What began 14 years ago as First Baptist Church Villa Rica’s Gridiron Day has grown into a countywide outreach, with two churches partnering this year to reach students from all five Carroll County high schools in Georgia.
First Baptist Villa Rica hosted about 650 students from Villa Rica and Temple high schools on Aug. 10, while Roopville Road Baptist Church hosted students from the other end of the county. Together, the two events drew more than 1,200 students and reported 177 first-time professions of faith.
Expanding reach
Kevin Williams, senior pastor of First Baptist Villa Rica, said that about three years ago, he began working with Roopville Road Baptist so the outreach could expand to the other end of the county.
“The uniqueness of last night was that for the first time since we started this 14 years ago, we covered all five high schools in our county,” Williams said. “I’ve had a vision and a dream for this event in our county, but also would love to see this happen for every school in our state. But last night was definitely a high point.”
At First Baptist Villa Rica, students from Villa Rica and Temple filled the sanctuary. Football players, cheerleaders and band members were invited, and the program included fight songs, cheer routines, recognition of coaches and school leaders, remarks from both head football coaches, games, prayer, worship and an interview-style message with ESPN analyst and former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy.
Goal
Williams said the goal was not simply to host a football-season event, but to create a clear opportunity to share Christ with students.
“We know that the greatest problem in the world is lostness,” Williams said. “And we at the church have the answer, Jesus Christ. So I think it’s incredible that we can link up with the school system and try to impact the next generation.”
Full story.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Henry Durand and originally published by the Christian Index.
