Building on two previous events, the Midlands area Fellowship of Christian Athletes is hoping that the third time around is more than just charmed. Local organizers for the annual Fields of Faith Youth Rally are anticipating a veritable explosion of faith for youths from across Orangeburg County, which is but one of eight sites in South Carolina hosting the rally.

The third Fields of Faith will begin at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School's football field, situated at 601 Bruin Parkway off U.S. 601. Pre-event activities will include scripture readings and testimonies from local students and music by two local bands.

Midlands 4 area FCA representative Earl Humes said local organizers are excited to have a strong supporter of Christian education as the featured speaker at this year's Fields of Faith -- Lt. Col. Bill Connor.

"We're very honored to have someone of his background and commitment associated with the Fields of Faith," Humes said. "His testimony as a Christian who has been placed in circumstances of mortal danger as a soldier should resonate with the youth."

Connor, an attorney, served in Afghanistan as part of the 218th National Guard Infantry Brigade. He recently released a book titled "Articles of War," which includes his columns from Afghanistan originally published in The Times and Democrat, as well as new material, detailing his experiences in Afghanistan. Proceeds from the book will go to help Orangeburg Christian Academy and other private Christian schools.

Humes said Orangeburg Mayor Paul Miller and musical entertainment by All Will Be Won and True Vine will open the Fields of Faith rally, followed by personal testimonies and Connor's address.

"We are praying and hoping that the word (of God) and our speaker will encourage young people to use this as an opportunity to give their life to Jesus Christ," Humes said. "We were blessed last year, where 63 chose to come to God during our 2007 Fields of Faith rally at the Orangeburg Preparatory School football stadium. The turnout last year was approximately 500 students from 38 area churches for a one-night event. During our first year for Fields of Faith, we did two nights at the Orangeburg County Fairgrounds that 200 to 300 youth attended."

Last year, more than 75,000 people turned out to rallies at 364 fields in 36 states, according to www.fieldsoffaith.com, compared to 50,000-plus people attending events at 337 fields in 35 states in 2006.

The whole concept of Fields of Faith is simplicity personified: Allow students to bring together large numbers of their peers to hear and share their testimonies, read the word of God and let it speak to them. Fields of Faith also challenges young people to read the Bible and follow Jesus Christ. Fields of Faith allows youths to get back to the fundamentals of the Christian faith without the distractions of technology and complex resources that have been used to minister to them.

"With the help and sponsorship of local businesses and churches, we have really turned this into a community event," Humes said. "That's the vision of this ministry, and Jesus Christ is the common denominator. It's also an opportunity to put the many good, positive kids we have in the spotlight."

T&D Staff Writer Phil Sarata can be reached by e-mail at psarata@timesanddemocrat.com or by telephone at 803-533-5540. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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