By Philip Timothy, Baptist Message managing editor
NEW ORLEANS (LBM) — Spiritually, the math is not adding up for the state of Louisiana.
And Steve Horn, executive director of the Louisiana Baptist Convention, wants to see that change.
In his greeting to the more than 700 volunteers from the Southern Baptist Convention of Virginia, Oklahoma, Missouri, Oklahoma, North and South Carolina), Saturday, June 10, for the beginning of Send Relief ‘Serve Tour’ and North American Mission Board’s Crossover at First Baptist Church of New Orleans, Horn said too many people in this state have no relationship with Jesus Christ.
“Louisiana is a state of 4.6 million people, “Horn said. “Eighty percent of the people live at or below the I-10 corridor of which a quarter lives in New Orleans.
“We also believe when we follow census numbers that 155 people die each day in Louisiana,” he continued. “Missionally — when we study these things — 70% of Louisiana is lost. Therefore, 108.5 or 109 of those 155 have no relationship with Jesus Christ. If they would die today, the Bible tells us they would spend eternity in hell.”
“The Bible tells us very specifically in the early church in the Book of Acts that everyday … everyday … the Lord was adding to his church.
Referring to Titus 3:14 …. “Let our people learn to devote themselves to good works for pressing needs so that they will not be unfruitful.”
“Doing something is the call of the Gospel … it is the example of Jesus. As we go out today — be focused on critical needs. What you are doing today is going to count.”
Horn asked the volunteers, “How many times in your life have you not done something — and you said — I should have done something, wished I had done this. Haven’t we’ve all done it.
Now reverse that — how many times has the Spirit of God prompted you to do something and you DID! Even if is not the exact right thing — do something and it will count.
“What you are part of today is the most important thing that will happen this week. This is the call of the Gospel and it will count. May it be so,” said Horn. “May people be saved and added to the church.!”
MOST SATISFYING
Steve Bradshaw, director of Evangelism and Ministry Resources at SBC of Virginia, has been to Crossover every year since it began and this was by for the most satisfying one he has participated in.
“I came alone so I was basically the “Lone Ranger,” Bradshaw said. “My assignment teamed me up with an Oklahoma group whose ministry is grilling and Pastor Thomas Glover, Jr., Faith Is the Victory Baptist Church on the West Bank in Jefferson Parish.”
Instead of having a block party, the church which was “dialed in,” took four-man teams into the community.
“Instead of inviting people to come to the church, the church went to the people,” said Bradshaw.
The team would knock on the door and ask if they would like free hamburgers. While two of the team took the people’s order and went to get it, the other two would stay behind and just talk with the people in the house.
“It starts with a question and that leads to a gospel conversation,” said Bradshaw. “They ask if they can pray for them. Some of the prayers are for health, finances, someone who is suicidal, enough food for the table and many other subjects.”
Bradshaw and the teams began at 10:30 a.m. and worked into the early afternoon.
“At first people were a little hesitant but soon the word spread,” said Bradshaw. “There was a buzz in the community and it jus kept growing.”
As the day went along, team members brought in names, house numbers and needs.
“As much as Faith is the Victory Baptist Church brought into this event, I have no doubt there will be follow ups and people contacted. I also believe there will be souls saved, said Bradshaw. “And this is why this has been the most satisfying Crossover for me.”
