Coal Country Crusade - GoTell Ministries with Rick Gage

When you mention Log Mountain the thought that comes to mind is Bell County Bobcat Football. This named location is synonymous with football because of the success of the high school program there. This past week the location hosted the Bell County Coal Country Crusade with Evangelist Rick Gage. Rich Gage grow up in Texas but now leads GoTell Ministries from just outside of Atlanta, Georgia. The Log Mountain venue was transformed from the normal setting of football games and track meets to a high energy presentation of the good-news of Jesus Christ. The football field served as center stage for the several thousands who attending and filled the stands throughout the four day crusade event. Each night a mass choir of local congregational members sang and served as back up to the musical team who led the worship. Testimonies were shared by individuals about their encounters with meeting Jesus on a personal level. From heart attacks, overcoming drug addictions, to the stories of growing up without guidance or influence from Christians, each night the testimonies and stories provided the perfect introduction as to who Jesus Christ is, what He came to do and how anyone cold experience a life changing moment. The journey with Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord begins with simply accepting the gift Jesus offers to every person on plant earth...forgiveness. There is no doubt, the hardest person in the world to forgive would be ourselves. We have a way of holding oneself accountable for a lifetime for the wrongs or mistakes we have individually made. In reality, the forgiveness Jesus Christ offers is granted immediately and without any reservations on His part. He came to earth as the obedient son of His father, willing to experience humiliation and the painful death on a cross so that you and I could experience abundant life. The manner in which we grow our personal and individual relationship with Jesus varies from person to person and there is not set of steps 1, 2, and 3 that must be followed. There are however many actions we as followers of Jesus can take that will grow, strengthen and provide us a solid foundation for the abundant life He offers to us. The goal of the Coal Country Crusade organizers was to offer hope and encouragement through the various presentations of the gospel. With an emphasis being placed on coal miners, their families and the youth of our region the impact of the crusade was designed to be a life changing opportunity not only for today's current world conditions but for eternity. The crusade organizers planned speaking events during the day through First Priority Clubs, Fellowship of Christian Athlete organizations and school assemblies. Knox, Bell and Harlan Counties middle schools and high schools reaped the benefits of this specific planning. Addressing social issues that students face, Rick Gage and other speakers made a difference by presenting facts and figures that highlight the conditions student already know exist, but this time with answers and solutions. John 3:17 is a scripture that details clearly the reason for Jesus coming as the baby born in Bethlehem to the risen King from the grave. "He came not to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved". Many folks have a negative opinion of organized religion and rightfully so. Many individuals have been hurt by the actions of people in the name of religion. That is why I'm excited to point out that Jesus Christ isn't a religion. Jesus Christ is a personal Savior and Lord. Christianity is a one on one individual relationship with the creator of universe. You should have your guard up not to allow the opportunity for peace that passes all understanding and hope that carries you through any and all situations be robbed from you. The opportunity to find another start in life is available through Jesus Christ. The chance to be forgiven is yours for the taking. The Coal Country Crusade provides the perfect diamond if you will give Jesus the time to press all the things of your life together. Today is a perfect day to begin your journey. Until then