Two years of prayer, planning result in successful revival
Wright-Douglas-Ozark Baptist Association holds 2 weeks of services, reaps 157 decisions
By Staff
July 12, 2005
MANSFIELD – After two years of prayer and planning, the Wright-Douglas-Ozark Baptist Association headquartered here entered into a “Simultaneous Crusade” over a recent two-week period which saw 48 people receive Christ.
In addition, 83 people made rededications, 13 answered calls to enter the Gospel ministry. All totaled, 157 public decisions were made during the crusade in which churches in the southern half of the association had their revival services the first week (April 24-30) and churches in the northern half had services the second week (May 1-8). Dick Wakefield, director of missions for the association, said 22 of the association’s 25 churches participated, with 18 reporting results.
“The association spent almost exactly $5,000 in preparation and promotion of the crusade, including quarter page ads in all the newspapers covering the three counties, as well as mailing a colorful brochure into every home in the three county area,” Wakefield said. “About 20,000 brochures were mailed.”
The crusade began with a kickoff rally at First Baptist Church, Mansfield, on April 23. Jay Scribner, pastor, First Baptist Church, Branson, was the featured speaker and challenged the members of the association to be diligent in witnessing. The rally featured a praise team and a men’s Gospel quartet from Second Baptist Church, Springfield. Joe Crider, worship leader, Second Baptist Church, Springfield, led the congregational singing.
“The Crusade Planning Team consisted of five pastors from within the association along with the moderator, chairman of evangelism and myself,” Wakefield said. “The group was faithful in meeting on a monthly basis for more than a year to pray, plan and prepare.”
He added that it appeared that the revival was continuing with decisions being made at several area churches, while others are experiencing above-average attendance.