A Missionary, an Evangelist, and a Preacher

What does a missionary, an evangelist, and a preacher have in common? That's easy! They all spoke at The Great American Fast observance at Lifegate Baptist Church on July 3rd. As so many from across the United Stated gathered privately or with others to call upon their God for His mercy, so did those in Bellefonte, PA.

The weekend actually began on Saturday morning as Evangelist Michael Adams carried his cross through the streets of Bellefonte to Tallyrand Park where we experienced the clear gospel message in the open air. The cross brought many questions and curiosity seekers as we traveled the streets en-route to the park. Once there, there were many more questions and peaked curiosity. Michael had the answers, and a Gospel witness clearly rang out from the gazebo in the center of the park.

Later that evening the speakers gathered at the church for a meal and time of fellowship on the Eve of The Great American Fast. Oh, and did I forget to mention that we took time to pray and give the services of the next day to the Lord?

For me Sunday morning began as I sat on the edge of my bed watching the big, red numbers on my alarm clock tick away. 5:58...5:59...6:00am. As the number hit the 6:00 o'clock hour I could sense a feeling of anticipation and excitement as I realize The Great American fast was underway. I went for an early morning walk with my Lord as I realized there so many other people meeting with Him across the country at the same time.

About 9:00am, we headed to the church to begin preparing for the day. It wasn't long until Michael and his wife Tammy arrived. Close behind was a missionary by the name of Sam Snyder. The Snyders are planning on taking the Gospel to the island of Kiribati. Sam presented their ministry and challenged us from Isaiah chapter six. He spoke of the holiness and purity of God and the urgency of serving Him.

Following Sam's message, we had a time of prayer. After all, a fast is nothing without prayer. Some went into the streets to pray. Others prayed at the church as as we sought the face of God.

Well, we have the missionary and the evangelist. What about the preacher? That's where Pastor Ken Codner of Grace Baptist Church in Spring Mills, PA comes in. He went to passages in II Chronicles 7 and Daniel 9. Everyone was challenged as we began to see the full picture. The Pennsylvania pastor meshed his message perfectly with the Virginia missionary.

But we're not done with that evangelist from Ohio. Michael Adams tied it all together with a message based on Acts 17 "...turning the world upside down". After all, that is the goal of TGAF! He kept the challenges coming, and it was becoming clear that we needed God more than we realized. His message collided beautifully with the other men.

5:00pm brought the closing service, and I think it's safe to say, God met with us throughout the day. Tired and hungry, we broke fast at 6:00pm with spaghetti, salad, and bread prepared by the ladies of the church.

So what does a missionary, an evangelist, and a preacher have in common? They were all used by God to get the attention of His people during The Great American Fast