Tony Campolo, author and pastor, speaking in Anderson

Courtesy photo

Tony Campolo

The sanctuary of First Baptist Church in downtown Anderson will be the site to hear about tackling tough issues of faith Thursday. A nationally known author, pastor and speaker, Tony Campolo, will speakas part of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s fall convocation, “A Festival of Gratitude,” said Glenn Bolt, an assistant pastor at First Baptist Church.

A banquet earlier in the day will honor the area’s charitable organizations. Campolo, founder of the Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education, has dedicated his life to helping those in need. The evangelical association is an organization that develops schools and social programs in third-world countries and across North America.

He is the author of 35 books. His most recent is “Red Letter Christians, A Citizen’s Guide to Faith and Politics.”

“He is one of the most dynamic Christian speakers anywhere,” Bolt said. “He’s a can’t-miss speaker. He’s always tackling the tough issues. He has always been the champion of the down and out.

“People might not agree with him. But he won’t disappoint.”

Bolt said the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship is helping bring Campolo to Anderson. He will speak at the church at 7 p.m. Thursday. The event is free and open to everyone of all faiths, Bolt said.