How a change of plans led to a divine appointment during Crossover 2025

Editor’s note: The following account was submitted by Carl Bradford, dean of Texas Baptist College and associate professor of evangelism at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth.

MURPHY—During Crossover 2025 in Dallas, God displayed His sovereignty and providence in an unforgettable way through a simple text message, a last-minute change of plans, and one man’s openness to the gospel.

On the morning of June 3, Tony Mathews, a former Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary trustee who now serves as senior strategist for Missional Ministries with the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, sent a message to me:

“Good morning, brother. Any Crossover events you are at today or tomorrow? May I attend?”

Due to a full schedule, I didn’t respond that day, but I followed up the next morning by calling Tony. When we spoke, he asked where my student team and I would be conducting evangelism. I replied that we were heading to partner with First Baptist Church in Murphy and mentioned it might be better for him to join another day since the area was far away.

That’s when Tony said something unexpected: “Carl, I don’t know if you remember—I live in Murphy.”

I paused to double-check the details and realized we were actually assigned to North Richland Hills that day. Even so, Tony said he still wanted to come, regardless of the location. After some prayerful consideration, I felt led to shift the plans and go to Murphy after all. I texted Tony with confirmation, and we made arrangements to meet for door-to-door evangelism.

Later that day, the team canvassed homes in Murphy. At one house, Tony and a SWBTS student named Justin rang the doorbell, but no one answered. As they walked away and Tony answered a phone call, Justin looked back to note the house number and noticed someone peeking out the door. He waved, and they turned back.

Although I was closest to the door, I felt strongly that Tony should be the one to return. So Tony rejoined Justin, and together they engaged the homeowner, Victor. As they talked, Victor mentioned he was originally from Mississippi and had attended Mississippi State University. Tony lit up and said, “I have a friend who went to Mississippi State and later played for the Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills—Michael.”

To Tony’s amazement, Victor responded, “I know Michael! We went to school together.”

Tony immediately called Michael and, when he answered, handed the phone to Victor. After introducing himself, Michael was overjoyed to reconnect. The two caught up, stunned by the coincidence—or rather, the divine arrangement.

After the call, Tony asked Victor how he could pray for him. Victor replied, “If you have time to pray, then come inside.”

Inside the house, Victor showed Tony a prayer he had written in a notebook—an indication of his struggle with alcoholism. Tony then asked me to pray specifically for Victor’s sobriety and deliverance. The group and I prayed over him, and afterward offered to share my personal testimony.

As the group settled in, I shared how the Lord had saved me. Then I asked Victor, “Has something like this ever happened to you?” Victor said it had, but admitted he believed he needed to live a better life to earn a place in heaven.

This provided an opportunity for a clear presentation of the gospel. Tony and I took turns explaining the message of grace through faith in Christ alone. Tarah, a student with the group, shared a story of her own and urged Victor to place his full trust in Jesus.

Eventually, Tony turned to Victor and asked, “Would you like to receive Jesus’ forgiveness today?”

Victor, deeply moved by the entire encounter, said yes. He prayed to receive Jesus as his Lord and Savior.

The group rejoiced, overwhelmed at how God had woven together every detail—from a delayed text response to a relocated outreach site—to bring about a divine appointment for one man in Murphy, Texas.

Tony has already followed up with Victor and made arrangements to get him connected to a church that includes a ministry specific to Victor’s struggle. Additionally, Tony and I exchanged numbers with Victor to continue communication.