By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— Members of First Baptist Church of Pelham’s CREW, Children Ready to Evangelize the World, gathered together for a mission trip of sorts Oct. 25 in Helena’s Old Cahaba Neighborhood.

About 23 children, under the watchful eye of chaperones, spread the word about the church’s mini fall festival that will be held in the neighborhood on Halloween. In addition, the children were telling the story of Jesus Christ.

“We believe at First Baptist Church of Pelham that we are given the commandment to go therefore and make disciples,” said Jonathan Williams, director of preschool and children’s ministries. “We like to teach children at a young age that commandment is for them as well.”

CREW is a large group, interactive experience Wednesday night for the church’s children’s ministries. It is made up of children from first to fifth grade.

Williams said the kids knocked on about 220 doors, handed out fliers and asked if they could share the story of Jesus. The gospel was presented 71 times and three people accepted Christ for the first time.

“The children loved it so much they want to do it again in the spring,” Williams said.

This is the second year First Baptist Church of Pelham has participated in a CREW mission trip. The church’s senior pastor and his fifth-grade son were there, and Williams said they really enjoyed the day.

Williams brought his own 10-year-old daughter, Lilli.

“She loved it,” he said.

There will be four total neighborhood events Oct. 31. These will be “mini fall festivals” held at people’s homes, and each one will be a little different.

Some might have hot chocolate and others may have popcorn, but Williams said they are all open to the public and will have games for children. The events will be set up in time for trick-or-treating.

There will be one neighborhood event in Pelham, two in Helena and one in Alabaster on Halloween.