The power of the Omega Force is very minimal compared to the power Jesus Christ.

During the past three nights, the Omega Force baited the hook, but it was the love of Jesus and his message of eternal salvation that reeled believers into the fold.

Rene Helms, volunteered to serve as a counselor for the Omega Force Youth Crusade at Cattleman Park, Thursday through Saturday nights. She found herself at a loss for words when trying to describe the experience.

"It was such an unbelievable experience," Rene said, "To see so many people - of all ages -

come into the Kingdom. On Friday night, I was at the counselors' table and, when the altar call was made, there was a mass exodus from the seats to the front.

"I looked at all those people and there were all kinds of emotions. From tears in the eyes to uncontrollable sobbing. One young man cried so much the floor was wet from his tears. There was a lot of serious prayer taking place. It was an experience I'll never forget."

Rene said she was very fortunate to have been a part of such a coming to Christ.

"It was a blessing to be a part of this youth crusade that touched so many people of all ages," she said.

Rene's husband, Alan, was the one who first became involved and she followed his lead.

"I was more involved with the setting up and taking down of the crusade," Alan said. "On Thursday, I helped to set up a mini-version of the nightly crusades at Pike County and Pike Liberal Arts. The Omega Team's messages at the schools were directed toward drug abuse and abstinence. In the public schools, they could not mention Christ, but were able to at the private school.

"But, their purpose in going into the schools is to draw young people to the night sessions so they can experience God's word."

Alan said a great blessing for him watching people respond to the word of God and the message of salvation who probably never go to church.

"This was in interdenominational event and took a cooperative effort of many churches to being it together," he said. "The largest percentage of those who attended the crusade was young people, but there were a lot a adults there, too."

Alan estimated between 700 and 900 people attended on Friday and there was an equally large crowd on Saturday.

"Probably 150 people responded to the altar call on Friday night," Alan said. "How many of those actually made a commitment to Christ, I don't know, but I know that many people were blessed by the crusade and I was blessed to be a part of it. All of the work and preparation was more than worthwhile."