Ohio author, speaker to hold four-day prophecy conference near Dexter

For those looking to get more out of the Bible’s message, an upcoming conference near Dexter may be the ticket.

Author, speaker and Bible teacher Lewis Hildreth will hold a four day Bible prophecy conference at Zion Lutheran Church near Dexter from Aug. 25 through Aug. 28.

Several years ago, Larry Larson, who has attended several area churches, was one of many who wanted to know more. After attending a conference in Kentucky and meeting a Wisconsin pastor who introduced Larson to Hildreth, Larson was convinced Hildreth was the guy to break down the Bible’s messages.

“It has always come in bits and pieces,” Larson said about interpreting the Bible. “and this guy helps you see the whole connection between the Old and New Testament. And it helps you recognize what God is about a lot better.”

Larson first wanted to invite Hildreth to Zion Lutheran several years ago; however, the pastor was hesitant.

“The pastor was really leery about bringing this guy in,” Larson said. “All the guy does is convey what the Bible says.”

Yet the event went well, and Hildreth’s words were very informative, even for those who are well versed in the Bible. Now, after a second invitation, Hildreth will return to Zion Lutheran with a theme for each day of the conference, which begins 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25 with “The First Prophecy.” Following days include: “Wars & Rumors of Wars,” “What on Earth is Going on Here? Genetic Engineering,” and “Just as it was in the Days of Noah, so it Shall be at the Coming of Jesus.” Monday through Wednesday’s presentations begin at 7 p.m.

Hildreth, 69, has studied the Bible since his mid-20s, when a woman asked him about revelation. Hildreth had no clue what she was talking about. Still, he picked up a Bible and started reading. Two years later, he was convinced.

“I was just going to let the chips fall where they may,” Hildreth said. “I didn’t care at that time if it was the word of God or just a collection of old writings. After two years, I was convinced that it was the writings of someone other than humans.”

Hildreth echoed Larson’s words. He picked up bits and pieces along the way. Now he feels compelled to share what he has learned, to break down the Bible so people can understand it as a whole. He has written books, including his latest, “Convergence,” which was released last fall.

“After awhile you realize that God has given you a message, and that message needs to get out.”

Larson has benefited greatly from Hildreth’s teaching style. Where Larson knew bits and pieces, he said, Hildreth helped stitch it all together. Ask Hildreth any question about the Bible, Larson says, and Hildreth will answer it quickly and effectively.

“I found out his knowledge on the Bible is extremely good,” Larson said. “It didn’t matter what you asked. He could give you an answer out of his head.”

Others who want to piece together their knowledge of the Bible can simply show up to the event at 66632 300th St., Dexter. There is no cost. The event opens just before the first message on Sunday with a potluck dinner at 5:30 p.m. Though Hildreth will discuss some topics from his recent book, the overall message is relating the Bible to today.

“It will be focused on the Bible and current events,” he said.