SAN DIEGO (BP)–Southern Baptists and evangelical Christians across San Diego are preparing for evangelical ministry events across the metro area in conjunction with the 2003 Super Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium Jan. 26.
From community block parties to street evangelism efforts at the National Football League’s NFL Experience, hundreds of Southern California Baptists have partnered to reach their city with the gospel of Jesus Christ, said Martin Davis, coordinator of the San Diego Baptist Association’s special events ministries committee.
“It has been really exciting to see Christians coming together to share the gospel message,” Davis told Baptist Press.
The North American Mission Board has provided financial and staffing support for the local efforts, said Davis, who also serves as a Mission Service Corps worker.
“We’ve got nearly 2,000 New Testaments to distribute during the events,” he said. “And local businesses have chipped in to provide some very nice prizes at the block parties.”
Carol Noland, a member of Encanto Southern Baptist Church, a predominantly African American congregation, said she can’t wait until her church hosts its block party.
“I was so excited,” Noland said. “You always try to think about your neighborhood and now this will allow us the opportunity to show our neighbors that we are thinking about them.”
Among the activities planned during the weekend leading up to the Super Bowl:
— Three Southern Baptist churches are hosting block parties for their communities. The parties will be held Jan. 25 featuring clowns, face-painting, a climbing wall, free food and chances to win free prizes, ranging from a deep sea fishing trip to a color television.
— Nine Southern Baptist churches have announced plans to host Super Bowl parties Jan. 26. The churches will provide live coverage of the Super Bowl and at halftime will show a gospel video featuring professional football player Aeneas Williams, an All-Pro cornerback, and other professional football players sharing salvation testimonies.
— Oklahoma Baptist University students, along with Christians from West Virginia, Missouri and Georgia are working at the NFL Experience, sharing the gospel through their work at one of the most popular family attractions at the Super Bowl.
— Contemporary Christian artists Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams and Donnie McClurkin will perform at the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration on Jan. 24 at the San Diego Sports Arena. A number of born-again NFL players also are set to make appearances at the concert.
— The winner of the Bart Starr Award for character and leadership will be presented on Jan. 25 at the annual Athletes in Action Super Bowl Breakfast at the San Diego Marriott Hotel and Marina.
— Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy will headline the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Super Bowl THANG. Scheduled for Jan. 25 at the Maranatha Chapel in Rancho Bernardo, the Christian group All Together Separate will join other NFL players and coaches for a one-day clinic and youth rally.
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