For the past several weeks, the congregation at Lighthouse Baptist Church has tried to scare the audiences out of hell in an alternative to the haunted houses held around this time each fall.

Featuring multimedia special effects and pyrotechnic explosions, Hell's Gates is an outdoor reality drama that challenges participants to consider the results of making life-changing decisions.

"Our message is that life is precious and we don't know when we'll leave this world. We want people to make good decisions regarding their future and their eternity," said Pastor Charles Blackstock.

Hell's Gates takes participants down a dark path of eight life changing scenarios that are designed to give audiences a scare that is not based on fantasy, but on what they believe to be reality.

"We believe that youth are constantly exposed to evil and depression in society and this drama ends with the hope for a better life," Blackstock said.

Hell's Gates begins at dark and is open Oct. 26, 27, 28 and 31. Groups depart every 12 minutes for the hour long spectacle.

Tickets are $12 each, group rates are available.

Lighthouse Baptist Church is located at 329 Harmony Church Road, Dawsonville.

For more information, visit hellsgates.com or call (888) 295-0099 to reserve tickets.