HUNTINGTON BEACH : Gospel’s Message to Be Spread at Revival

Others have referred to them as “the tent people.” They call themselves friends of sinners. And their mission for 15 years has been to spread the gospel to beach-goers at the Huntington Beach Pier and cruisers on Main Street.

Tonight the group, which has no formal name, will extend its ministry with an eight-day tent revival on the beachfront north of the pier.

“We view it as an important part of our fellowship,” group member John Hinman said of the revival. “It is a spectacular event. We feel like God has put us here. We’re missionaries of Huntington Beach.”

Composed of Christians from across Orange County, the group has been witnessing to people on the pier and at the beach since 1977. These days, they focus their efforts on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons, introducing themselves to passersby and handing out literature.

Hinman, 40, of Fountain Valley said a tent on the beach may be more inviting to some people than the formality of a church.

Some who walk a more traditional path agree.

“If this is a way to reach people who won’t come to a church building, that’s great,” said Bob Ewing, associate pastor of First Christian Church at Main Street and Adams Avenue. “It takes all kinds of different styles to reach the people out there.”

Fellowship members were out early Friday beside Pacific Coast Highway between Main and 5th streets to erect the huge blue and white tent that will house the revival, which will begin at 8 p.m. each evening through June 24, with additional gatherings at 3 p.m. Sunday and 1 p.m. June 24.

Organizers said they hope to attract 300 people each night. A five-day revival a year ago, they said, drew a total of more than 2,000 people.

Unlike most church services, these will involve no passing of the collection plate.

“We ask for no offering. We’re here to give,” said Mike Meloche, 33, of Huntington Beach as he directed the crew raising the tent.