New events coming together in Clovis

Two events, new to Clovis, are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.

The Second annual Beautiful Ashes Revival will be at Greene Acres Park in Clovis.

The organizer, Jacqueline Ford, describes herself as a mother of four, minister and evangelist.

The origin of the event is tied to a personal tragedy Ford experienced.

"I had a friend who took her life. So I was praying to the Lord and I heard Him say, 'Be my hands and feet.' I prayed about it and The Lord put in my heart Isaiah, Chapter 61, verses one through three," Ford said.

Ford read the passage from The Bible.

"The spirit of the sovereign Lord is on me because The Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. To proclaim the year of The Lord's favor and the day of vengeance for our God. To comfort all who mourn and provide for those who grieve in Zion.

"To bestow a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness. A planning of the Lord for a display of his splendor."

Ford, who grew up in Portales, held the first event at Lindsey Park in Portales last year.

"I think maybe 200 to 250 people came to it," Ford said.

Ford said a performer named "Five" will be doing music ministry.

"There will be face painting, food trucks, baptismals," Ford said.

She said the event begins at 2 p.m. and will go "until we are done."

Local radio personality Terri Chavez is the event coordinator for the "Unity in the Community" event set for Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hillcrest Park.

"It's meant to bring people of all walks in our community together," Chavez said.

Chavez describes the event as a day of help, encouragement and a sense of community."

"We're inviting everyone to come together. If you need to have one good day, if you're struggling, it's for you," Chavez said.

Chavez said mental health personnel will be there, the Food Bank of Eastern New Mexico, the Clovis Strong Together group will be there.

This is the first public appearance for the Clovis Strong Together group.

"Right now we're just forming," Josefita Griego said.

Griego describes the group as one that is focused on bringing community change, according to Griego.

"Basically we want to develop programs within this non-profit to assist and improve the living conditions of the people of Clovis," Griego.

Chavez said the event will feature sermons, games, vendors, car show, food, and live music.

"If you need help with housing, medical, dental, they'll be there. There will be churches, help for the homeless, the free phone people will be there, all the resources will be there," Chavez said.

Chavez said the event is about what it says it's about, "unity in the community."