Revival sweeps across Southwest Georgia counties

BAINBRIDGE — “This regional evangelistic crusade has brought revival to our churches and created a spirit of love and unity to the people of our area that crosses all racial and denominational lines.”

Those were the words of Jimmy Dean, associate pastor of Fellowship Church in Brinson, who helped to spearhead the recent revival in Bowen Association.

Associational Missionary Charles Holland said “We have said, ‘Nobody wants to do the planning and preparation necessary for revival, but people are waiting on a leader. Churches are more willing to work together than we think.’”

Charles Holland, director of missions at the Bowen Baptist Association, and wife Catherine arrive for the revival held at Bainbridge High School Coliseum. During the five-day event 405 salvations were recorded with an average attendance of 1,900. As planning for the revival progressed, said Holland, churches of other denominations became involved. Prior to the revival, a visitation campaign was put in motion where more than 5,000 homes were contacted.

Dean and Holland were reflecting on the “spiritual celebration” held at Bainbridge High School March 19, 21-24. During these five nights 405 were saved and more than 130 other decisions were registered. The average attendance approached 1,900 with a high attendance of over 2,700.

“We have been talking about having such an area wide meeting for years,” Holland declared, “but we didn’t want to do it unless we could open it up to everyone.

“We must have prayed for a decade for the churches to come together and agree to a ‘Crossover Bainbridge’ evangelistic thrust. When the leadership of the Fellowship Church approached me about making the revival they had planned for their church a community wide event, I felt that the time had come and I said, ‘Let’s do it.’

“We took it to the Executive Committee of the Association for their approval. They approved the recommendation and agreed to put $2,500 into the evangelistic effort,” Holland added. “As we moved forward we had churches of other denominations – about 50 in all – join us.”

Such events require much spiritual, physical, and material preparation. Dean helped to form 16 different committees comprising more than 100 people. The region was divided into four quadrants and dates were set for residents to be visited. For four Saturdays beginning on February 28, scores of people blitzed the targeted areas and ultimately visited more than 5,000 homes.

Newton Cranford, pastor of Bethel Church in Brinson, said more than 70 individuals accepted Christ through the door-to-door visitation. He credits the evangelism response to laypersons who received the 59-Minute evangelism training provided by the state convention’s Executive Office for Evangelization.

The meeting place had been determined and guest preachers secured, including Tony Nolan of First Woodstock; Herb Reavis of North Jacksonville Church in Jacksonville, Fla; Phil Hoskins of Higher Ground Church in Kingsport, Tenn.; and Evangelist Jeff Smith from Plant City, Fla.

Casting Crowns, contemporary Christian music artists from Eagle’s Landing First Church, started the series of meetings on March 19 with a concert. Singer/songwriter Mark Hall gave a strong appeal for those present to come to Christ and be saved or rededicate their lives. By the end of the night, more than 100 people came forward to receive salvation.

One of the rededications was 13-year-old Katelyn Brock, a member of Bethel Baptist in Brinson. “The concert Friday night was awesome,” she said. “It was so cool to see people my age worshipping God and coming to Him.”

Dean said, “The music was wonderful. We had a mass choir each night with more than 200 voices and an orchestra. Special music was provided by vocalist Becki Smith, who blessed our hearts.”

The churches in this southwestern corner of Georgia are still buzzing about not only what God has done, but about what he is continuing to do as a result of this heaven-blessed crusade. Every Sunday churches are receiving new believers into their fellowship as they follow up on the decisions that were made; and the people rejoice!

Bowen revival facts
• The revival occurred during five nights in March.
• 405 accepted Christ; 105 other decisions were recorded.
• Average attendance approached 1,900.
• Decatur County was the focus of the event.
• High attendance was more than 2,700.
• More than 5,000 homes were visited.
• More than 70 accepted Christ through home visitation.
• Nearly 50 churches from a variety of denominations participated.