Ethnic churches take lead as Crossover 2011 approaches

By Texan Staff
September 23, 2011
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IRVING—Ethnic churches in the Irving area, as well as Criswell College in Dallas and First Baptist Church of Euless, will host evangelistic block parties on Saturday, Nov. 12, as a part of the SBTC’s Crossover 2011 evangelistic effort preceding the state convention meeting the following week.

Volunteers from area churches and messengers attending the annual meeting are encouraged to participate.

“Block parties are still a great way to get the community to visit a church,” explained SBTC evangelism associate Jack Harris. Some block parties are held at non-church locations while others utilize the church’s parking lot, he added. “Good block parties have free food, jump houses, community involvement from representatives of the fire, police or perhaps a hospital, live music and a unique gospel presentation.”

Hispanic churches planning to participate include Primera Iglesia Bautista and Iglesia Bautista Nueva Vida in Irving as well as Primera Bautista in Grand Prairie, and two Irving Korean congregations, Crossroad Church and Yullin Global Mission Church. First Baptist Church of Euless will be assisting in the effort with leadership from Ed Kho, minister to Asian communities.

Also, Criswell College is sponsoring a block party outreach near the campus, 4010 Gaston Ave. in Dallas.

“These events continue to be great opportunities to reach the local community,” Harris added. “While folks are enjoying themselves, you can share the gospel in a very relaxed setting.” Contact Harris at 817-614-4453 to volunteer at one of these events.

Churches interested in planning a block party for fall events may be interested in renting one of the tents available for SBTC churches to use.

The 60’ x 80’ tent can seat from 400 to 600 people and is available for a rental fee of $300. The 40’ x 60’ tent can seat approximately 250 to 375 people with a rental fee of $150.

Call Karissa Muilenburg at 1-877-953-7282 or email kmuilenburg@sbtexas.com to see if the tent is available. Once the date is confirmed and a deposit secured, the tent may be picked up two days before the event and must be returned no later than two days afterward.