Thousands Expected for Five-day Crusade

Sep 13, 2004 08:31 PM EDT

Thousands will be expected during a five-day crusade in Greencastle, Pennsylvania, including country music artist Randy Travis.

Dave Burkholder, a resident of Clay Hill, was so impressed by evangelist Steve Wingfield that he invited him to hold a crusade in the city.

"I was impressed with the sincerity of his gospel message and thought it would be good to have him here in the Cumberland Valley," said Burkholder told a local newspaper.

The tent being set up for the Sept. 15-19 crusade will be able to seat 5,000 people with the possibility of more if the sides of the tent are removed.

The event has spurred the involvement of the local Christian community. More than 190 area churches of all denominations and 1,000 volunteers are involved, including choir members, counselors, office workers and prayer partners. More than 20 committees will assist with parking, ushering, hospitality and traffic control.

"A crusade like this is a beneficial event for the whole community," said Fred Baye, director of public affairs for the Steve Wingfield Evangelistic Association of Harrisonburg, Va.

In addition to Travis, many well-known Christian artists are slated to appear, including Jaci Velasquez, who will perform on Sunday, Superchic and Supertones, band who will perform everyday of the crusade.

Schedule

Wednesday, Sept. 15 - PETRA

Thursday, Sept. 16 - Gospel artists Billy and Sarah Gaines and the Power Team

Friday, Sept. 17 - Randy Travis

Saturday, Sept. 18 - Large youth events, Kidz Jam with Psalty and Friends, 10 a.m. to noon.

From 1 to 10 p.m. that day, activities designed for area youths with PAX 217, King of Kings Skateboard Team, Battle of the Bands and sports activities.

Superchic and Supertones will make appearances all night.

Sunday, Sept. 19 - Grammy and Dove winner Jaci Velasquez will perform.