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The World Games

The World Games are scheduled to be held in Birmingham, AL July 7 - 17. 

Rev. Al Baker is leading the outreach.  He is conducting evangelism training during the two weekends of the Games at Third Presbyterian Church in downtown Birmingham. 

Ministry will take primarily in downtown Birmingham around Protective Stadium and the Birmingham Convention Center.

Location: Birmingham, AL


Event Leader: Al Baker


Dates: July 7 - 17


Ministry Schedule:


July 7, 8 & 9



July 11, 12, 13



July 14, 15, 16, 17



We realize most men cannot come for the entire time. If this is the case, then please choose either July 7-10 or July 14-17.


Accommodations: Christian Camp.  (30 minute drive to Protective Stadium)

Meals: Not included.


Airport pick up: Yes. 


Cost: $35 / day ($25 / night + $10 / breakfast).


Payments: WG22


Digital Exhibitors: Living Waters, Gospel of God Ministry, REF, George Whitefield Program, Banner of Truth, BardinMarsee Publishing (Waterproof Bible), To The End of the Earth, Until All Hear, GlobeWorks -- purchase your Waterproof Bible through the SFOI store here.


Travel: Travel: Book Your Travel [New feature: book your flights; car rental, etc. via SFOI's partnership with Hotel Planner.]

Next steps: Register for any of our evangelistic outreach events, by clicking on the SFOI logo below. Once you register and are approved you will receive further information including but not limited to an event waiver and payment information. You will also be asked to submit a bio and picture to be posted on the event pages.


Questions about how SFOI works: If you have not previously participated in an SFOI outreach then visit these pages to help you understand the work of the ministry: SFOI Distinctions; the Gospel, the Goal and Expectations; SFOI Vision and Mission statements; Frequently Asked Questions; Why SFOI emphasizes open air preaching.

Ministry Team

Game Summaries

Rich Suplita - Pics from the World Games Outreach

Al Baker - Update on Second Day of Preaching at the World Games


Eight of us gathered on Friday to preach at the Plaza and Legacy Arena for various athletic competitions. The crowds were pretty slim yesterday though today should be much bigger. That's because Sumo wrestling is to occur today at the Boutwell Auditorium. This event is sold out. I guess lots of people want to see this one. We have men there this morning and afternoon to cover both sessions of the event.



As we preached yesterday I was once again struck by the apathy of most people as we proclaim the excellencies of Christ, the One and only Savior. I saw no hostility or antagonism. Mostly what I saw was indifference. We warn people of impending judgment in hell if they do not repent, but that does not seem to cause them any angst at all. We proclaim the wonder of sins forgiven and the hope of eternal life in heaven and this seems to do nothing for them either. Why is that? Because they are dead in the sins. Dead people have no hunger, no thirst, no conscience.

The common problem, it seems to me, of many street preachers is to become hardened to the apathy of the people on the street, to fall back on the doctrine of election and say, "Well, I guess they are not elect. There is nothing I can do about it." Paul the apostle laid down marvelous truth about election, "God hardens whom He desires and He softens whom He desires. Yet he then says that he has great sorrow and unceasing grief for his kinsman the Jews.

I was once doing door to door evangelism with Paul Golden and Paul presented the gospel to an older woman who seemed to be really be tracking with Paul as he spoke of sin, righteousness, and the judgment to come. We both thought she would call on the name of the Lord to save her. When Paul asked if she would like to do so, she politely said, "No." As we moved to the next door I saw Paul begin to weep. Paul Golden believes in election but he also has a burden for souls. Pray that we will not become hardened but have the love of Jesus on our hearts, on our faces, in our eyes, and in our voices as we preach the gospel today.

Mike Stockwell is with Anne Marie Corbett at Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL.  The last day of 11 days here at the World Games in Birmingham, Alabama Don "Stonewall" Karns preaching to the crowds for the closing ceremony now.

Mike Stockwell is at Boutwell Memorial Auditorium.  Joshua Tubbs preaching Christ at the Kick Boxing World Games in Birmingham, Alabama now.

Mike Stockwell - Al Baker is an example of how Gospel proclamation turns into Gospel conversations here at the World Games in Birmingham, Alabama now.

Mike Stockwell is at Boutwell Memorial Auditorium in Birmingham, AL.  Don "Stonewall" Karns preaching Christ to fans of the sumo wrestling event here at the World Games in Birmingham, Alabama now.

Mike Stockwell - Al Baker preaching Christ at the World Games here in Birmingham, Alabama now.


Al Baker Report - The opening ceremony of the World Games in Birmingham began last night at the Protective Stadium. I have not heard the number of people in attendance but I would say at least 25,000. There were ten of us preaching and handing out gospel tracts and seeking opportunities to speak one on one with people. Last night we had Mike Stockwell, Robert Gray, Don Karns, Bill Adams, John Parsons, Paul Golden, Joshua Tubbs, Walter Brough, Larry Sullivan and me .We will be back today and a few others plan to join us this afternoon. We preached in several different spots around the stadium and the Plaza which is a really nice venue underneath the Interstate bridge. We had pretty free access to preach wherever we wished and the people were very respectful.

Some wonder "why open air preaching. Does it do any good?" Well, we do this because Jesus commands us to preach His gospel to every creature. If everyone went to church and heard faithful preaching then I suppose open air preaching would not be necessary. We know, of course, that very few go to church. Some ask, "How many people do you lead to Christ?" I say, "Everyone who hears us." We lead them to the beauty and glory of Christ but only the Holy Spirit can convict, regenerate, and convert them. And we do it because Jesus is worthy of our praise and worship and nothing is better than lifting His name anywhere we can.

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