RUSSELLVILLE, Mo. - The Russellville High School gym likely will be filled to capacity Wednesday as young and old will want to watch feats of balance and skill on bicycles and motorcycles by Real Encounter.
The Springfield-based group has performed around the globe the last 14 years.
Founder Brad Bennett and other riders will provide motivational talks during the school day at Russellville elementary and high schools and also at High Point School.
The program fits perfectly in the school's Red Ribbon Week, too.
"I think we all need positive reinforcement from time to time," said local committee member Mark Weber.
Wednesday's show at 6:30 p.m. is where Bennett will share his faith and the impact a relationship with Christ can have on a person's life.
Bennett was a professional motocross rider at age 19. That's when Steve Wise, a big name on the racing circuit, shared with him what it meant to accept Jesus Christ into his life, he said.
"That began to change everything," Bennett said. "Racing wasn't as important."
He was in full-time ministry for four years before creating Real Encounter to incorporate action sports and evangelism.
"It started with me and my motorcycle; now we've had a full team for 12 years," Bennett said. "Thousands have come to know our Savior.
"We're definitely reaching people the church would not normally connect with."
Aside from the annual Engine Show and Festival, Russellville likely has not seen such a large event come to town.
"We draw people of all backgrounds and interests, not just people into action sports," Bennett said. "We take large-city events to the small town; we have a heart for rural communities."
Russellville Baptist Church has coordinated the Real Encounter visit with the help of other local churches and the school district.
After the date was set in the spring, the leaders learned Real Encounter would be on NBC's America's Got Talent. They were quick to spread the word so people could catch the nationally televised show of the same group that will perform in Russellville this month.
"They are a good fit for our community," said committee member Jenifer Seaver. "We have a lot of kids on the streets with their bicycles and skateboards.
"We may have to say "don't try this at home.'"
Traditionally, churches hold fall revivals, Weber said. Those events tend to focus on church-goers, and Russellville Baptist was looking for something to reach those in the community without a church connection.
"We have to have something people are interested in to share the Gospel," said the Rev. Dinzel Webb.
Russellville Baptist annually hosts Sports Crusaders in the summer time, combining their faith message with athletics. They hold Wednesday night programs for children and teens, which draws large numbers of youth not members at their church.
And Friday, Oct. 31, the church will provide a safe place with fun activities at its Hallelujah Night, Halloween alternative.
"We want people to realize there is fun in following Christ," Seaver said.
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