Ontario Free Methodist in Ontario will be hosting a “revival crusade” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 6 p.m.
For Tom Dunn, organizer and Ontario Free Methodist Leadership Board member, revival meetings used to be routine part of his young life. But now he says these meetings are not as common anymore – so he decided to put one together.
“I believe Christians have solutions for problems through prayer. Our focus will be to pray for schools and the drug epidemic in our area,” explained Dunn. “It’ll wake up the believers. It’s just like in marriage when the fire goes out, the same happens for Christians. So this will be like getting on fire again and get excited about faith,” he added.
The event will feature speakers ShatterTheDarkness‘s Russ Dizdar, Prospect Elementary Principal Kirsten DeVito, Ben Mutti from the Richland County Prayer Network, Abundant Life Tabernacle Pastor Jerry Laudermilk and Ontario Free Methodist Pastor Tony Viscioni.
In terms of local problems he’d like to see addressed, Dunn said there are different levels of the drug epidemic that he hopes to pray for, but heroin is a primary point of concern. Dunn says has seen testimonies of individuals who have been “delivered” from drug addiction.
Halloween also takes place on the night of the event, but the organizer made it clear that the Wake the Dead event will take place separately.
“Yeah, it’s on Halloween night, but we’re not really going to acknowledge that. It’s a Hallmark holiday. But, you know, why can’t believers get together on a night like this and do our own thing?” said Dunn.
He went on to explain the biblical story of how Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. (John 11). “I believe he (Lazarus) was raised not only from physical death, but from spiritual death as well,” explained Dunn. He said he would like this revival meeting to wake up the spiritually dead Christians to allow God to move in this city.
Viscioni, Ontario Free Methodist Pastor, said he is excited to see what unfolds as a result of the event.
“I think the heart beat behind this event is to get more believers on fire for what God’s doing,” said Viscioni. “I’m calling my talk ‘The Big Question,’ which Jesus asked Peter before the crucifixion: ‘Do you love me?’” he added.
Dunn said he is praying that God leads many individuals to the event, but will be happy on the basis of a single result.
“I’d be happy if only one person came and he was changed forever,” said Dunn.
The event is open to the public and will take place in Ontario Free Methodist church’s auditorium on 2200 Beford Boulevard. The event will start at 6 p.m.
