YOUNGSTOWN — Just as many other events have had to change because of the coronavirtus outbreak, the 11th annual Men’s Rally in the Valley original set for this spring has been moved to Oct. 10 at the Covelli Centre.

Bing Newton, one of the organizers of the event which brings men from many counties together for a day of praise, worship and testimony, said all the speakers who were scheduled originally for April 25 have agreed to return on Oct. 10.

“We were concerned it would be difficult to get all the speakers again for a change of date. They have all agreed to come back on the new date.They all have different stories to share,” Newton said.

Speakers planned are JJ Weeks, a Christian recording artist; Mike Lindell, an inventor and entrepreneur; Jeff Stultz, a hope dealer with Celebrate Recovery Broken Chains; Dave Roever, a decorated Vietnam veteran; Lee Haney, bodybuilder; and Paul Young, author. Also, Victory Christian Praise Band will perform and there will be testimonies from the Teen Challenge.

The theme for the event is “Jesus is Our Only Hope,” which he said is fitting considering the current times with the coronavirus.

“We have a variety of speakers who all have a story to share,” Newton said.

The Oct. 10 event will be held all day starting at 7 a.m. with sounding of shofar at 8:45 a.m. and opening welcome and prayer by Warren Mayor Doug Franklin.

Newton said he expected the Covelli Center to be closed under Gov. Mike DeWine’s orders but were fortunate to secure a new date there.

“This is the first time since we have held the event that it has to be postponed. We all need hope during this time and this event will provide it,” Newton said.

He said no one would have expected on Jan. 1 of this year what would be ahead.

“Who could have imagined what was coming down the road? People need to put their faith in the Lord,” he said.

He said once social distancing is lifted, plans are for smaller men’s rallies in different communities leading up to the main event. There is also a fundraising committee working for the event.

Jeffrey Cline of Trumbull County Men of Faith, who has attended the event in past years, said there was a reason for the event to be postponed.

“Many things that men put their hope in have been taken away for now, for Jesus wants our attention. Has he got yours?” Cline said.

He said the five inspirational speakers for this year each have a “rescue story” in how they where saved and set free from bondage.

“The Lord has blessed the Rally in the Valley 2020 with all five speakers able to adjust their schedules to be in downtown Youngstown this fall,” Cline said, noting the event is free.

For more information, visit www.mensrally.org.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com