Teens, young children and adults, under a blanket of colored lights and loud Christian music, gave preacher Benny Hinn a rock star-like reception at the evangelist’s Youth Ministry Service Saturday at the Pepsi Center.
“Life is short,” Hinn said, greeting thousands of followers who rarely rested their outstretched arms of faith throughout the event. “Let’s not waste it on meaningless nonsense.”
The event capped off the 52- year-old Texas-based preacher’s three-day Miracle Crusade in Denver, which half-filled the Pepsi Center to each night.
Patricia Rogers , who attended all three events, said it was important to bring her two sons, 5-year-old Elijah and 2-year-old Taze, because of the power of Hinn’s message.
“We heard about the Crusade and we always watch him on TV,” said the Montana resident. “It was a long way down, but it is worth it. This has been a life-changing experience.”
Although adults nearly equalled the number of youths in attendance, the tone of Saturday’s event clearly was meant for a younger crowd.
An hour of pop-inspired Christian music was followed by a comedian-youth minister, before the floor was turned over to actor Tom “Tiny” Lister, known for his role in the movie “Friday.”
Lister, who said he wouldn’t have escaped the streets of Compton if it were not for his faith, gave the audience a dose of tough love as he expounded on the trivial values of MTV and rap music.
“Jesus Christ is the coolest gangster there is,” he said, equating being “gangster” with being tough. “God is so gangster. He defeated death.”
Steven Carothers, an 18-year- old high school senior from Casper, attended all three events and said the Crusade made a profound impression upon him.
“I’m definitely going to start changing my life around,” he said. “I think I’m going to stop partying.”
Staff Writer Michael McCollum can be reached at 303-820-1201 or mmccollum@denverpost.com.
