New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow is still the keynote speaker for a Fresno fundraising event April 5 to benefit Break the Barriers and Fresno Christian schools.

Tebow recently backed out of a planned appearance at First Baptist Church in Dallas later in the spring because of controversy surrounding the church's pastor, the Rev. Robert Jeffress. He presented an unwavering stance on homosexuality, saying it is a sin, and commented that Mormonism is a cult, not a branch of Christianity, during the 2012 presidential election.

Deby Hergenrader, co-founder of Break the Barriers, a Fresno-based nonprofit sports and arts center for the able and disabled, says Tebow is still on in Fresno.

"There's controversy in Texas, (but) we're still on," she says. "I just talked with his agent. He's signed and sealed. Now, it's a huge step of faith with getting the word out. It's just, just now cracking."

The "Inspire Gala" will be held at the Fresno Convention Center New Exhibit Hall. Eight billboards went up in the area this week.

Cost is $150. Details: (559) 445-8100, 432-6292 or inspiregala.com.

Cleveland is mission's Latter-day Saints head

Former Fresno State men's basketball coach Steve Cleveland has been named The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' mission president in Indiana.

Cleveland has been working as a TV analyst for Brigham Young University men's basketball games. He also has done work for ESPN and KSL Radio.

He was one of 110 new mission presidents recently named by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His role begins in July in Indianapolis.

Cleveland had a 92-98 record in six seasons at Fresno State, 2005-06 to 2010-2011.

One of his former players at Fresno State, Paul George, is one of the Indiana Pacers' top young talents in the NBA.

Peoples Church hosts dramatic presentation

A cast of more than 60 people -- dressed in authentic Eurasian costume -- will present the sights and sounds of Eurasia's 44 countries and territories in a dramatic presentation Sunday at the Peoples Church Student Ministries Building, 7172 N. Cedar Ave.

The "Eurasia Experience" will be offered at 8, 9:45 and 11:30 a.m., and 5 and 6:30 p.m. The performances end with a message by a missionary to Eurasia.

A limited number of free tickets for each presentation is available. Details: peopleschurch.org or (559) 298-8001.

Course will begin on Orthodox Church

A six-week course -- introducing the Orthodox Church for inquirers -- begins at 3 p.m. March 9 at St. Peter The Apostle Serbian Orthodox Church, 3502 N. First St.

The course runs Saturdays through April 13. Details: (559) 227-5565.

Presbyterian official coming to Fresno

The moderator of the General Assembly of Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) will attend the Presbytery of San Joaquin meeting March 9 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 50 E. Santa Ana Ave.

The Rev. Neal D. Presa was elected moderator at the General Assembly meeting in Pittsburgh last summer.

Westminster Presbyterian Church also has a new pastor, the Rev. Patrick J. Sheahan. Details: (559) 226-8300.

Westley United Methodist hosting film

The film "Iron Jawed Angels" will be shown at 7 p.m. Monday at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1343 E. Barstow Ave.

The film is a true story about Alice Paul and the struggle for women to win the right to vote. There will be a discussion after the film. The event is presented by the church's social justice action team.

Admission is free. Details: (559) 224-1947.

Immanuel Lutheran will host Danish Smorgasbord

The 58th edition of the Danish Smorgasbord and Country Store is March 9 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Easton, 5955 S. Elm Ave.

The Country Store opens at 3 p.m. Dinner is served 4-7 p.m. Cost is $12 for adults or 50 cents per year for children through age 10. Details: (559) 237-7909.