March 29, 2024

Newton Tent Crusade has successful second year

For the second year, the Newton Tent Crusade had a successful six-day event. From Aug. 9 through the Aug. 14, community members were invited to join in nightly services and lively entertainment.

“Tent meetings are kind of different because they are outside,” organizer James Miller said. “It is a lot more relaxed. It is kind of like the fair atmosphere.”

Miller, owner if Integrity Cleaning and Restoration, had been looking to bring the tent crusade to Newton for several years but could not find a location to hold the event. Last year, while continuing the search, it dawned on Miller to put the tent in right next to his business at 402 First Ave. E.

“For the last several years I have been looking for a place to put the tent up, and it always fell through,” Miller said. One day, I just thought — why can’t a just put it up out here. It just dawned on me. It fits perfect.”

Leading the nightly services was evangelist Robert Newton. Newton is a part of Powerhouse Ministries Crusades and Conferences, a ministry that travels to provide crusades, conferences, revivals and outreaches. Special music was also provided by April and Jeff Davis.

Performing at the event during youth night on Friday was Montezuma-based band Breaking Adam. The contemporary Christian band mixed the sounds of rock and pop to create their own worship music.

The group started as a worship band out of their church and has grown to play and minister across the state. Breaking Adam writes their own music to help them connect with all generations.

Consisting of Travis Williams on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, Travis Kaisand on drums, Ryan Kloppenberg on Rhythm Guitar and Alex Nowotny on bass, Breaking Adam says its sole purpose when they play is to lift of the name of Jesus and hopefully connect to the person who would normally steer away form Christian music.

“We believe that worship is not only what we do on stage but it’s our lifestyle. We worship God with our words, our music and our lives,” Williams said.

Saturday night the event held a miracle and healing service along with offering free hot dogs, chips, drinks and dessert. The event wrapped up on Sunday with a morning service.

Miller said that there was a good turnout to the event and hopes to make it an annual affair.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at
641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or
jpierson@newtondailynews.com