Team Impact to share strong message

By Staff
Kim West
Calvary Baptist Church in Russellville has experimented with event ministries in recent years, but this time is a little different.
In two weeks, the church will host Team Impact, a Dallas-based group of former professional athletes who visit churches and schools to spread an anti-alcohol and drug message and share their Christian faith.
"We've never hosted Team Impact before and they haven't been in this area in a long time," Cavalry pastor Wade Wallace said. "Team Impact is a group of power lifting or strength guys that are former WWF wrestlers or NFL players. They will do strength demonstrations, including breaking blocks, bending metal and breaking bats, and then they will preach afterwards.
"The main guy will be Jeff Neal, a former NFL player who's at the forefront for Team Impact. Kevin Dowd will also be coming. He's a competitive power lifter who can bench press over 600 pounds."
In the past, Cavalry has hosted event ministries such as "Heaven's Gate and Hell's Lane" and Worldwide Hunters. Wallace said the purpose of hosting these events is to reach a broader range of people.
"We decided it was a ministry that we would like to try because it may reach a different sector of people," Wallace said. "We would like it to be something that both youth and adults can attend and we invite everyone to come out and see what these guys can do. They've worked hard to accomplish what they've done, and part of their message is giving credit to the Lord for their strength."
Calvary, which can accommodate up to 600 visitors, will host Team Impact Friday, Aug. 22 through Sunday, Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. with free admission. To reserve seats for large groups or for more information, call 332-2804.