CONRAD — In late August, a 3-night outdoor tent revival will be held in Conrad at the City Park (by the family aquatic center). When people see a large tent on the north side of Conrad later this month, know that the circus has not come to town. Instead, through the efforts of several local pastors and many other volunteers, a community tent revival is scheduled to commence. Although the circus is not coming to town, it seems appropriate to borrow from the great showman himself, P. T. Barnum, who once said, “Without promotion, something terrible happens…nothing.”

That is why Pastors John Erthein (First Presbyterian Church, Conrad), Tim Freeman (Beacon Christian Church, Conrad), Randy Ponce (Alice Church of God, Conrad), John Richter (Union Community Church, Union) and Jennifer Schwartz (Cornerstone Methodist Church, Grundy Center) pray that the word will spread and all who are able to attend the tent revival will join for a time of praise and worship in the name of the Savior, Jesus Christ.

What started as a simple idea over coffee between Pastor Freeman and Pastor Richter, is on the verge of reality. On the nights of August 22-24 at 6 p.m., under cover of a tent in the Conrad City Park, Pastor Richter said, “It is our prayer that the Spirit of God will do precisely what is described in Ephesians Chapter 2. By the grace of God, many will be made alive where they were once dead.” Each evening of worship will feature singing, prayer and preaching centered around the theme of revival found in Psalm 85:6, “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?”

It is the hope of the organizers that people from all around will gather together in faith in the name of Jesus Christ. Pastor Erthein said he came to faith in Jesus Christ at a Billy Graham crusade in 1992. When he was approached to be part of the tent revival he didn’t hesitate to join the effort.

Pastor Erthein said, “Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the main reason for my call to preach.”

He is thrilled to have an open air opportunity to share the gospel of salvation in Jesus.

Pastor Erthein will be preaching on Aug. 24, the final evening of the revival which will feature a traditional community choir. Pastor Freeman will be preaching the opening night Friday with Pastor Richter delivering the gospel message on Aug. 23. Pastor Ponce will share his personal testimony during the Saturday evening service. Pastor Schwartz, whose band will be leading worship Friday evening, said, “I’m hungering to see the church and our community come alive in Christ and find salvation and peace.”

The organizers of this 3-night revival invite the public to join them in Conrad Aug. 22-24 and have asked for any who are willing to be in steadfast prayer leading up to the event. The hope, now and forever, is that God will be praised and that all involved will labor to see the name of Jesus Christ glorified. Nightly services will start at 6 p.m. and be held at Conrad City Park, 112 Boyd St., Conrad.