Preparation for Cola Wars began with a group of teens on Tuesday afternoon piling into the Church van and canvassing through Brooklyn, Michigan.   The method in which was used to canvass might have seemed a bit radical and straight forward, however, it was effective.  It went as follows:  A teen is spotted walking down the street and someone jumps out of the Church van and approaches the teen (or teenagers) and enthusiastically announces: “Hello, have you heard of the Cola Wars that are going on?!”  After initiating the conversation three other questions were asked, “Do you like rough competitions?  Do you like free pizza and pop?  And, what do you like better Coke or Pepsi?”  They were then handed an attractive flyer which read:  Come and join us for the Cola Wars youth rally at Fellowship Baptist Church!  A fun filled event for all youth!  There will be extreme games, live music, free pizza and pop, and an awesome youth speaker! The invite was then concluded with an ardent, “Hope to see you there!”

Others were at the church working under the pavilion setting up Coke and Pepsi banners as well as setting up the chairs and games. When the teens began arriving around 5:00 p.m. the registration table was lined up with teens who were ready for some real competition!

There was a division of two teams Coke verses Pepsi!

The evening began with a series of games which included, “Don’t crack the six-pack,” “Slam it,” (explained as:  football without the ball), “Spoke Tackle,” which has been defined as  “Americas Roughest Race,” the game where you can push, pull, slide, trip, tackle, yank, and body slam — pretty much anything goes!

After the games everyone then filled into the pavilion for pizza and pop.  As everyone ate,  the Cola War leaders read off the scores and announced the winning team.   Coke was declared to be the champions!  Coke chugging and burping contest were also held, (the winners we will leave unanimous for future reputation sake! )

The teens then headed into the sanctuary to take part of the evening service.   The Pettit team played a few music numbers that uplifted Christ and set the tone for the service.  Evangelist Steve Pettit, who is widely known as a strong Bible preacher, emphasizing revival and evangelism;  has worked with teens for thirty-four years; having a special burden for young people; spending his summers serving as a camp director, connected with the young people as he delivered a message entitled, “The Test of Salvation.”  His text was from 1 John 4:13-17 which states,  “Hereby know we that we dwell in Him, and He in us, because He hath given us of his Spirit.  And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.  Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.  And we have known and believe the love that God hath to us.  God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God and God in him.  Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment:  because as He is, so are we in this world.”

From his text he presented a four point message entitled, “Four Evidences to know that God Lives in you.” The points are as follows:   1) A true belier possesses the Holy Spirit   2) A true believer confesses his belief in Jesus Christ (He really hit the nail on its head when he stated: “You confess with your mouth what you want with your heart.,”) 3) A true believer acknowledges that the only means to salvation is by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.  4)  A true believer has the love of God in his heart.  He ended his message urging all to “Settle it tonight.  Know for sure that you are His.”

Though the message was almost an hour long, the attention of everyone was held and the Spirit of God moved in a very powerful way.  During the invitation five hands were raised for salvation. Some came forward to pray to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior while others reconfirmed their salvation getting rid of all doubt.

Yes, the teens had a wonderful time with all the crazy games and activities that went on throughout the evening.  However, the sole purpose of it all was for them to hear the glorious truth of the gospel and for Jesus Christ to be lifted up in song and in preaching.  That is exactly what took place in the service.

God is so amazing to always do something great and supernatural when we as believers lift up His Holy Name.  As John 12:32 and 34b states this promise:  “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.  The Son of man must be lifted up.”   Through the service Jesus Christ was lifted up.   God was faithful and brought men (teens) unto himself.  May we always lift up Jesus Christ.   May He always get all the glory and may we lift HIM up!

 Click here to view the photos from “Cola Wars!”

By Stephanie Kronbach (staff writer)

Come join us for the COLA WARS youth rally at Fellowship Baptist Church!

This is going to be a fun filled event for all youth 6th – 12th grade.

There will be Extream Games, Live Music, an awesome Youth Speaker, and FREE Pizza & Pop!!!!!!!!!

We will be starting at 5:30-9:00 pm. Tuesday Sep. 27th.

Come join us for this free fun activity!!!!

This event hosted by the Steve Pettit Evangelistic Team

The Rally began at 10:00 a.m., with a challenging message given by the guest speaker from Grace Baptist College, Dr. Derek Hagland.   He  worked in youth ministry for many years and was really able to connect with the teens as he delivered a message on how we as Christians will never come to the place of complete consummate in our walk with Christ until we get “plugged into” our only source of true power, Christ Jesus!

A wonderful lunch was served.  Food competitions then followed.

The afternoon was spent in recreation as the teens engaged in games of Volley Ball, Military Capture the Flag, Dodge Ball and more Capture the Flag, which seemed to be the game favored by all.  The winning team for capture the Flag won the difference of only one flag!

Before the rally came to a close, everyone gathered once again to hear another powerful message from Dr. Hagland as he spoke with passion and purpose on how we need to seek after Christ and hold on to Him with our all, never letting Him go.   At the closing of the message the teens responded with receptive hearts.   What a blessing it was to see youths with tender hearts bent toward the hearing of the Word of God.

“I’m a solider bound for glory; I’m a solider going home.  Come and hear me tell my story; all who love the Savior come!   I will tell you what induced me, in this glorious fight to start.   It was the Savior’s loving kindness, overcame and won my heart!”

 Click here to view photos from “Rally the Troops”

By Stephanie Kronbach (staff writer)