Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- It's an event that usually packs out huge arenas in places like Dallas, San Diego, Atlanta and even international venues like London and Seoul. But now, it's coming to James Brown Arena.

It's the "Just Give Me Jesus" revival, presented by Anne Graham Lotz, daughter of evangelist Billy Graham and founder of AnGeL Ministries. Lotz was in town Tuesday to kick off the big event, which will be hitting Augusta in September.

Tuesday's kickoff events included a morning of inspiration and information for pastors and church leaders at the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Augusta, followed by a media luncheon. The day culminates Tuesday night with a "Kick-Off Celebration for Women" at First Baptist Church in North Augusta.

A group of women from all over the Augusta-Aiken area have been planning the revival for months. The planning committee includes 40 women from 25 churches around the Augusta area, led by team chairman, Blanche Conger.

It was a lengthy process to extend an invitation to Lotz, including more than 100 letters from local spiritual leaders and city officials, months of planning, and as Conger says, "A whole lot of prayers."

It is a two-day event that will be held at James Brown Arena Friday, Sept. 21, from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The event is free, and although the event is targeted at women, anyone is invited to attend.