[Editor’s Note: This story was originally written and published by Christian News Network]
EL PASO, Texas — An evangelist was arrested and jailed on Wednesday after those unhappy with his message called the police as he was preaching outside of a “holiday” event in Texas called “A Drag Queen Christmas: The Naughty Tour.” Those watching his preaching being shut down broke out into cheers.
“A Drag Queen Christmas: The Naughty Tour is a must-see holiday spectacular with your favorite contestants from RuPaul’s Drag Race (VH1),” the event description reads. “For one night only, your favorite queens #werk the stage with singing, dancing, comedy and more! The holidays were never this naughty!”
Ryan Denton of Christ in the Wild Ministries had been preaching on the sidewalk adjacent to Plaza Theatre during the event, finding the gathering a good opportunity to share the gospel. Denton told Christian News Network that he generally preached about repentance and faith in Christ, and while he did mention concepts such as drag queens a few times, it was not the focus of his message.
“The drag event, like any other event, was a place where the lost would be congregating, and hence the need for a gospel witness,” he said. “Christ came to seek and save those who are lost. He came for the unrighteous, not the righteous. The great Physician of souls came for the sick and spiritually dead. This is why the gospel must go beyond the church walls.”
However, those hearing Denton’s speech soon became upset and called the police. Among those who arrived on the scene was Officer Jared Lamb, who told Denton that he had to stop preaching since complaints had been received.
“Just because you get calls does not mean I have to stop,” Denton told Lamb, according to recorded video footage reviewed by Christian News Network.
“I know that,” Lamb replied.
“Are you sure, because you keep saying that [I do],” Denton said.
Lamb also asserted during the discussion that the sidewalk Denton was standing on was private property and that he should relocate to the plaza. Denton says that he has been instructed by police in the past to stand in that exact location, and has preached there nearly a dozen times without issue. He further notes that the plaza is not near the event, so he would not be able to reach the people.
“I’m going to keep preaching right here because this is not private property,” Denton told the officer.
However, Lamb instead grabbed Denton’s stool that he had been standing on to preach and instructed Denton to follow. Those nearby broke into cheers.
The story progresses…Denton told Christian News Network that as he was later placed behind bars, Lamb said, “Man to man, you shouldn’t be preaching there [at the drag festival]. Just tell them Jesus loves them and move on.”
You can read the full article at Christian News Network here.
[Editor’s Note: If you would like to hear from preacher, Ryan Denton, he can be heard with our friends at Semper Reformanda Radio on this episode]
