DIXON – Nearly 700 people of all ages gathered to see members from the Springfield-based action sports ministry, “Real Encounter Outreach,” do motorcycle and bike stunts in the Dixon High School gymnasium, March 26. Members of “Real Encounter” also shared the gospel during the event, drawing more than 100 people to profess faith in Christ.
“It was a huge success,” Rocky Carroll, associate pastor of First Baptist Church, (FBC) Dixon, said. “All in all there were 137 decisions made, of which 107 were for salvation.”
Carroll added that the event “told the community, ‘We’re invested in you.’” He said the event was organized through cooperation between churches throughout Dixon, and it was well received by members of the community. Several people from the community, in fact, felt that “Real Encounter” was the most significant church-related event that had ever been organized in Dixon.
During the event, members of FBC Dixon distributed Bibles that they had received from the Missouri Baptist Convention.
Carroll said that churches throughout the community are following up with those who made decisions. On response cards used at the event, 37 people mentioned that they wanted to speak to someone from FBC Dixon, and people have been “very receptive” as the church has contacted them, Carroll said. FBC Dixon has already celebrated numerous baptisms as a result.
“I would encourage other communities, other churches to contact ‘Real Encounter,’” Carroll said. Churches can learn more about “Real Encounter Outreach” through their website, www.realencounter.org.