Report on "Hydrate '08"

“When the poor and needy seek water and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.” Isaiah 41:17-18

The earth is crying out, but I have wonderful news... our God is answering! The Word tells us that we were formed from the dust of the earth. Genesis 2:7. It also reminds us that we are earthen vessels. 2 Corinthians 4:7. Singing about the compassion of the Almighty God, the psalmist David, gives us all hope by joyfully declaring, “For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.” Psalm 103:14. When I say the earth is crying out, I’m referring to dry, broken humanity. One of the ways He is answering, is through a youth/young adult tour called “Hydrate ’08.” During prayer at the end of last year, I asked the Lord what was His desire for 2008. In my spirit, I heard God speak one word… “Hydrate!” As I wrestle with this word, I sought out the Scriptures for deeper meaning. Of course the rest is history. Through the Word and Spirit of God a ministry/tour was born with the sole purpose of bringing “Living Water” to a dry and thirsty land. With four events still remaining, we have seen 148 salvations and are believing God for many more. In addition, people have been filled with the Holy Spirit, churches have broken attendance bearers, people have been added to the church, and youth are taking their rightful place in the Kingdom of God. This month I would like to share with you reports from the last two events. First an outdoor crusade in Hamilton, AL then, the High School event at McAdory High School in Bessemer, AL.

Hamilton, AL: On August 9th, 2008 Hamilton, AL was forever changed. One thing we keep hearing as we travel across this state, is that a tour of this nature has never been attempted in these areas. As we arrived on location, we noticed that the stage was set up right beside a prison. After noticing the prisoners, we knew God was going to do a great work and we asked the guards if the prisoners could stay outside to enjoy the event. As the event was nearing, my wife and I began to make our way backstage, when we almost ran into a 17 year old girl pushing a baby stroller attempting to leave. We asked her where she was going and fighting back the tears, she simply said, “I cannot stay. People will look at me funny and judge me. I’m 17 with a baby.” My wife and I embraced her telling her that she would not be judged, because none of us are perfect and she came to the right place. After convincing her to stay, her mother, with tear flowing down her cheeks, whispered, “thank you” behind her daughter’s back. The entire night more and more people showed up. We lost count at about 280 because many drove up in their car and rolled down their windows having what I call, “drive-in church.” That night we had three altar calls. The first, calling sinners to repentance. Ten people responded. One woman got out of her car, walked to the front of the stage, confessed her sins, received Jesus, then walked back to her car and lead her entire family to the Lord. Pastor Terry Gann walked to one car and to his surprise both women were crying. He asked them if the Lord had touched them, both replied, “Yes! Jesus has saved me!” This was a mother and her teen-age daughter. Then, we gave a call for the people, not just to receive this water, but to share this water with all. Our prayer was, “pour into us, so we can pour it out and share it with the world.” Lastly, Pastor Short-Tee (one of our artists) came up to me saying, “Let’s give the prisoners a opportunity.” We did just that. We turned our speakers, faces, and hearts to the prisoners, who had been outside listening the whole time, and lead 20 inmates to the Lord! We had 280 in attendance, not including the inmates and those in the cars, with over 30 salvations. To God be all the glory!

McAdory High School– Bessemer, AL: That’s right! It’s not a typo. On August 23rd, 2008 we turned McAdory High into a Holy Ghost party and a soul winning station! One of the main focuses concerning these evangelistic events is to get in as many high schools as possible. So far, we’ve been in three high schools with several more pending. Just coming into this event, we had great excitement and momentum. For a month and a half we covered the area with posters and flyers, then rallied churches together. With the leadership and help of Carisha Pardue, we were able to give away over $3,000 dollars worth of prizes to the students/community. We wanted to make a statement... Christians are not about getting but giving. We had between 325-350 people in attendance. Most were students from the school. As we led people in confession and prayer, 75 hands raised, 75 mouths confessed, and 75 hearts received redemption through Christ Jesus! That’s 75 salvations in one night at a high school in America! One mother came up to me after the event and she told me her family had been praying all summer, that the blood of Jesus would cover this school, because this was her son’s first year. With tears streaming down her face, she looked dead into my eyes and said, “You guys are the answer to our prayers.” The earth is crying out for spiritual hydration and the Lord is answering. Will He answer their cries through you? Tim Beck