Gospel shared at Missouri State Fair in Sedalia

The Missouri State Fair just wrapped up in Sedalia, Along with livestock shows, concerts and carnival rides, many attendees also heard a clear presentation of the gospel.

Once again, a number of Baptist churches joined to minister throughout the 10-day event. In 2024, 36 people prayed to receive Christ. This year, 13 Baptist associations and 10 churches sent teams of volunteers, Pastor Russ Slocum of First Baptist Church in Otterville, who coordinated the effort. Slocum and a committee work year-round to prepare for the outreach.

“It always warms my heart to see that we have enough volunteers,” he told “The Pathway”. “It is seeing the volunteers step up to serve. Sometimes in their nervousness, they find a way to do it.”

Travis Battershell of Bethany Baptist Church in Sedalia brought the church’s youth to the tent to help one evening. Another pastor, Blaine Davis of First Baptist Church in Sunrise Beach, brought seven volunteers to help. He enjoyed his time speaking to a young man last year who had never really talked to anyone about the Lord. Davis shared the gospel with him and planted a seed.

Located behind the commercial building in a busy area, volunteers offered an opportunity to sign up for a drawing for several gift. After they step inside, another volunteer engaged in conversation. In just a few minutes, that volunteer shared their story of how they came to know Jesus and asked, “has anything like that ever happened to you?”

If there was genuine interest or curiosity, more conversation may have followed, and the gospel will be shared with the fair attender. Some asked Jesus into their lives, asking him to save them from their lost condition. Often, these conversations went on for a while. Eventually, the card was filled out, and the person was introduced to another volunteer who made sure their decision was recorded and they were given a Bible will be provided. A pastor in their hometown later contacted them.

Or in the case of a child or teenager, colorful gospel bead bracelets may have been used to share the story of Jesus. Sometimes, balloon animals were tied. Other gifts, such as a personalized horseshoe, might be provided. Sometimes, it is just conversation with people about their lives and their fun day at the fair.

Gift cards will be sent to three winners whose names were drawn out of the box at the end of the fair.

–Alan Goforth