YOUNGSTOWN — Though 2020 was a challenging year for having the annual Men’s Rally in the Valley, organizers say this year’s event was a little easier.

The 12th annual Men’s Rally in the Valley will take place Oct. 9, starting at 7 a.m. at the Covelli Centre in downtown Youngstown.

Bing Newton, one of the organizers for the past 12 years, said there are always “bumps in the road” when planning any event.

“We always face obstacles from time to time, but the rally is going forward. It is a team effort that makes this possible. God has been able to unify his team. We encourage men to attend and come to the event for Christ,” Newton said.

The event is free.

He said this year’s theme is “Be United in Christ” and will include musical performances by the Sidewalk Prophets, and also several guest speakers, including State Rep. Tim Ginter, Bob Pavlich, Joel Penton, Vance Johnson and Markus McFolling.

Newton, president of Men of Faith and the founder of Men’s Rally in the Valley, said the day is filled with praise, worship and testimony.

Speakers are:

• Ginter, of Salem, is the speaker pro tempore of the Ohio House of Representatives who has served in the House since 2015, representing District 5, covering Columbiana County;

• McFolling, a Seaside, Calif., native, is a former football running back at Malone University and founded Reach 1, a nonprofit that stands for “Reconciling Every Abandoned Child Home”;

• Pavlich, a Poland native, is CEO at Adult and Teen Challenge Ohio Valley, Youngstown;

• Penton, a former Ohio State University football standout, and a leading youth motivational speaker;

The opening ceremony takes place at 9 a.m. as a 300-pound cross is brought outside the main entrance of the center, and prayers are said. Teen Challenge youth are helping to bring the cross.

State Sen. Michael Rulli, R-Salem, will provide the opening prayer.

Newton said “God has been good to the Men’s Rally in the Valley,” noting even last year in the face of the pandemic, men of faith stood firm in their belief knowing that God is in control.

“We believe only with unity in Christ can the enemy be defeated,” Newton said.

Various groups and organizatiosn will set up resource tables at the event.

For information, call 330-398-6098 or www.mensrally.org.