By Morgan Mizell

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Members of Lovely Lane United Methodist Church are preparing for an awakening.

The church on Morgantown Road invites the public to a community-wide revival from Feb. 26 to March 1.

Beginning a 6:30 p.m. each day, each service will feature different area pastors, speakers and musical talent.

Christie Mcguire, a church member who is also involved with several of the church boards and committees, asked her pastor, the Rev. Danny Speed, if the church could organize a community-wide revival to bring the people together.

“I have been telling my pastor for some time that our community is in need of an awakening,” Mcguire said. “He agreed with me and said that while we wake up every day to go to our jobs and such, are we really awakening what God has given us? Are we awakening that part of us?”

The four-day event starts with the Rev. Kejuane Bates of Forest Aide Baptist Church. Bates will also bring his church’s choir with him. Monday, Feb. 27, the Rev. Kevin Campbell of Springfield Baptist Church will be the guest speaker and he be accompanied by members of his congregation who will perform various selected music. Tuesday night, Rev. Grady Fulton of Church of God of Prophecy will be the guest speaker and Wednesday night, Rebecca Caldwell of  Crossbridge Church in Ferriday will be the guest speaker.

There will also be a few people throughout the week giving their testimony.

“This has been on my heart and mind for a while,” Mcguire said. “I would start working on it and I would get too busy or have my focus shifted. This past year, with the different health issues I have faced, I really felt God was telling me I needed to do this now.”

Mcguire said she felt a longing to become closer to God several years ago and her health made her make the decision to stop waiting.

“I just want this to be something that is impactful for those in attendance,” Mcguire said. “I want the community to come together and let people know we can all do great things no matter who we are or what we have done. I just want it to be positive for everyone.”

Other members of the church have also been helping with preparations for the event.

Rev. Danny Speed hopes the event will be well attended and each message given will be well received.

“I hope to see a reawakening of the realization of God’s spirit which is present to us day-to-day,” Rev. Speed said. “I would also like to see a willingness on the part of the people to hear and follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit which will enable us to live out the commandment to love one another.”

There is no cost to attend the revival, but the church will take a love offering.

For more information, call Christie Mcguire at 601-431-1805.