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by Peter Biggs
Western Canada will see Christian outreach on a scale seldom seen before as Rock the River rolls into town. The one-day concert of several top bands• will stop
in B.C.’s Fraser Valley August 7, Calgary August 21 and Edmonton August 28. Franklin
Graham will also share the gospel at each event.
Options talked to Jay and Steph Anderson who, as full time staffers with Billy Graham
Evangelistic Association (BGEA), are helping to organize the Fraser Valley gig.
BGEA has already run four successful Rock the River events in Louisiana,
Missouri, Mississippi and Minnesota. But BGEA is being particularly sensitive
to adjust everything to the Canadian context, forging close links with the
existing youth leader networks in each area. BGEA is also underwriting a
significant portion of the overall cost.
Options: How do you see Rock the River?
Jay: It’s become an annual initiative. Tour West aims to reach as many youth in Western
Canada as possible. But it’s not just a big one-day concert. It really is a process that unifies the church
and helps bring an awareness of youth and their needs. We work with local
churches encouraging evangelism and discipleship. Prayer is a huge thing, along
with people reaching out to family and friends.
Options: What got you both involved in this?
Steph: Working with the old folks and getting free lunches! No! I didn’t know much about the ‘evangelism piece’ to be honest. Jay got me involved, but now I’ve found a new passion for prayer. I’ve learned that there is a power when the body of Christ is unified, and I want
to be involved with something that has power and impact.
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Options: Is there someone who typifies this for you?
Steph: Yes . . . Jane.
Jay: She was a young person from California who came to Minnesota to live with her
dad. She started going to a youth group and connected with a friend who was
involved with the upcoming Rock the River event there. She invited Jane to
attend it. The church had been praying for her. Well, she went and responded to
the gospel, and some of the trained volunteers there from the same youth group
helped her. She went back home to her dad’s and led two friends to the Lord. Then she returned to California to begin
school. In the first week, she led six friends to the Lord. We’re praying for more Janes!
Options: Aren’t big gospel events a thing of the past though?
Jay: The big event is really just a catalyst for personal evangelism at a relational
level.
Steph: The heart behind it all is for the church to be praying for people.
• For info on the bands and event: RocktheRiverTour.com.
Bring your youth group and your friends for:
• great bands
• a clear gospel presentation • Fraser Valley August 7 • Calgary August 21 • Edmonton August 28
Options - Spring 2010
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