Post by Jesse Morrell on Mar 19, 2006 16:23:16 GMT -5
Traveling Evangelists Visit Campus
By Shea McFadden and Karen Maple
Staff Writers
Students Make Their Voices Heard
Free Speech Alley came to life Monday and Tuesday after more than five years of silence when three roaming evangelists sparked debate as they preached "God's word" in hopes of inspiring people to "Repent".
The three evangelists, Jesse Morrell, Jeff Olver, and Miles Lewis, are members of Open Air outreach, who tour the country in their live-in van, preaching the word of God at colleges.
Starting in Dallas, the three are taking a three month tour that will end in Maryland, "Taking the gospel where it belongs," said Morrell, who opened all discussions Tuesday as he is usually the first to speak.
"I'm the icebreaker," Morrell said, admitting that he is zealous and bold. "John the Baptist came on strong, too. First we get attention, then we get the interest."
They covered every possible sin from fornication and adultery to alcohol and pot.
"If you think God accepts you as you are, you're wrong," Morrell said. "God does not take delight in you as you are,"
As the situation intensified, several students began yelling and cursing, leading Liz McCraw, dean of students, to remind the crowd the group had the right to be there.
"Their freedom of speech is recognized on this campus. You have the choice of being responsible citizens on campus or walking away," McCraw told the crowd. Among the students were SGA President Way Janpe, who said, "While I may not agree, it's free speech at it's best and I'm glad that students are being respectful."
As the day went on, more students stopped by and listened to the evangelists and their views. More opposed the way they presented themselves rather than what they were presenting, though some saw them as passing judgment.
"I think they are here with good intentions, but they aren't making good relationships. They are just pushing the Bible," said SOSU sophmore Tler Atnip.
"I've given my life to God, to helping people whether they love God or not. Maybe God sent them here to give us the opening to help more people," said junior Colby Corsault, "I'm heartbroken over people who've heard this. When I tell people I'm a Christian they'll look at me like those people."
Morrell said that of all the colleges campuses they have visited this was one of the most calm and cival ones.
"We got a very good response, it was typical, Christians always complain about our methods," Morrell said.
The three claimed this to be their calling.
"We just preach the Gospel," Lewis said.
None of the three have a formal education and claim to have supporters for their mission so they can continue to go where they need to.
THE FRONT PAGE HAD A PICTURE OF MILES TALKING WITH A STUDENT. Under the picture it said:
Miles Lewis of Open Air Outreach held a sign Tuesday encouraging sinners to repent at SOSU as student Daesha Batts watches another member of the group address the crowd. Lewis, Jesse Morrell and Jeff Olver are currently on a three month evangelical tour of the United States. Open Air Outreach is an organization dedicated to bringing the light of Jesus to a dark world. According to their literature, they choose to speak on college campuses because this is the last chance to reach college students before they become leaders of our nation.