“Jesus saves from Hell,” the sign read, as a crowd of 50 gathered and shuffled about in the Library Quad around 3 p.m. Tuesday, some arguing, while most watched two men, who claimed to be “ambassadors from God,” preach messages from the Bible.

While no physical violence broke out, many students voiced their views loudly and prompted Jeremy Sonnier, 31, the man holding the sign to retort with comments that he said referenced the Bible. Sonnier did not quote actual verses from the Bible.

“God doesn’t need hillbillies to be his ambassadors,” Mohamad Qutub, a senior and a Muslim, yelled from the crowd. “I do speak for God, like every child of his does,” said Sonnier, who wore a T-shirt that read: “Church gossip, drunkards, abortionist, thieves, sex addicts, druggies, homosexuals, judgment coming!”

Qutub said he doesn’t understand why people like Sonnier and his partner, Robert Breaud, 47, come on campus preaching “ignorance and hate” when neither of them are a part of the university.

“If you’re not a Christian you’re going to Hell – homosexuals, atheists, Jews – anything but a fundamentalist Christian goes to Hell,” Qutub said of Sonnier’s message. “I don’t consider this guy a Christian.”

According to campus regulations, the men are allowed on campus to solicit as long as they keep clear of major walkways.

Campus authorities were on the scene at about 3:30 p.m. and moved the two men to a grassy area near the Quad to avoid blocking the pathway up to the Library.

“We get a lot of Bible-thumpers around here who try to inflame other people,” said Lou Camera, director of student activities.

Camera said while he sees the message as a challenge to the students, he doesn’t think the situation is beneficial. They should be taking place in the classrooms.

“Sometimes we have to pay a high price for free speech,” Camera said.

Breaud said he is from a church called The Reformer in New Orleans and has been traveling throughout the South and along the West Coast from campuses to public events with Sonnier since March.

Breaus said ever since his house was flooded with 12 feet of water when Hurricane Katrina hit, he felt God calling him to full-time ministry.

He said he’s never had anybody convert on-the-spot, but he’s had long conversations with people about Jesus and the Bible.

Brett Cardoza, a senior and a Christian, said “I hope that (students) do not take what these gentlemen have to say as truth, but they would search and read the Bible, and God will reveal the truth.”

After about an hour, most of the crowd had parted while the men remained on campus for a few more hours speaking to students passing by.