Story Published:
Jul 7, 2008 at 7:51 PM EST
Story Updated:
Jul 17, 2008 at 10:31 PM EST
Angels and demons and God and the devil. It turns out most Americans believe in them, but not most people in Massachusetts. However, there are pocket of believers. A church in Agawam has been growing for years. More than a thousand people go there and we found out why.
Bob Conti, member of the Assemblies of God church in Agawam for 32 years, says, "There is definitely a coldness out there in society to spiritual things but I truly believe God is going to do wonderful things in the last days and draw many many souls into him."
On a recent week day, Bob Conti and hundreds of others lift their hands up to the heavens hoping to be filled with the spirit of God. Conti says, "What's going on is real, It's real."
Night after night for nearly a week, these people come to sit in the 1000 seat sanctuary to attend a revival and hear Evangelist Greg Hubbard, preach about being saved. The emphasis is on ends of days. A heavy subject but one that Hubbard fills with humor and energy.
Richards Adams, Senior Pastor, Assemblies of God, says, "He preaches with Gatorade and a towel."
Greg Hubbard, Evangelist who travels the world, says, "I share message from God's word and have a blast doing it."
His energy is contagious and inspirational for the members. He says he was saved in this church in high school. He grew up in West Springfield and his father was a local basketball coach. God and his father seem to be his influence. He rallies his team to make a many slam dunks with God and make it to the final.
About 16-hundred believers come to this Pentecostal church. It's a fundamentalist religion that believes in a direct relationship with God. In a time when many memberships are shrinking and churches are closing, the Assemblies of God churches continue to grow across the country. Members say the reason for that growth is simply Biblical.
Pastor Adams says, "As we get closer to the end of times you're going to find the outpouring of the spirit is going to be connected with the growth of the church to bring into the Kingdom for the coming of the Lord to prepare for the harvest of souls."
It's not a message you hear often, especially in Massachusetts. A massive study found although America is a nation full of believers, Massachusetts is near the bottom of the list when it comes to attending church and the belief in God.
Hubbard says, "There are pockets in New England where God is doing great things but for the most part New England is pretty liberal and the belief system is out there." But not here. Adams says, "Either you get the point of salvation or there is a pitchfork with a point you're going to face one day."
Heaven or Hell. It's a simple choice. One that people here and Bob Conti say they've gotten loud and clear. Conti says, "When I walk out of here at night. I know I have something to think about. It changes my life."
The Assemblies of God Church in Agawam donated $800,000 to missionaries worldwide.