Grassroots Unity Movement Draws Thousands Across Illinois, Hears Calls to Expand

Grassroots Unity Movement Draws Thousands Across Illinois, Hears Calls to Expand

ALTON, Ill. — United to Revive Ministries reports that its We Are One Tour provided at least 2,000 free meals through partnerships with churches, businesses and volunteers across three counties and eight Illinois communities.

The ministry says it has received inquiries from people in other communities about starting prayer gatherings, bringing local churches together and hosting outreach events. It is considering how to respond to those requests.

The tour concluded Sept. 19 with a five-night tent revival held on Heights Community Church grounds in Collinsville. Other gatherings took place in Litchfield, Hillsboro, Staunton, Carlinville, Holiday Shores, Granite City and Edwardsville.

Organizers estimated combined attendance at about 850 over the five nights in Collinsville and more than 2,000 across the eight-community tour. The totals count attendance at each gathering, including repeat visits. Across the tour, 14 local businesses, dozens of churches and ministries, and more than 100 volunteers joined forces to serve at least 2,000 free meals.

“The vision has always been bigger than one man, one church, one ministry or one community,” said Jeremiah James, founder and executive director of United to Revive Ministries.

According to the ministry, supporters’ contributions funded meals purchased from participating restaurants. Some businesses offered discounts or donated food, and churches and ministry groups also prepared and served meals.

United to Revive thanked the food providers that supported the tour: Zapata’s Mexican Restaurant, Jimmy John’s, Marco’s Pizza, Bandana’s Bar-B-Q and Ravanelli’s Italian Steakhouse and Wine Bar in Collinsville; Chick-fil-A Edwardsville; Wiggler’s in Holiday Shores; Cavataio’s Pizza; Reno’s Italian Restaurant in Carlinville; Hillsboro Garden Restaurant in Hillsboro; and Maverick Steakhouse in Litchfield.

Chick-fil-A Edwardsville donated food for the Edwardsville gathering. Jesus Saves ministry prepared and served food in Granite City. LRM Ministries, the Methodist Church of Mt. Olive, First Baptist Church of Mt. Olive and other participants helped prepare and serve meals in Litchfield. Beyond those gifts, United to Revive purchased meals from local restaurants, many at full price, to feed neighbors and support local businesses.

The ministry also featured recording artist Reagan Roy; Church Unusual Worship; the Heights Community Worship Team; United to Revive Worship; and Tim Price from Harvest Ministries. James thanked the ministry’s supporters, participating congregations and volunteers for their contributions.

The gatherings included live music, personal testimonies, prayer and free Bible distribution. Organizers said the events were open to people regardless of religious affiliation or church involvement.

During the tour, the ministry reported professions of faith, testimonies, baptisms and connections with local congregations.

Separate from the tour, the ministry reports that it continues Sunday outreach in Alton, providing food and prayer to people experiencing homelessness and others in need. The River Church provides space for outreach activities and team meetings.

United to Revive Ministries is a Christian organization founded by Jeremiah James. Inspired by Jesus’ prayer for unity in John 17:20–23, it brings churches, ministries, businesses and volunteers together for Christian outreach and community service.

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