Connecting the Next Generation to the Gospel
Two weeks, eight tour locations, four worship band members, and one illusionist all add up to equal hundreds of students across Indiana hearing the gospel. The Next Gen Evangelism Tour was the vision of Scooter Kellum, Team Leader of Church and Leader Mobilization. He dreamed of hosting an event that would bring students together to share the gospel in a fun and unique setting, and from what we are hearing from those who attended, this event was a huge success. After two weeks of ministry, there are numerous stories of God’s work among the students in attendance. Here are just a few of the things God did on the tour:
Zack Newsome from Northwoods Church shares, “Bryce came to Christ this past summer at camp. He has been radically changed since his conversion just a few months ago. He has led the way in creating an inviting culture in the life of our student ministry. He has brought several new students with him to church week after week. At our Next Gen Night of Worship & Show event, Bryce brought yet another student with him. By God’s grace, God saved Bryce’s friend Max that night! We are praising God for what He is doing at Northwoods! Thank you SCBI for your partnership in the gospel!”
Sheila Gustafson from Indiana University Southeast shares, “Through our NAMB grant we were able to feed over 70 students before the event. We had 58 students/community members attend the show. Approximately 15 students who are not regular attendees at the Christian Student Fellowship (CSF) came to the event. We had hoped to draw in students who haven’t attended CSF since we held the event on campus. We had 2 young women respond during the invitation time. They spoke with two of our CSF leaders and those women are planning to disciple them through our women’s ministry.
The event also spiritually fed our student leaders who are usually out front leading our weekly ministry. That was a plus because we all need to be fed from time to time.”
Mitch Tabla from Northwest Baptist Association shares, “Partnership has the incredible ability to bring together people! In this case, it brought together six different churches from across two counties, all under one roof, to collectively praise the name of Jesus. The experience of that sweet Wednesday evening in September was nothing short of heavenly. There were no walls dividing congregations; instead, everyone gathered in unity in the name of Jesus. The Northwest Indiana Baptist Association and Valparaiso Baptist Church would like to share a heartfelt word of gratitude to the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana for making this memorable night possible. It would not have been possible without their support in securing Bryan Drake as our illusionist and the Ryan John band to provide uplifting music.”
We join in praising God for His work during the tour. We prayerfully look forward to how God will continue to work in the hearts of students as local leaders disciple and minister to them.