Middle Florida churches join resources to reach the community

By Lauren Urtel
March 27, 2008

MADISON (FBC)—Coming together to reach Madison County, the churches of the Middle Florida Baptist Association found that working cooperatively they could do more for the kingdom of God.

In the largest evangelistic event in the association’s over 100 year history, 20 churches combined resources to put on the event at the Madison County High School March 2, drawing more than 2200 people from ten different counties.

“We combined a family block party and an evangelism event,” said Gene Stokes, association director of missions.

The block party kicked off the evening as each church hosted a booth on the track around the school’s football field. Following the block party, “Horse Whisperer,” Paul Daily, tamed a wild horse and shared the gospel on the football field.

Churches were asked to host booths for food, games activities and entertainment,” said Stokes. “Many followed through with the rodeo theme of the horse whisperer.”

From food stands to lassoing lessons; from choral presentations to bracelet making, each church “shared their gifts with the community,” said Stokes. “The fellowship along the booths was tremendous, which by itself was worth the whole effort.”

The fellowship was not only between the churches and the crowd but also amongst the church. “There is a buzz in our churches saying we need to do these kinds of event more and that we need to fellowship together more,” said Stokes. “It has been real positive experience.”

During the “Horse Whisperer’s” presentation “people sat spell bound,” said Stokes. Nearly 600 people came out of the stands to the corral on the field during the invitation.

Of those that came forward, 20 persons made decisions to accept Christ as their personal Savior, 200 expressed prayer concerns and over 300 made Christians recommitments.

“The Christians came forward to commit themselves to be accountable,” said Stokes. “They were saying ‘the Lord can count on me.’”

Pastors of the participating churches now have begun following up with those who made decisions.

“This event has just been a blessing, more than any other event we have done,” said Stokes. “Having the two hours for the churches to interact, fellowship and just enjoy one another’s ministry did a lot more than just coming together for the worship experience. The churches are already asking to do it again.”