More than 500 middle and high school student-athletes from across Southeast Georgia gathered at First Baptist Church Hazlehurst on July 16 for an evening of fellowship, encouragement, and faith during the church’s Night of Champions outreach.
Hosted in partnership with Strength of a Champion Ministries, the event welcomed athletes and coaches from six counties for a tailgate-style celebration featuring dinner, games, worship, and a special message from former University of Georgia and NFL quarterback Jake Fromm.
According to church leaders, approximately 120 students made spiritual decisions during the evening, with follow-up efforts continuing to determine how many were first-time professions of faith and how many were recommitments. “It was an awesome move of God,” said Philip Worthington, executive pastor of missions and administration at First Baptist Hazlehurst.
The church transformed its campus into a welcoming environment where athletes from different schools—including longtime rivals—could gather together outside of competition. Volunteers served approximately 750 hamburgers, organized games, and created opportunities for students to build relationships before the evening’s program.
Before speaking to students, Fromm met with coaches, encouraging them to recognize the influence they have on the lives of young athletes. “Don’t underestimate the impact that you have on a young person’s life,” Fromm told the coaches. “There are a lot of souls that you’re running into.”
During the evening’s main session, Fromm shared his personal testimony, telling students that although he grew up in church, he didn’t truly surrender his life to Christ until he was a sophomore in high school. “I knew who Jesus was, but I didn’t know Jesus,” Fromm shared, explaining that placing his faith in Christ remains the most important decision he has ever made.
Following Fromm’s testimony, Pastor Brad Waters presented a clear Gospel message, encouraging students to consider what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. “The decision that changed Jake’s life is the same decision that can change your life,” Waters told the students before extending an invitation to respond.
The response was immediate as coaches first stepped forward, followed by students who came to speak with church counselors about their decisions.
More than 100 volunteers from First Baptist Hazlehurst helped make the evening possible, serving meals, organizing activities, praying with students, and supporting the event in a variety of ways. Although First Baptist continues to recover from damage caused by Hurricane Helene, church leaders said the mission of reaching people with the Gospel remains their highest priority. “You can’t stop reaching people just because you have obstacles,” Waters said. “We’re going forward.”
This story was adapted for Hazlehurst Now from reporting by Henry Durand of The Christian Index, with additional editing and formatting by Hazlehurst Now.
Community Compass
For many young athletes, coaches are among the most influential people in their lives. Night of Champions brought together schools, churches, coaches, families, and students from across the region for an evening focused on encouragement, faith, and community. With approximately 120 students making spiritual decisions, church leaders say the event’s impact will continue well beyond a single night.
