Churches Unite for the Cheaha Area Crusade

More than 40 area churches worked together to plan, pray and follow up for the Cheaha Area Crusade at Saks High School Stadium, Biblical Recorder reports. The gathering, held Sept. 27–Oct. 1, drew more than 7,000 attendees and recorded more than 320 commitments to Christ.

Evangelist Rick Gage’s Go Tell America team led the event in partnership with local churches. Biblical Recorder reports that churches first met about the crusade in summer 2025. Under Eric Snider, pastor of First Baptist Church White Plains, they worked, prayed and fasted in preparation.

For James Howard, the gathering brought an answer to years of prayer for a high school friend. Howard told Biblical Recorder that his friend lived behind the school and called after noticing the stadium lights and music. Howard said he was able to talk and pray with him and lead him to the Lord.

The work continued beyond the gathering. Joey Hanner, pastor of First Baptist Church Saks in Anniston and the crusade’s outreach leader, said trained prayer partners stayed connected with those who responded. Participating churches met during lunch each day to pray for people who had made decisions and plan how to connect them with local churches.

We can give thanks for churches willing to prepare and serve together. Lord, help those who responded grow in faith in Jesus Christ, and give local congregations patience and love as they provide steady care.