Several well-known authors, speakers and musicians have announced plans to be part of "Give Thanks" for its third season at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville this September 11th at 6 pm.

The event's special guests include:

• Mike Huckabee, former Governor of Arkansas, TV News commentator, author and speaker
• Eric Metaxas, New York Times best-selling author, Christian radio host and national speaker
• Special musical guest Michael W. Smith, contemporary, Christian musician
• Stikyard, a dazzling group of percussionists in motion
• Dr. Ben Carson, best-selling author and recipient of multiple honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom,via recorded video message

Event sponsor, World Outreach Church, Murfreesboro, TN, and its originator, Pastor G. Allen Jackson have plans for a faith-based experience that has tremendous significance in America.

"Historically, America is a Christian nation and inspired first by Godly principles. Placing God at the center of our decisions and plans is crucial for a better outcome," says Jackson. "These speakers and musicians have been chosen because we believe they will help us do that through inspirational messages and song. It is our Christian heritage that makes liberty and freedom for all a possibility. I believe the responsibility lies firmly at the doorstep of all Christ-followers. When we are willing to honor God, His values and Word, and stand for them, we will continue as a nation blessed by God. The Bible can guide each decision we need to make in these times we are facing. To Give Thanks releases the possibility of God's involvement in our future. The event is designed as a hope filled evening for Middle Tennessee."

The event begins at 6 pm. New this year: an outdoor stage with live music on Broadway and 5th Avenue from 4:15 to 5:15 pm.

World Outreach Church [WOC] is a congregation of more than 20,000 people with interdenominational Christian backgrounds. To the Nashville community, World Outreach Church is seen two times weekly on local Channel 2, WKRN, and on WHTN and NRB networks. Jackson has been senior pastor of WOC for more than 25 years. Over the last five, consecutive years World Outreach Church has held faith initiatives in Nashville, including a Christian men's conference, bringing together more than 45,000 attendees.

"September 11 was the only open date Bridgestone had available for the event that worked with schedules. It seems like a time appointed by God. We all respond automatically to this calendar date because it is a special time of reflection and honor -- a time of re-thinking and restoring, that of passion and unending thankfulness to those who bravely turned one of the darkest days of history into thankfulness; September 11th is not forgotten. With God's help we will have the know- how to overcome despair by raising the banner of hope. This is the objective of the Give Thanks Event," says Jackson.

Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster, at World Outreach Church or at the Bridgestone Arena Box Office for $10. For more information about Give Thanks Nashville, updates and ticket information go online to givethanksnashville.com