your mind, or your body.”
Gage said the outreach effort is aimed at reaching the “unchurched.”
“The need for this type of campaign and the need to reach people for Christ has never been greater,” he said.
Williams urged the community to continue praying as the event approaches.
“Pray for individuals who will attend. Pray for those you will invite by name. Pray that the weather will be perfect. Pray for the speakers and the worship team. Pray for counselors, security, ushers, medical personnel, school personnel, student school assemblies, and all logistical decisions being made. Pray for each night that a divine Gospel message, anointed by the Holy Spirit, be heard by everyone who needs to hear it,” he said.
He said that the Crusade’s purpose centers solely on faith and unity.
“This Crusade is all about Jesus,” Williams said. “It’s not about an individual person or group of people; it’s about living and doing the will of God. It’s not about a denomination; it’s about building the Kingdom of God.”
As momentum builds across the region, Williams said he feels the community’s excitement.
“The excitement and energy flowing through and around Lincoln County is magnetic. We need to invite any and every person we meet to this Crusade,” he said.
For additional details or ways to get involved, visit their website.
