Augusta Crusade To Conclude TonightGREATER AUGUSTA HARVEST TO CONCLUDE TONIGHT AFTER DRAWING SOME 21,000 TO FIRST THREE EVENINGS
AUGUSTA, Ga., April 20, 2005--So far drawing more than 21,000 to the Augusta Civic Center for a high-impact message about faith and eternity and popular Christian music that has roused crowds to their feet, the Greater Augusta Crusade will conclude its four-night run tonight. This evening's program will feature music from Grammy Award-winning band Jars of Clay and Grammy-nominated vocalist Crystal Lewis, as well as a talk from evangelist Greg Laurie.
The Tuesday night Harvest Crusade kicked off with music from guitarist and singer Dennis Agajanian, called "the fastest flatpicker in the world" by both Johnny Cash and the Guinness Book of World Records. While crowds cheered for Agajanian's rendition of "Nothing But the Blood of Jesus," an interview between Greg Laurie and local hero, ex-hostage Ashley Smith, brought them to their feet for a standing ovation.
Smith, an Augusta native, talked with Laurie about her faith and how it was strengthened when she was held hostage in her own home for seven hours by armed murder suspect, Brian Nichols. Smith said, "I surrendered completely and let God work in the situation. I would not be here if not for Jesus."
After a musical set from pop group, The Katinas, Laurie presented the evening's message, "How to Be Happy," emphasizing the choice Smith made to allow God to be her strength in midst of a time of need. "God doesn't want anyone or anything in your life to be more important than Him—material possessions won't make you happy," said Laurie. "You can be a good, moral person who has everything the world can offer, but the only thing that can bring true happiness is a relationship with Jesus Christ. Take your needs to Him."
Hosted by more than 135 churches in the August area, the Greater Augusta Harvest began Sunday, April 17, and concludes this evening. All events are free and open to the public. The Greater Augusta Harvest marks the first Harvest Crusade to be held in Georgia, and Harvest will hold a second Georgia event in Athens on Friday, April 22.
www.harvest.org.
Media Contact:
Laura Swickard McGowan
laura@lauramcgowan.com
(847) 328-8009 phone
(847) 866-9511 fax
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