Worship continuing with evangelist at First Baptist
Murphy – The Big Gospel Tent, like The Worship Tent before it, has been filled almost nightly with folks praying, singing and praising God over the last year.
While the big tent at 90 Casino Parkway was destroyed by winds Friday, the Western North Carolina Awakening Crusade that began on April 25 has been extended though Friday, moving over to First Baptist Church of Murphy.
During the first week of the revival, 58 people stepped forward to be saved.
“We have been praying for this for several years, along with Christian Lighthouse Ministries and several churches in our tri-state area,” said Rachelle Castellana with the Big Worship Tent. “We have been praying for spiritual awakening and revival in this area, and it is happening.”
The crusade is being led by evangelist D.R. Harrison with Voice of Hope Ministries. Also under the tent were several local church pastors reaching out to the local communities with the word of God. They welcome anyone needing a home church to continue their growth in Christ after the crusade is over.
Harrison has come a long way – and not just in miles traveled. He was born in 1982 and raised in Kannapolis, where he left home at 21.
Free of his evangelistic father, Harrison was able to live his life the way he wanted to. Drugs, alcohol and strip clubs were the roads he chose to travel in his fast lane of life.
His wife, Laura, was all too willing to be part of that lifestyle right alongside him. He said the two were immersed in all the sin the world had to offer.
Harrison planned on purchasing several strip clubs, while she was active in the adult entertainment industry. Drugs and alcohol were a staple for the couple.
However, in May 2016 at age 33, Harrison was convicted by the Holy Spirit and became born again as a result of someone else’s tragedy.
While on his way to a strip club, he witnessed a man on a motorcycle get hit by a car. Harrison woke up. As a result, he became too afraid to do anything for fear he would die.
“I was afraid to eat because I was afraid I’d choke and die,” he said.
“I was scared to drive anywhere because I was afraid I’d wreck and die and go to hell. I was afraid to go to sleep because I was afraid I’d die in my sleep and go to hell. It was that type of conviction, where the Holy Spirit began working on my heart to repentance.”
That lasted for three days. After the third day, he surrendered to the Lord. At that moment, his life changed. The cravings he previously had for the sinful things that had been a part of his life were gone.
Harrison said his wife watched him for a few days, sure that he would revert back to the life he had been living. He didn’t.
She then went to church with him the following week and prayed for God to do for her what He had done for her husband. At that moment, she changed for life.
The desires for the money, drugs, alcohol and the lifestyle they had become accustomed to were gone. Harrison said they were, indeed, set free.
He previously tried to shed some of the sin that had him bound, but would always fall right back in a short time after making those promises. Only God was able to make the change, and He did so swiftly for Harrison and his wife.
Originally founded by his father, Dr. David Harrison, in 1987, D.R. Harrison became president of Voice of Hope Ministries in 2016. Its mission is to take the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world to a lost and dying generation.
When asked what brought him to Cherokee County, Harrison said, “God sent me here. We’re here in Murphy to tell everybody here who’s dealing with dope, alcohol, lying and cheating – whatever their addiction is – that me and my wife are living testimonies that there is hope, and you can get help.”
Whether you are struggling with addiction, drugs, alcohol or pornography, Harrison said God loves you and there is hope. When asked for his favorite Bible verse, he said, “Luke 1:37 – For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
The ministry is dedicated to accountability and transparency. Harrison believes the gospel is the only hope for this generation. For details, visit vohministries.org and theworshiptent.com.