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Year four of a re-launch of America's first contemporary Christian music festival this weekend near Wilmore

Servant Heart Farm Owner and Ichthus Coordinator Joy Lycan
Stu Johnson
Servant Heart Farm Owner and Ichthus Coordinator Joy Lycan

This weekend marks year four of a re-launch of America’s first contemporary Christian music festival. The two-day event, Ichthus, is once again taking place just outside Wilmore.

Servant Heart Farm Owner and Ichthus Coordinator Joe Lycan said this year’s theme is the same as last year.

“We’re being obedient to the Lord and we want to praise God with every gut in us,” said Lycan.

The Friday night worship and Saturday afternoon activities include 16 bands of varying styles and speakers including Curt Davis who was part of a revival at Ashbury University more than 65 years ago.

“In 1958, he and his buddies prayed in the dorm and God granted a revival and that was the first Asbury revival that a lot of people don’t know about,” said Lycan.

Lycan said a second revival occurred in 1970 with the launch of Ichthus. More recently, Asbury was home to a 16-day revival in the winter of 2023.

In addition to those attending, Lycan noted there’s an economic impact with the businesses participating on-site. While the weather forecast calls for the possibility of substantial rain this weekend, Lycan added there are no plans to cancel or postpone the festival.

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Stu Johnson retired from WEKU in November, 2024 after reporting for the station for 40 years. Stu's primary beat was Lexington/Fayette government.
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