MANSFIELD — Tony Goad says he may not be able teach a Bible lesson, but he can sing about Jesus.

That’s his way of ministering to others, and it’s the idea behind the Community Outreach Gospel Musical Festival that’s coming to the Richland County Fairgrounds this July.

Goad, who’s been involved in different bands over the years, said he approached Pastor Patricia Sullivan at New Beginning Full Gospel Baptist Church with an idea.

But before he had the chance to explain it, Sullivan presented a sermon that spoke loud and clear to Goad. 

“Her message was, ‘If you’re a true believer in Christ and He puts something on your heart, you gotta do it,'” Goad said. “And I’m thinking, ‘Wait a minute, she’s talking about me.'”

Following the sermon, Goad and Sullivan were able to talk and pray about his idea and began putting it into motion.

“We wanted to go with a three-day (festival), but being it’s our first year, we didn’t want to bite off more than we can chew, so we narrowed it down to just one day, all day,” Goad said.

The festival will be held July 22 from noon to 9 p.m. at the fairgrounds.

Parking costs $5 per car, $10 per bus. Event proceeds will go toward Hospice of North Central Ohio, the Domestic Violence Shelter and breast cancer awareness. Attendees are also asked to bring nonperishable food items or monetary donations, which will be given to local food pantries.

“It’s a day of nothing but gospel music,” Goad described. “We are trying to reach out to those who don’t know Christ through music.”

There will be a tent set up for people who would like prayer or to learn about Christ.

Goad is collaborating with local churches for this event, including Oasis of Love, Providence Baptist Church, New Beginning Full Gospel Baptist Church and Kingdom Grace Fellowship Church.

He welcomes participation from other local churches, regardless of denomination, noting, “We’re looking for praise and worship teams that want to come out maybe for a half-hour and do a few songs.”

There will be performances by various Christian bands, mime dancing by Spirit of Excellence, Christian artwork for sale, door prizes, informational booths and more.

“We’re going to have all kinds of entertainment,” he said.

If interested in participating in this event, call Goad at 419-512-5198.