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AUSTIN?Through six days of evangelism rallies, door-to-door surveys and a first-ever 5K race, Southern Baptists in the Austin area helped lead 85 people to faith in Christ. The annual SBTC Crossover evangelism effort preceded the SBTC annual meeting, held Nov. 13-14 at Great Hills Baptist Church in Austin.
Michael Lewis, pastor of Great Hills Baptist Church, said the evangelism rallies held Nov. 5-9 with former SBC president Bobby Welch were well attended and fruitful. The rallies were held at Anderson Mill Baptist Church in Austin, Andice Baptist Church in Florence, Oak Meadow Baptist Church in Austin, Hays Hill Baptist Church in Buda, and High Pointe Baptist Church in Austin.
Welch’s authenticity and warmth was evident as the two walked a neighborhood in northwest Austin, Lewis said. Welch, upon being greeted at a front door by a heavily tattooed man with an intimidating physical presence, told the man that between the two of them, Welch thought they could whip everyone in the neighborhood. Welch’s humor provided a rapport with the man, whom Lewis said broke down in tears when confronted with the gospel. Before they left the house, the man prayed to accept Christ, Lewis told the TEXAN.
At the inaugural “Race Against Time,” an officially timed 5k race coordinated with the City of Austin recreation department and held at Anderson Mill Baptist Church, two police officers prayed for salvation. The race raised over $13,000 for a Baptist AIDS/HIV ministry in South Africa and drew more than 300 runners.
SBTC Director of Evangelism Don Cass said: “I think Crossover Austin was a great success. And there were two main reasons. First, Michael Lewis was our chairman and he did a great job. He loves the pastors in the Austin area and they love and respect him. And Jack Harris (SBTC senior associate for personal and event evangelism) did a fantastic job. The ‘Race Against Time,’ which he helped coordinate with Austin-area pastors, drew more than 300 people who heard a clear and compelling gospel presentation after the race.’
“I think Crossover is gaining momentum and I pray we can see hundreds or even thousands more Texas Southern Baptists joining in Crossover each year, sharing the gospel with their neighbors.
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