Inside
Page 6 University Daily Kansan, August 27, 1981
Meg Robie Howard, Lawrence, raises her arms in praise of God at the Word of Faith Evangelist Tent Revival.
"The Lord
Brother Ricley delivers his message (top photo) from the scriptures during a revival this week in Lenceau. The Love of God is evident in all aspects of life, including the message on the musical instrument case (bottom). Ricley's son Gary, 13, is moved by the Holy Spirit after his father, a self-described "bellfire and bristonite preacher" delivered his sermon.
Photos by
Photos by:
EARL RICHARDSON
Story by:
PENNI CRABTREE
told me just now to annoint you," the heavy-set evangelist with the boyish face told the young man before him. "You have great work to do; you must carry the message.//
As the self-described "hellfire and brimstone preacher" moved throughout his audience, touching them and praying, the participants watched with obvious admiration.
Then Brother Riley walked on stage. In his blue, vested suit, Riley was unimposing. But his audience knew better.
Instantly dozens of black vinyl Bibles appeared from beneath chairs. Children were shushed. The audience, visibly moved, waited for the harangue of hellfire and forgiveness that many of them had returned to hear.
The Word of Faith Evangelist Tent Revival had begun. What followed was a brand of raw evangelism brought to Lawrence for 10 nights, beginning last week
The message was simple—repent, reform and strive.
"You can't listen with a carnal ear and hear spiritual truth," Ricley told his audience. "Ask for the truth, reach out with your heart for the truth. I bring you the Spirit."
As Ricley spoke, his voice grew harsh and his words quickened. He slashed the air with a sweep of his arm and pointed at his audience.
"Where did we get this sleazy idea of 'laid back?' " Ricley asked through a mournful din of "Praise God" and "Help us Jesus."
Rickley brings his message to towns throughout the Midwest, traveling in a tiny camper with his wife Pam and son Gary. His collection plate, when passed, is usually more empty than not, Rickley said.
Sitting in his camper before Tuesday night's revival began, Ricley spoke quietly of his evangelistic calling. A battered child who went through a succession of psychologists, Ricley said that he was contemplating suicide when, at 12, he was "born again in the Spirit of the Lord."
"When I was 12, I had a vision from the Lord. I saw a church covered in ice, and I heard Jesus say 'I cannot come or leave.' The windows and doors were barred by ice, the people couldn't get in or out."
Ricley, a 32-year-old Lead Hill, Ark, evangelist, doesn't settle for a half-way job. Mixing sincere religious fervor and a little shrewd showmanship under a 60-by-90-foot stretch of weather-beaten canvas, Ricley prods his audience into a frenzy of religious worship.
Men and women wept, arms outstretched and eyes closed in prayer. Many began to talk in tongues or to convulse in religious ecstasy. Ricley's 13-year-old son Gary collapsed on the ground, writhing in the arms of a friend.