SFOI 1000

Evangelist: Nick O'Berry

Williams-Brice Stadium

Date: November 23, 2024

South Carolina played its last home game of the season this past Saturday, November 23. As usual the fans were out in droves. The interesting thing about Saturday was you could feel that it was the last home game. Two people actually approached me and said goodbye. One I expected. But the other came out of the blue.

The first who approached me was Mr. Green, the parking lot attendant. He wanted me to pray with him one last time. I told him I hoped to see him next season. He said he couldn't be sure, but that he hoped the same. I will continue to pray for him even though I don't know if I will ever see him again. Please do the same.

The second was a fan I had never directly spoken to. She came up to me while I was preaching and told me she always looked forward to hearing my voice on game day and thanked me for being there. That's the first time I ever talked to her. But, unbeknownst to me, she was listening all season.

I recount these two experiences because it shows God is using the preaching of His word, even when we may not realize it. We truly do not always know how the preaching of His word is having an impact in someone's life, someone we barely know or someone we don't know at all.

So take heart, brothers. Keep preaching. God's word always accomplishes everything He means it to.

Date: November 16, 2024

Evangelist who joined: Ken White

Yesterday in Columbia, SC, was a beautiful day to preach a beautiful gospel. It truly was a gift. It was one of those days when the preaching just flowed. And people listened intently as they waited to cross into the stadium.

 I was also able once again to minister to Mr. Green, the parking attendant who always saves a spot for me. He needed prayer desperately. He didn't give me details, but I could tell it was serious. I was able to pray for him. Be in prayer for him.

South Carolina has one more home game next week. Keep those fans in your prayers.

Date: October 5, 2024

South Carolina's game Saturday against Ole Miss was much anticipated in Columbia. There was much hope among the fans that the Gamecocks would pull an upset. So, they were excited and loud.

That got me thinking as I preached how Man tries in so many ways to find excitement and satisfaction outside of Jesus Christ. We'll fire ourselves up over so many fleeting and, ultimately, unfulfilling idols. And these things never satisfy. The fans were let down that day. But don't blame the Gamecocks. They could never satisfy their fans the way Jesus can. Nothing and no one can.

The irony hit me. There I was almost drowned out by the noise of so much excitement about something that passes almost as quickly as it arrives. The message they really needed they could barely hear. I'm not maudlin about this. The Gospel goes out, and it never comes back void.

 I know people heard me because God can overcome any amount of noise. But I also know many people turned their back on true joy, lasting joy. For some it may have been their last opportunity. For others it may have been the next link in God's chain that draws them to Himself. Either way, blessed be the name of the Lord.

Date: September 21, 2024

It was family day the South Carolina game. Moms and Dads come and visit their children who attend the university and go to the game. There were bands playing and lawn games and a lot food. So that attracts many people.



The crowd Saturday was very receptive to the preaching. But what stood out to me were the ticket guys. They get used to you being there and seem to love to hear the preaching. I have had several conversations with these men.

 Sometimes they ask for prayer, that sort of thing. Once you become part of gameday, people expect you to be there. It seems that makes them more willing to talk and listen to you. As always, great day.

Date: September 14, 2024

"The crowds for the South Carolina game were considerable on Saturday. There was a lot of hype around the LSU game. Plus, College Gameday was there. So, getting to my usual preaching spot took a little longer than usual. But I made it and was able to preach up until kick-off. Bigger crowds means more people heard the gospel.

Praise God for that. Continue to pray for the South Carolina fans. Also, pray that the preaching of the gospel at these games would be an encouragement to other Christians who walk by.

The parking lot attendant asked me to pray with him before I headed out. Again, that is an ongoing witnessing opportunity. Continue to pray for that man. His name is Mr. Green."

Date: August 31, 2024

"Ken White joined me to preach the gospel at the South Carolina home game on Saturday, August 31, 2024. As expected there were plenty of souls to preach and talk to. Some in the crowd were very encouraging. What impressed me was that most of the encouragers were young people, college age. Those that stopped to talk to me were very eager to hear the gospel being proclaimed publicly. Many in the crowds listened. You can always tell by their posture and the thoughtful look on their faces that they are processing what you are saying. Ken was able to engage in several one-to-one conversations.

I was also reminded that the outreach doesn't end when I leave the preaching site. When I got back to my truck I got into a conversation with the parking lot attendant who remembered me from past seasons. When he found out what I do he actually asked me to tell him what the gospel is. That will be an ongoing conversation as the season progresses because I told him to expect me each home game and to expect me in his lot. Praise God for unlooked for opportunities."