Next week an interdenominational coalition of local churches will present a “good ole’ fashioned” tent revival to not only offer a refreshing venue for praise and worship, but also embrace residents of the near Eastside Martindale-Brightwood area.
The Martindale-Brightwood Tent Revival is set to take place from Monday, Aug. 27 to Friday, Aug. 31 at 6:30 p.m. nightly at Douglass Park, 1616 E. 25th St. A different pastor will deliver a special message and a different choir will sing each night. In addition, a special service designed especially for youth will be offered Thursday.
“We’re going to have a traditional but exciting revival with the goal of reaching out to people in the community who are not in the loving embrace of a church family,” said Ruby Anderson, event organizer and a member of the Martindale-Brightwood Community Resurrection Partnership (CRP).
The CRP is a coalition of churches and service organizations devoted to improving the quality of life of Martindale-Brightwood residents by addressing the spiritual, social and economic needs of what many regard as one of the city’s toughest areas.
The CRP has several religious, education and charitable components, including an emergency financial fund for families in crisis situations.
More than 12 churches and organizations are scheduled to be active participants in next week’s revival. Some of the churches include Scott United Methodist Church, Overcoming Church, St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, Oasis of Hope Baptist Church, Zion Hill Baptist Church and Zion Tabernacle Apostolic Church.
Anderson estimates that there are over 100 churches in Martindale-Brightwood. She said the CRP believes that congregations should work in unity to maintain a strong spiritual and physical presence in the community.
“With crime and other pressing challenges facing us there is an increasing need for effective ministries,” Anderson said. “We hope this revival will be a special opportunity for congregations to go beyond the wall of their churches and show that they care about families in this area.
Rev. Ray Wilkins, pastor of Scott United Methodist and president of CRP, will serve as master of ceremony of the revival along with Rev. James Carter, an associate pastor at Oasis of Hope.
Wilkins believes pastors and churches should come together and seize the opportunity to take the lead in seeking God for his guidance in rebuilding troubled areas of the community.
“Many of the problems we face are rooted in the spiritual realm,” Wilkins said. “For instance, our youth have no control over the demonic spirits that are pressing them to kill each other. It’s time for everyone to come together in a revival not just for spiritual renewal, but to move forward in reclaiming our homes and neighborhoods.”
For more information about the free Martindale-Brightwood Tent Revival call (317) 637-3776.
