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Men’s Rally in the Valley returning Oct. 10

YOUNGSTOWN — For about 13 years, Walter “Bing” Newton and the Men of Faith would attend a Promise Keepers Conference to continue to grow as Christian men. After all, the men’s prayer breakfast group was formed by holding on to a commitment made at a Promise Keepers Conference.

In 2009, as president of Men of Faith, Newton inquired about tickets for 96 men who were ready to attend the conference. Much to his surprise, Newton learned that the conferences weren’t being held that year.

When Newton had to break the news to the men at their monthly breakfast meeting, he could visibly see their disappointment and offered them a word of advice.

“I remember telling them the situation, and I could see the looks on their faces,” Newton said. “They just didn’t know what we were going to do. I told them to pray, and we’ll see what happens.”

About two weeks later, Newton said he heard the voice of God, who told him to hold their own rally. The conversation continued, as Newton thought of the obstacles, including money and experience in holding a rally.

“I heard him plain as day,” Newton said. “He told me not focus on money, that’s His business. And He told me that He’d teach me how to put a rally on.”

As a former teacher and coach, Newton was familiar with a leadership role. He knew how to gather and unite men for a common goal. And that’s how it started.

Fast forward over a decade, and Newton is preparing for the 11th annual Men’s Rally in the Valley.

The theme for this year’s rally is, “Jesus, our only hope.” This year’s speakers include Ohio State representative and pastor Tim Ginter; author, bodybuilder and entrepreneur Lee Haney; national director of the Broken Chains biker club and the official biker club of Celebrate Recovery Jeff Stultz; decorated Vietnam Veteran Dave Roever; and CEO of MyPillow Mike Lindell. The JJ Weeks Band will also be performing at the rally.

“There was a time when I wasn’t close with God,” Newton said. “That’s what this is about. God is trying to challenge men to be the man that He wants us to be through a close relationship with Him.”

Men’s Rally in the Valley will be held at the Covelli Centre on Oct. 10. The rally will open at 8:45 a.m., and the last speaker will speak at 4 p.m. Newton emphasized that all ages are welcome from all different areas, and the rally is free for all visitors.

As the event approaches, Newton reflects on what it took to get here. He had doubts that the rally would take place this year due to the pandemic, but he leaned on hope.

“Only God could do this,” Newton said. “You know what we’ve been going through. We were given no encouragement at all that this could happen. I prayed, and within a few days we got word that we’ll be able to hold this rally. Only God could do this.”

slendak@mojonews.com

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