My Mother used to tell me stories of Backyard Revivals. She would always ask me why Brandon wasn’t involved in them anymore. Our community shifted. The unity of the Jackson Metro Area was not a priority. She spoke of a time when the community was filled with unity in a positive light for at least one night. I never understood what she meant until now.
For a year now, the people of Go Tell America have been planning a “Crusade” for our area. At first, I was unsure what to think of it all. It is no secret that Mississippi sits right in the southern “bible belt,” but that stereotype does not always represent all southern communities. Brandon has always been a place where the expression of ideas is encouraged; I was unsure how our community would react.
This month, the Go Tell America crew came to Brandon, Mississippi, for the Metro Go-Tell Crusade at the Brandon Amphitheater. This Crusade ran from October 15th through the 18th, with the 18th being a youth night that specifically called the elementary through high school kids of Mississippi to the event. That night was called “The Awakening.” Every night was open to the community and completely free. Speakers such as Rick Gage, Ken Freeman, and Scott Camp gave powerful sermons each night. At the event, people could be seen praying for each other and celebrating with one another over what God was doing and is doing in our community.
The Awakening
While each night of the Crusade had excellent attendance, the last night, Wednesday, October 18th, brought record-breaking numbers to the amphitheater. Ten thousand-plus people were in attendance that night, with the majority being students. Crowds began to form around 6:00 pm as the night started with pre-service hype, free pizza, and worship led by our Brandon High School FCA. As the night progressed, an overwhelming sense of joy and peace filled the theater as 10,000-plus students could be seen worshiping and praying over each other.
Over 2,000 students and adults made decisions for the Lord, and over 1,300 were salvations. With those kinds of numbers, there is no doubt that our community awakened to the idea of a spiritual encounter. Beyond anyone’s background, religion, or denomination, everyone united under one thing: Jesus.
What about Brandon High School?
With this event happening in our backyard at our amphitheater, it is no surprise that the students of Brandon High School have been affected.
As I walked into the school on October 19th, 2023, I was shocked to hear conversations about the bible and Jesus filling our campus. Many students took it upon themselves to hold their bibles as they walked between classes. A few female students decided they would get creative with being bold for Jesus. During the second class period that day, those students went to every girl’s restroom in the school and created “Prayer Sinks.” Girls used A simple piece of notebook paper to label the mirror, and several sticky notes with bible verses and encouraging messages accompanied it. On the wall right next to the mirror, there was one last sticky note that said, “Add to it.” That final sticky note lit a fire in the hearts and minds of the female students at BHS. Soon, every bathroom was filled with sticky notes in every handwriting, color, and state imaginable. Just as soon as they went up, various social media outlets knew as well.
No one dared to ask if it was okay, but I believe there was a mutual understanding on the matter. Even if people did not believe in religion or God, they loved the positive light and beautiful unity the prayer sinks brought to our school. A few days later, some encouraging notes popped up in the boy’s restroom as well. This light has been infectious in Brandon High School, and I, for one, hope it doesn’t go dim for a long time.
