Darrell Evans

Faith Fellowship outreach ministries presents Valley Praise Fest music festival. There will be several different Christian bands from contemporary, bluegrass, to rock, and all activities are free.

Valley Praise Fest will be held at Faith Fellowship Praise and Worship Center located at the foot of Eight Mile Ridge in Reader.

As with last year, Valley Praise Fest will kick off with an evening of musical entertainment by local artists on Friday night, Aug. 26, from 6-9 p.m. Scheduled performers for the evening include The Smith Family, Laurel Creek, and The Carriers.

Valley Praise Fest will continue Saturday, Aug. 27, from 1-9 p.m. The day begins with Fun in the Son which offers children’s activities including jump castles, games, water slides, face painting, Bible stories, popcorn, and cotton candy. Fun in the Son was started by Faith Fellowship’s Children’s Ministry and has grown each year.

Concessions will be available, but be sure to bring a blanket, lawn chairs, strollers, comfortable shoes, and sunscreen.

Musical entertainment continues throughout the day. Those scheduled to perform on Saturday include Amy Witschey, Rob Campbell, Tony Collens, 24/7, 2 Be Determined, Crossed In, and special guests Jessica McCoy and Darrell Evans.

Best known as the writer of songs like “Trading My Sorrows,” “Let the River Flow,” “Your Love is Extravagant,” and “Freedom,” Evans is considered by many to be a pioneer in the modern worship music movement.

Evans’ ministry started as a teenager in Olympia, Wash., leading many of his fellow classmates to Jesus through personal testimony and nights of praise and worship in his parent’s home. He has served as a worship pastor for churches in Washington, California, Oklahoma, and Texas.

For the past 12 years Evans has traveled the world alone and with the band ministering the gospel through worship, preaching, and prayer. His authenticity, genuine spirit, and passion have connected with many as he ministers worship to the Lord. He has seen numerous people come to know Christ and has encouraged many others to a deeper walk with God. People are healed, refreshed, and renewed through his ministry.

Evans’ projects “Let the River Flow” and “Freedom” both garnered Dove award nominations and influenced a new wave of congregational worship. His newest project, “Nothing Less Than Everything,” wraps his joy, passion, and experience in a fresh and powerful sound. In Evans’ words, “It’s my prayer that the Lord will use these songs to help people connect with Jesus in a life-changing way.”

From an early age McCoy, a native of West Virginia, knew she was meant to be a “musicianary” and strives to share the hope and love of Jesus Christ through personal and powerful worship, uplifting original songs, and a heart that’s on fire for God.

This is the third Valley Praise Fest and Faith Fellowship sees it as a music festival that can grow with each year and shake up the valley by doing something different. For further information on Valley Praise Fest call Faith Fellowship at 304-266-4630 or check out their Web site at www.thisismychurch-reader.org.