The Gaffney Ledger

Churches prepare for Rick Gage crusade

By SCOTT BAUGHMAN Ledger Staff Writer scottb@gaffneyledger.com

"This evangelist will tell the truth to young people. Society will not tell young people the truth," said Emily Dale, a student at Spartanburg Technical College who's looking forward to the Go Tell Upstate Rick Gage Crusade coming to Gaffney.

"Having the Crusade come to the Upstate is a good thing," she added. "There is even a special night for youth."

Dale is one of many local church members who are preparing for the former football coach-turned minister to arrive in town for the first tent crusade in the city in almost three decades. She shared her excitement with Crusade workers at a recent meeting.

An army of volunteers, led by Crusade Committee Chairman Sam Burns, has been working almost around the clock to get ready for the event.

Dale's church, Restoration Church of Gaffney, is one of 60 participating in the crusade, scheduled for May 21-24 at the W.K. Brumbach Stadium.

"Emily is a spiritual model for our youth," remarked Rev. Joey Turner,
pastor at Restoration. For Dale, the truth that many young people seek is already clear.

"The truth is," said Emily. "That answer that young people want when they ask the question 'What's my destiny?' It's God. God has His plan for each one of us. He will give his plan to us, and with it, He will give us peace and direction."

Local philanthropist Oscar Fuller, moved by Dale's comments, replied "Because you understand what you do now about God, it puts you in the place for God to use you and to help fulfill your destiny."