Musicians, Skateboarders Rock and Roll as Christian Crusaders
They burst through the turnstiles of Edison International Field on Friday in an adolescent mass of braces, baggy pants and biblical sensibilities, all eager for a glimpse of the nation’s best Christian skateboarders and rockers.
In a special appeal to Southern California’s youth, organizers of the Harvest Crusade hosted an ear-splitting evening of evangelical rock music and skating demonstrations as part of a four-day spiritual revival.
As skateboarders did such perilous maneuvers as the front side Smith grind and the kick flip backside grab, tens of thousands of teens and their parents viewed their antics via the stadium’s massive TV screen.
Among professional skateboarders who clattered over plywood platforms and scaled steep ramps were Anthony Carney, a lanky 29-year-old from Orange. Carney, who performed in his trademark straw cowboy hat, said he was most interested in setting a spiritual example than in wowing his young fans with skateboarding prowess.
“I want to let kids know you can skateboard and still love God,” said Carney, grinning broadly. “I got involved in my church six years ago because they had a skateboard park, and the truth kind of went from there. It’s kind of awesome how God uses me.”
The event included bands that blared from an infield stage, urging the teens to clap to such lyrics as, “We’re going to the house of God; are you coming?” and “I will praise you as long as I live.” Meanwhile, older chaperons endured the din with smiles and ear plugs.
“Boy, is this loud,” one woman shouted to her husband.
The skateboarders and bands were the warmup for the evening’s main event: a multimedia evangelical appeal by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside. Youths were also encouraged to accept God and Christ into their lives.
“I really like it,” said Cari Landholm, 16, of Palos Verdes Estates. “It’s really cool to see such a big group of Christians.”
Friend and neighbor Natalie Walker, 16, agreed.
“People think Christians are really intolerant. But when you come here, you see that everyone here loves everyone. We’re not out to get anyone,” she said.
Not everyone was of a similar mind. Several groups of protesters outside the stadium hoisted signs that read, “Laurie Leads to Hell.” The demonstrators, members of God’s Word Fellowship, complained that Laurie is guilty of false teachings. Inside, however, youngsters said they saw little that was false to them.
“I think it’s kind of cool how they put Jesus into all these songs,” said Andrew Raei, 15, of Palm Springs. “I also think it’s cool that there’s a lot of girls.”
