BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Matthew 10, Chapter 8 says, “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” That is the word that The Well of Maryville, Tennessee, is bringing to Inez for three nights—Thursday, Friday and Saturday—as part of its Hope for Appalachia Tent Revival tour.
The revival starts at 6:30 p.m. each night at the former Martin County Fairgrounds on Route 645 near Cheryl’s Florist.
Evangelist Thomas Fitzpatrick of The Well, a native of Martin County with family ties in the Beauty area, wanted his church to share the word and love for God in Martin County.
“God spoke to me earlier this year when we began planning these revivals, and he also gave me the month of August to hold the service here in Inez,” said Fitzpatrick. “Plans fell into place and we finalized the Aug. 17-19 dates.”
Fitzpatrick and church members are praying for a great turnout.
“This world needs God,” said the evangelist. “If there has ever been a time that we need to work tirelessly to win souls for Christ and to share the word of God with each and every person we come in contact with, it is now. Time is short and the Bible is being fulfilled. Now is the time to make things right before it is too late. We must take every opportunity we have to preach the gospel.”
On the first night of the revival, Fitzpatrick will be the speaker, while the Big Elk Creek Baptist Church choir leader will lead the singing.
Friday night, the speaker will be Michael Braver of The Well.
Another senior leader for the Tennessee church, Brandon Horde, will bring the message Saturday evening, while his wife will oversee the music and singing.
Fitzpatrick said a prayer session is in the planning for Saturday afternoon to attract prayer warriors from near and far to pray over the county, state, country and world. Details will be announced at the Thursday night service.
“We need to pray without ceasing. We need to fall on our faces and cry out to the heavens for those who are lost, especially our loved ones,” Fitzpatrick said. “We must never give up on anyone being saved and turning from the ways of their past. I want to see souls saved and lives won. I want to know we’ll spend eternity together with our heavenly father.”
Seating will be available under the tent. Anyone who wants to sit outside the covering is encouraged to bring a chair.
“Come out and join us for an old-time tent revival. Come expecting a great move of God in your life,” said Fitzpatrick. “God is still in the miracle-making business. He still heals. He still delivers souls from the bondage of sin, addiction and depression. You are never without hope, and you’re never alone as long as you believe and trust.”
Anyone wishing to speak to Fitzpatrick about the revival can reach him at 865-221-2262.