This will be our ninth tent revival. Although we had done one a couple of years earlier, we really felt a need to put these events on within the community. Since that decision was made, God has blessed us. I began this journey in February of 1989 when I gave my heart to Jesus . I have been serving him now for the past 21 years here at Capitol Free Will Baptist Church with the exception of two years, when I pastored the Antioch New Life Free Will Baptist Church. During that time, I felt the Lord wanted me to concentrate more on evangelistic work.

You see, I have been preaching at the Union Gospel Mission for the past 20 years, and I believe it is because I can relate to those on the street because of my past. I spent many of my younger years in the drug lifestyle on the streets of Sacramento and because of that, the message of the gospel truly translates into hope for all. People want to see real evidence of change, and I believe God uses us all, right where we are in life, to impact those around us with His love and power to change one's life and help others to do the same.

My hope is that we can bring revival to North Highlands that will be lasting and life changing for many. This is why we began to reach out into the community in practical ways. This ministry is self-sustaining through donations and a monthly pancake breakfast (Pancake Palace on Watt Avenue provides the batter). This allows us to keep the costs down to $3 for adults and $1 for kids. We have also made the decision to not take up offerings during the revival, although we do give folks the opportunity to give if they so choose. Over the years, we have been able to acquire all the necessary components to put these revivals on. God has blessed us, showing us the many lives that have changed as a result of the meetings.

For people who don’t know what a tent revival is, it is a church service conducted in a tent. Over the years we have used many musical artists such as recording artist Justin Fox, the Johnson Family, Arthur Johnson and numerous other groups from local churches and surrounding areas. We are always on the look out for people, groups and praise teams to provide the music for our services. Live music outside creates interest in the neighborhood and for passersby on Watt Avenue. Since we began nine years ago, we have also done tent revivals in North Sacramento at Temple Baptist Church and in Rancho Cordova at Grace Lutheran Church.

We continue to look for those interested in holding a tent revival at their location. Our main goal is to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, and to show the transforming power of a relationship with Him. The methods may change, but the message cannot. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. We are looking forward to this year's big tent revival the week of May 17 - 19, 2010 at 6201 Watt Avenue every night at 7:00pm. Just come down Watt heading north - you’ll see our banner and the big tent. We look forward to meeting you.

IN CHRIST,
EVANGELIST JIMMY ROUGHTON