HEARTLAND CRUSADE WILL DELIVER HOPE TO A FRENZIED WORLD

Nearly 70 years ago, a plain-speaking evangelist arrived in Cape Girardeau by train. Billy Sunday preached to an estimated 250,000 people over a five-week period. His preaching was credited with giving Cape Girardeau a spiritual rebirth, as church memberships grew by more than 1,100 members.

A Heartland crusade involving some 60 area churches has resurrected memories of Billy Sunday's visit. The crusade kicks off today and continues through next Sunday. This interdenominational event is expected to draw about 3,000 people each of the eight nights to the Show Me Center. Admission is free, and the crusade will begin at 7:30 nightly.

The broad-base of participation in the planning process has been impressive. Planning for this crusade began about 18 months ago. It grew from a small group of pastors to the 60 church sponsors, which represent a variety of denominations in Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Scott City, Chaffee, Allenville, Charleston, Painton and Olive Branch, Ill.

Organizers are hoping that the crusade will introduce more people to the word of God and will increase the folds of area churches after the crusade has ended. They feel the messages will provide relevant advice for today's fast-paced lifestyles.

The crusade's first-night topic is America at the crossroads. Separation of church and state has pushed religion out of so many aspects of our lives today. The country has suffered from moral decay, with rising levels of violence and hatred. People are frustrated by their inability to affect change.

But change we can. America can achieve a spiritual renewal through the words and lessons of Jesus Christ. This crusade will bring together thousands of Christians for eight days of song and celebration. The result should be uplifting and memorable. Billy Sunday would be proud.