Renowned singer Janet Paschal inspires crowd at Gospel Fest tonight at Chaney

YOUNGSTOWN

Music and evangelism came alive here Friday with the appearance of nationally famous gospel singer Janet Paschal at Chaney High School, spurring some attending to express hope for uplifting the city or for a spiritual healing experience.

The River of Life International Crusade Team from California provided other vocalists and the instrumental musicians for the program.

Speakers at the Mahoning Valley Gospel Fest included evangelists Marty Martinez and Nicky Cruz.

“This event is to draw in unbelievers, and it’s an evangelistic outreach to win souls to God,” said Pastor Dwight Dumas, event coordinator and former pastor of Fifth Avenue Community Church in Youngstown and Third Christian Church in Warren.

“We hope that people come together, that they feel a sense of God’s spirit, that they come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior, that believers join together and they feel a sense of togetherness,” he added.

The pastor also said he hopes those affiliated with churches will be motivated “to go back to their local churches and do a better job in the city.”

The program is sponsored by 13 Mahoning Valley churches, representing a variety of denominations.

“I saw it advertised on TV, and I live in the neighborhood,” said Diann Abraham of Youngstown. “I’m hoping to experience great things here tonight, spiritually,” she said as she arrived at Friday’s program.

“We’re attending to get a blessing,” said Thomas Hampton of Youngstown, who was with his wife, Melanie. “I had my blessing about a month ago,” he said, adding that the back pain that plagued him for 15 years went into remission after he attended a local church service.

The free program, being offered in Youngstown for the first time, will be repeated at 7 p.m. today and 4 p.m. Sunday in the high school auditorium at 731 S. Hazelwood Ave.

For more on the event, read Saturday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.