About 1,200 men and boys braved high winds and heavy rain to get to the Tom Harbin Farm Center in Luverne on Feb. 28 so they could enjoy a full menu of swamp fare: frog legs, crawfish and alligator, to name a few delicacies.
The event was the 14th annual Swamp Supper, sponsored by Crenshaw County churches of various denominations with the hope that the live bluegrass and gospel music and time of fellowship would lead those present to feast on something even better — Jesus.
“We had men come from across Alabama and from every surrounding state,” said Mike Green, pastor of South Luverne Baptist Church in Alabama-Crenshaw Baptist Association. “In the past, we’ve seen men come from as far away as Connecticut and Michigan. It’s always a great gathering.”
The Swamp Supper began in 1996, when a dozen men got together for a wild-game fellowship at the cabin of South Luverne Baptist deacon Dennis Moseley. The group quickly recognized the potential for ministry to men and began to promote the supper in the area. The next year saw 80 men in attendance, and the number has grown steadily ever since.
Steve Defee, pastor of Luverne First Assembly of God, got involved the third year and has become the unofficial emcee of the event. “We’re just a group of guys who love the Lord and love to get together and have fun,” Defee said. “The Swamp Supper isn’t about any particular church or group. It’s not about South Luverne Baptist or First Assembly. It’s about Jesus Christ and sharing Him with the men who come.”
And it’s a community effort, noted Don Yancey, director of missions for Alabama-Crenshaw Association. He explained that the Harbin center provides the space at no cost, the cooks all cover their own expenses and this year, Tom Regal, a local merchant and member of South Luverne Baptist, even donated a Taurus pistol as a door prize. The association assists with promotion, sending out hundreds of fliers, and follow-up.
“We really do try to get everyone involved,” Defee added. “We always say that on the first year, you come as a guest, but after that, you have to cook, sing or speak.”
There’s ministry potential in each one of those activities. “It really is a model of Intentional Evangelism,” Yancey said.
Then there is the obvious method of sharing the gospel: the message. This year, Texas evangelist Jessie Bynum shared his testimony of deliverance from alcoholism and about 10 people responded to the invitation by filling out a card.
In the days following the event, the pastors involved check in with those who made a decision to discuss baptism and discipleship opportunities. “Simply put, our purpose is to reach men for Jesus,” Green said.
The Swamp Supper takes place on the last Saturday of February every year. For more information, visit www.crenshawswampsupper.com.
Share with others: