CRUSADE: TEARS FLOW AS VETS TELL STORIES

The audience of 1,315 at Thursday night's Impact America crusade rose to its feet to honor about 150 veterans who served their country in the armed forces.

Evangelist Lowell Lundstrom called the veterans to the front of the Show Me Center during God & Country Night. He asked those who had lost friends in war to come on stage and talk about their losses.

As veteran after veteran recalled the names of dead friends, many in the audience wept openly.

It was the crusade's fifth night, and Lundstrom reminded everyone that the price of freedom is blood. He recalled the Revolutionary War that freed Americans from British tyranny, the Civil War that freed black Christians and even the recent conflicts in Somalia resulting in the deaths of American soldiers.

Quoting Proverbs 14:34, which says righteousness exalts a nation, Lundstrom stressed the need for all Americans to appreciate their freedom and return to Christian values. While thanking the Southeast Missourian for its coverage of his crusade this week, he noted that the liberal media have labeled people like Lundstrom the "radical right."

"We're in the middle," Lundstrom said. "So much of the media have shifted so far to the left that we look like we are on the right."

He listed seven signs of a true believer:

1. He visits the orphans, including children of single parents.

2. He helps widows in their affliction, inviting them to social events.

3. He feeds hungry people, those out of a job and having a hard time.

4. He invites strangers into his home.

5. He gives clothes to needy children. They aren't ragged, used clothes.

6. He visits the sick.

7. He visits those in jail and prison, helping them until they can get out and back on track.

Mrs. Missouri 1994 Jean Ann Burke, wife of a Cape Girardeau minister, also addressed the group. She said that, as a child, she dreamed of being Miss America.

When Burke married, she felt her dream had slipped away. However, in her late 30s she lost 50 pounds, learned to speak clearly and practiced singing even more often. When she was 40, she won second runner-up in her first beauty pageant.

On April 30, 1994, she was crowned Mrs. Missouri

"Jesus will give you your dreams and then the courage and strength to accomplish them," Burke said.

Tonight is Bring a Friend Night at the crusade and will feature The Ware Sisters, a gospel group. The service begins at 7:30 p.m.