Gridiron Day events see more than 350 professions of faith

More than 350 people professed faith in Christ at a pair of Gridiron Day events hosted by Carrollton Baptist Association churches in Georgia, said Tim Williams, the associational missionary strategist. Altogether, some 1150 students and school leaders attended the events at Roopville Road Baptist Church on Aug. 7, and First Baptist Church Villa Rica on Aug. 14.

“It’s just an amazing thing to see that many students come together and hear the gospel and for the Lord to just bless and touch the hearts and lives of young people,” Williams said. “God is still reaching young people, and God is giving us an opportunity to make a difference in their lives even spiritually, which is going to help them forever, in their lives, in their careers, and in their marriages.”

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Dressed in school jerseys, uniforms, and t-shirts, students and adults were bused from their schools to both locations for this free-choice event. It’s not affiliated with the school system.

In its third year, Roopville Road hosted football players, mascots, cheerleaders and band members from Central High School and Central Middle School in Carrollton; Bowdon (Georgia) High School and Heard County High School. Two flag football teams were also there from Bowdon and Central high schools.

“I left feeling overjoyed in the work of the Lord and the work of the Holy Spirit drawing these students to Christ. It was a privilege to be a part of the sweeping of the Holy Spirit,” said Roopville Road Senior Pastor Stephen Peeples. “Everything glorified the Lord, and that is our prayer.”

After a barbecue dinner, students competed in toe-touch jumping, arm-wrestling, sit-ups, push-ups, and tug-of-war, and energetic students yelled and cheered for their schools while bands played their fight songs.

Afterwards, former NFL cornerback Jeremiah Castille shared a message about what it means to be a champion on and off the field, and knowing the greatest champion, the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Castille serves as chaplain for the University of Alabama, where he played under legendary Crimson Tide coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.

During the invitation, 206 students and adults professed faith in Christ, and 100 others made decisions for Christ.

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EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Jason Queen and originally published by the Christian Index.