Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Religion

Trick-or-treaters get prayer here

A Wesley Chapel couple uses Halloween to spread the message of Christianity with their own event.

By EBONY WINDOM
Published October 29, 2005

WESLEY CHAPEL - The Revs. Bill and Pam Malone string Christmas lights from their roof at Halloween.

Passers-by might find it odd.

But on Oct. 31 the sparkling lights draw a crowd of trick-or-treaters.

"(Halloween) is a time to evangelize," said Malone, who with his wife, Pam, started a prayer ministry 10 years ago called Pray USA! "People come to your door," he said. "We want to show the love of Jesus in a very practical way."

So the Malones do Halloween with a Christian slant. Monday, dozens of folks will knock on their door. So why not use it as an opportunity to share their faith, said Bill Malone, 65.

Monday, folks who stop by their brightly lit house in Westbrook Estates will be treated to doughnuts, hot apple cider and tiny Bibles. The Malones call it Light the Night. Instead of costumes, the pair slip on T-shirts with an American flag. They set up a table on their carport and set out baskets of goodies. Kids can grab mints with scriptures printed on the wrapper or bookmarks and pencils. It's a lively atmosphere. Upbeat, Christian tunes can be heard. And the Malones offer prayer too.

"We're planting a seed in their heart," Bill Malone said. "When they take their bag of goodies home and turn it upside down, out comes their little Bibles. And maybe they'll start to read the Bible. And God ... will bring their seed to germination."

Years ago, the Malones used to have a blast on Halloween. The couple, now retired with an empty nest, say Halloween used to be their favorite holiday. When their children were young, they'd transform their garage into a haunted house. Neighborhood kids would drop by wearing spooky costumes. They'd bob for apples and munch on caramel corn. At the time, it seemed like good, clean fun, says Pam Malone, 61.

Then, about 15 years ago, "our eyes were opened," said Bill Malone. They had a creepy experience on Halloween. They were at a prayer meeting in San Francisco when a bunch of "Satanists" started to protest it. The group stood outside the civic center shouting profanities and hurling eggs.

Then, the pair did a little research and uncovered the "dark" origin of Halloween, Bill Malone says. They vowed to never celebrate it again. Not the traditional way, at least.

So they launched Light the Night on Halloween as a way to "exalt Jesus."

The Malones insist they don't try to push Christianity on anyone. Or turn trick-or-treaters against Halloween. They simply drop a little Bible and a plastic cross in kids' bags and say "Jesus loves you!"

One year, they estimate 800 dropped by for Light the Night. Pam Malone pulled out a photo showing people standing in a long line. They were all waiting for prayer, she said. Within the past seven years, Bill Malone can only remember one person refusing prayer.

One time, a couple of teens stopped by on Halloween. One was dressed as Al Capone, the other wearing all black and a pentagram dangling from his neck. The Malones expected them to reject the prayer.

"We asked if we could pray for them," said Bill Malone. "They said "yes.' So, Al Capone put down his gun."

Then, they held hands and said a prayer. And the guys thought it was cool, Bill said.

When they lived in California, the Malones organized the "Children's Walk for Jesus" on Halloween.

One year, on Halloween, the Malones were on a cruise to the Caribbean. Instead of joining the masquerade ball, they hatched a plan. The Malones led an impromptu worship service on the boat. It was a hit. About 50 people, including some crew members, showed up for worship, prayer and testimony.

For years, Bill and Pam Malone would offer Light the Night at their home in Clearwater. Two months ago, the couple moved to Wesley Chapel and now worship at nearby Victorious Life Church. But their prayer ministry is not connected to any church or denomination.

Pam Malone says, "We are just Christians." And the pair don't focus much on denominations. A decade ago, they became ordained ministers and launched Pray USA!, which takes them across the country offering prayer seminars. Previously, they've each worked as associate pastors. Over the years, they have co-authored four books. There's a chapter about Light the Night in one of them.

They hope Light the Night catches on because it's all about "spreading the gospel," Bill said.

"If every Christian would do Light the Night throughout the United States, it would make a major change," said Pam Malone. "... We're taking something what was meant for evil and turning it around for good."

Ebony Windom covers religion news in Pasco County. She can be reached at 813 909-4609 or toll-free 1-800-333-7505, ext. 4609. Her e-mail address is ewindom@sptimes.com

For information on Light the Night or Pray USA!, call the Revs. Bill and Pam Malone at (727) 524-7729 or (813) 994-7702.

[Last modified October 29, 2005, 01:45:21]