THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 15, 1996 TAG: 9608140150
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: SMITHFIELD LENGTH: 69 lines
Whitehead's Grove Baptist Church next week will sponsor a Community Crusade - in the fashion of an oldtime camp meeting - in a big tent on its grounds.
The Rev. Newberry Hearne of the Jesus to the World Evangelistic Association Inc. will be guest evangelist. Hearne, originally from Cape Town, South Africa, has ministered throughout the world.
``We are very blessed by God to have Rev. Hearne come to Whitehead's Grove, bring his tent and work with us to reach people with the gospel message of Christ,'' said the pastor, the Rev. Russell O. Leonard.
Each service will feature special music by guest musicians, including Pat West of Suffolk, Bob and Ann Pickrell of Portsmouth and Marie Harper of Windsor. Crusade music also will feature choirs from St. Paul's R.Z.U.A., Little Bethel Baptist, Bacon's Castle Baptist, Whitehead's Grove Baptist and Oakland Christian churches.
The idea for the Community Crusade dates to last year, when Impact Suffolk for Jesus held one of its monthly prayer gatherings at Macedonia A.M.E. Church. Dot Dalton, founder of Impact, Felton Whitfield of Suffolk's Interdenominational Ministers Alliance and the Rev. Leonard of Whitehead's Grove were among participants.
``Out of this meeting and prayer time, we felt we needed to have a citywide tent revival,'' Dalton said. ``Then Leonard felt it on his heart to lead his church to try a Community Crusade prior to a citywide effort,'' she continued.
Leonard related how his congregation had received prior preparation for this challenge through study of the discipleship training program ``Experiencing God'' by Henry Blackaby.
``This is a delightful opportunity,'' Leonard said, ``because this is God's plan and not ours.''
Leonard said the goal is ``to make a difference in our city and community, morally and spiritually. . . ''
Dalton said, ``The body of Christ is made up of many congregations with different callings and anointings. If we don't work together, we're not going to see a difference in crime, violence, race relations and other problems. . . We need to get beyond our racial and denominational barriers and work together.''
Leonard explained, ``Our purpose is not to proselyte members from other churches.'' Those requesting counseling during the crusade will be encouraged to unite with a church of their preference.
Leonard said Whitehead's Grove has invited all churches in Suffolk, Sleepy Hole and the Chuckatuck area to attend the crusade. ``We're expecting great things,'' he said.
A citywide tent revival is scheduled for May 18-25, 1997, at Constant's Wharf in downtown Suffolk. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
The Rev. Newberry Hearne
Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
The Rev. Russell Leonard is pastor of Whitehead's Grove Baptist
Church.
Graphic
AT A GLANCE
What: Community Crusade
When: 7:30 p.m., Sunday through Aug. 25
Where: Whitehead's Grove Baptist Church, 18366 Benn's Church
Blvd., Smithfield
Details: The Rev. Newberry Hearne of the Jesus to the World
Evangelistic Association will be guest evangelist. Hearne has
ministered in countries throughout the world.
Information: 255-4227 by CNB