Rally will challenge men to be leaders

May 9, 2015 at 12:00a.m.

By LINDA M. LINONIS

YOUNGSTOWN

“Called to Lead,” the theme of this year’s Men’s Rally in the Valley, challenges men “to be leaders in their homes, churches, communities and the Valley,” said Bing Newton, lead organizer and founder.

The theme is based on the Bible verse from 1 Samuel 16:13, “So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David.”

“We’re in our sixth year and still going strong,” Newton said of the event set May 16 at the Covelli Centre. “It’s awesome to see men who are close to Christ and who praise the Lord.”

Newton said he hoped the gathering “inspires men to be the men God wants them to be.”

Last year, about 5,000 men attended the event featuring Phil Robertson of “Duck Dynasty.” Newton said he is hoping for that number again.

Men of Faith present the Men’s Rally in the Valley. The group involves 130 men from 50 churches, which meet every month on the third Saturday at Das Dutch Haus in Columbiana. The motto is “He is risen, no excuses.” The organizer said a team of speakers will tackle the topic of leadership in different approaches.

Bob Popa, radio personality, is master of ceremonies. The Rev. Gary Frost will give the opening prayer and welcome. He is vice president of the Midwest Region North American Mission Board. The Rev. Mr. Frost, a Youngstown native, was pastor of Rising Star Baptist Church for 18 years.

Speakers and topics are:

Dave Roever, “Called to Lead.” The decorated Vietnam U.S. Navy veteran served as a riverboat gunner in the Brown Water Black Beret and was badly burned in the line of duty when a phosphorous grenade exploded in his hand. A motivational speaker, he is involved in Operation Warrior RECONnect, which helps wounded soldiers.

Alonzo Waters, “Power to Lead.” Waters, born and raised in New Castle, Pa., toured the country performing as lead singer in a successful rap/reggae group. He is senior pastor at Victory @ New Castle, one of eight Victory Christian Center campuses. He organized “CommUnity Fest” in New Castle, which merges various churches in worship and fellowship.

Dan Perkins, “Passion to Lead.” A native of Northern California, he was a booking agent for the Christian Artists Agency and performed in regional musical theater. As worship arts pastor at Southwest Community Church in Indian Wells, Calif., he produced multiple award-winning shows. Perkins also has competed in more than 45 triathlons, including 13 Ironman races. He is executive pastor at WestGate Church in San Jose, Calif., and is a partner with Compassion International, which help provide treatment for medical needs for children in poverty.

Tim Brown will interview Maurice Clarett, “Designed to Take the Lead.” Brown, author of “Boys Won’t Be Boys,” also is an educator, coach and motivational speaker. He serves as a campus ministry director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, is a licensed ordained minister and serves as assistant pastor at the Worship Center of Central Ohio. He and his wife, Karmen, founded the TAKE-ABC basketball program in 1986 and has coached over 500 student athletes who have received athletic or academic scholarships to attend college.

In his senior year at Austintown Fitch High School, Clarett was named the best prep player in the state of Ohio. During his freshman year at Ohio State University in 2002, he helped lead the Buckeyes to a national championship. Clarett was drafted in the 2005 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos and gained national attention for unsuccessfully challenging the NFL’s draft eligibility rules requiring a player to be three years removed from high school. Clarett also was dismissed from Ohio State, had several arrests and imprisonment. Clarett is a motivational speaker and businessman.

Sean Kelly, “Share the Lead.” Pastor Kelly is lead minister of Greenford Christian Church. His passion is to see followers of Jesus become devoted disciples.

J.C. Watts, “Be Prepared to Lead.” Julius Caesar Watts is an American politician from Oklahoma who was a college football quarterback for the Oklahoma Sooners and played with the Canadian Football League until retiring in 1986. Watts served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995-2003 as a Republican, representing Oklahoma’s 4th Congressional District. Watts delivered the Republican response to Bill Clinton’s 1997 State of the Union address. He retired in 2003 and turned to lobbying and business work, also occasionally serving as a political commentator.