Indiana Baptists plead for ‘Crossover Indianapolis’ help

INDIANAPOLIS (FBC)—A special appeal has been issued for Florida Baptists to assist Indiana Baptists in “Crossover Indianapolis,” an annual evangelism emphasis held in conjunction with the Southern Baptist Convention meeting, June 15-16.

The request originated from Stephen Davis, executive director of the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana. Florida Baptists have been in partnership with Indiana Baptists since 2003.

“We are down to the wire on the Crossover plans,” Davis explained. “Due to a glitch in the web sign-up for volunteers, we discovered two weeks ago that we short at least 200 volunteers.”

John Sullivan, executive director-treasurer of the Florida Baptist Convention, encouraged SBC-bound Florida Baptists to lend a hand. “This is a great opportunity for Baptists in traditional Southern states to be supportive of the ministry in a Northern state and let them know we are committed to spreading the Gospel throughout the nation.” he said. Sullivan has participated in every Cross over event since its inception.

Volunteers who have a “heart to share Christ” are needed in five arenas on Saturday, June 12, said Steve Blanchard, who serves on the Crossover Indianapolis coordination volunteer mobilization task force.

Projects in need of volunteers are:
• “Jesus Family Picnic” in Garfield Park—during a similar event in 2003, nearly 1,000 people attended this event and many professions of faith were reported;
• Backyard Bible Clubs and surveys at Calvary Baptist Church in Greenwood;
• Block parties and youth revivals at Calvary Baptist Church in Greenfield;
• Cultivation efforts for a satellite church of Northside Baptist Church in Indianapolis; and
• “Acts of kindness” in an Indianapolis’ west side multi-family housing area.

Volunteers are critically needed for the Backyard Bible Clubs, block parties and new church cultivation project, Blanchard added.

This year’s Crossover event will be reinforced with a series of revival services June 10-1. Blanchard noted that many volunteers have offered to fill this project, so no additional volunteers are needed.

Persons who are interested in volunteering should call Blanchard at 317-241-9317 or send an e-mail to blanchard@scbi.org.