TV entertainer to provide free pre-game shows on Super Bowl weekend

By D.A. WILKINSON

wilkinson@vindy.com

SALEM

A local church plans to mix faith, strength and fun as a start to Super Bowl Weekend.

Pastor Larry Paxson and his wife, Lynn, are ministers at Faith Chapel Fellowship, 511 E. Pershing St.

Steve Carrier will travel there to bring his faith to life with his feats of strength. His Mega Force Ministries is based in The Colony, Texas.

Pastor Larry Paxson said the event is designed to get 1,000 people into the auditorium at Salem’s high school on each of three consecutive days. The times are from 7 to 9 p.m. next Friday and Saturday and from 2 to 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 6, Super Bowl Sunday.

That will allow those who go to the school on Sunday to still see the game.

Pastor Paxson said that the free event will help people in Salem who can’t afford entertainment because of the poor economy.

Steve Benedetto, the church’s coordinator for the event, said Carrier is the world record holder for breaking 30 Louisville Slugger baseball bats over his knee in 44 seconds. He also can bench press

500 pounds.

Carrier had physical problems as a youth. Now he rips phone books in half and rips handcuffs off.

He’s been featured on CNN and ESPN.

Benedetto said that Carrier’s ministry focuses on the gospel and anti-bullying. The program will be different every day.