Crusade a successful with 350 decisions

Hundreds of people from Choctaw County and surrounding areas gathered Oct. 18-21 at the Ty Cobb Auditorium in Ackerman for the Greater Choctaw County Crusade. After three nights of guest speakers and messages 351 decisions were made and of that 296 were people receiving Christ as their Savior.

Each night was different with special guests, messages from Dr. Jerry Pipes, author and speaker and music from Scott Adkins, worship leader.

Many people couldn't get enough one night, so they returned each night of the Crusade.

Each night was focused toward a different group of people but the main goal of the Crusade was to teach people about Jesus' love, salvation and having a personal relationship with Jesus.

Sunday, Oct. 18, more than 900 people came to hear music from Charles Billingsley, national recording artist and a message from Pipes.

Everyone was surprised Monday, Oct. 20, when Roy Oswalt of Weir and pitcher for the Houston Astros brought his friend and teammate Lance Berkman, first baseman for the Astros.

The packed house, of at least 800 people, was treated to Berkman speaking about his personal relationship with Jesus. Berkman explained how he realized the difference between religion or the routine of religion and a personal relationship with Christ.

After the service, Berkman and Oswalt signed autographs.

On Tuesday, Oct. 20, children at Choctaw County elementary schools were treated to a juggling act by Danya Tison, award-winning juggler, who taught them about making good decisions and a ticket to eat free pizza that night at the Crusade.

Many of the children attended the Crusade that night with their parents and friends for free pizza and another show of juggling by Tison. Approximately 1250 people attended that night.

Wednesday, Oct. 21, the last night of the Crusade drew the largest crowd of 1,800 people. That night everyone enjoyed free pizza and watching Devin Wyman and Keith Davis, both former NFL players, show their strength by a bending 1-inch steel bar and bending a steel skillet into a ball and more.

Wyman and Davis taught the youth, who filled the auditorium, about making the right decisions and living for Christ.

After Pipes message that night, where he described in vivid detail about the physical affects Jesus endured while being beaten and crucified, 100 people made the decision to accept Jesus as their savior.