FUMC to host free concert

The First United Methodist Church in Chester will host a free Christian concert on Saturday at 5 p.m. The event will take place in the Methodist Church sanctuary and the public is encouraged to attend.

Mike Rayson is both an evangelist and a musician. He travels around the world throughout the year preaching the gospel and singing about his love for Jesus.

His music has been featured on radio stations worldwide and he has quite a following of listeners from all denominations.

Many stations across America regularly play Rayson's music including Hope 1032 in Australia; Premier Radio in London; and UCB UK/EUROPE. His concert at FUMC will last approximately one hour.

Following the concert, all guests are invited downstairs to the Fellowship Hall for a light meal.

In addition to being an excellent singer and performer, Rayson is a great preacher and storyteller.

He has been the special guest at numerous world-famous churches including the Methodist Central Hall Westminster (UK); Wesley Mission (Australia); the Upper Room (Tennessee); Union Church (Guatemala); Aberfoyle Park UCA (Australia); LaCroix UMC (Missouri); Crossroads Corona (California) and Christ Church (Illinois).

Rayson has also served as the featured preacher and musician at several major conferences such as ECG Wales (UK), AGMF (Australia) and FireUP here in the United States.

Rayson is originally from Australia, but he now lives in Brighton, Ill., where he pastor at the St. Paul United Methodist Church. He also works closely with his wife, Amy, who is also a Methodist Minister.

Mike and Amy have eight children. Sam, Laura and Laura are their natural children. Siri is their exchange daughter from Sweden.

Rose, Yuri, Juana and Quishpy are their sponsored children through the Ministry of Compassion International.

FUMC n Chester has a new pastor in Faye Edmiaston. Edmiaston is a personal friend of Rayson and is excited to be bringing him to Chester to share with other churches and individuals who enjoy Christian music and praising the Lord.

"Mike is all about communicating the wonderful, life-giving, and relational gift of grace as it is poured out on the world by the one who chooses to dance through all creation," Rayson's publicist said. "Through Mike, God works healing in the lives of ordinary and broken people."

Copies of Rayson's music will be available for sale following the concert.