For the last 20 years at First Baptist Church, Brewton, the first weekend in February has always meant one thing: the annual Wild Game Supper.
The event — which attracts about 600 community members — is hosted by the Escambia Baptist Association church and always includes a dynamic speaker (often an athlete).
This year, the church had the opportunity to reach even more people as three area schools hosted three members of The Strength Team on Friday before they spoke at the supper on Saturday.
The team is composed of football players, body builders, power lifters, bull riders and other professional athletes who are also Christians called to share their testimonies with school and church groups around the world.
“When they go to the schools, they can’t talk about religious things, but they talk about making the right choice. They have
a program about bullying. They talk about drug abuse and alcohol and things like that,” said John Finklea, associate pastor of First, Brewton.
“These guys don’t just come in and speak; they do great physical feats like break cinder blocks with their hands or heads. They bend steel and horseshoes. They have amazing feats of strength that grab people’s attention.”
On Friday night, the church held a rally as a way for team members to share their testimonies with students.
Of course, the supper was the main event for the weekend. And like the rally, it had more than 1,200 in attendance.
“It was great to see God’s house packed both nights,” Pastor Jack Fitts said.
“I was thrilled to see the church doors open and welcoming all different ages,
stages and races throughout our community.”
About 40 church members were trained to act as counselors for attendees who wanted to learn more about Christianity. They saw 25 decisions for Christ and received numerous prayer requests.
“It’s one of the most amazing events for unchurched people,” Fitts said of the supper. “I like to say, ‘Find out what God is doing and get in on it,’ and I feel like this event helps our church do just that.” (TAB)
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