ZUNI—The Rev. Bill Dawson expects a packed house for the Sunday, Oct. 24, service at Tucker Swamp Baptist Church in Zuni.

That’s because evangelist Jon Cash — whose requests to preach have more than doubled since being fired on Aug. 31 as WAVY-TV 10’s meteorologist — will speak during the service.

Dawson a few months ago has received a letter from Cash promoting his ministry and invited him.

“I just think because of his notoriety and the message he has, it would draw a lot of people in the community,” Dawson said. “I think he has a great ministry.”

Cash, who reported the weather on WAVY for 21 years, claims he was fired on Aug. 31, two days after he preached at a church in Ivor, telling the congregation he would be pursuing his ministry full time by next summer.

Cash recently filed a religious discrimination suit against the television station with the Norfolk office of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Since being fired, Cash told The Tidewater News he has been doing a little weather for a radio station on the Eastern Shore and writing a spiritual column for The Daily Press in Newport News. He’s also in negotiations for a spiritual radio talk show.

Cash, who has been an evangelist for 10 years, said he has experienced increased requests to speak at churches since losing his job at WAVY-10.

“They’ve definitely more than doubled,” he said. “I just think people of faith are supporting me and understanding that I’ve taken a stand for faith.”

He receives donations when he speaks.

Dawson said he used to watch Cash every morning on WAVY-10.

“He was my favorite in the morning,” Dawson said. “A lot of people in the church are talking about (his visit). They are excited.”

Tucker Swamp Baptist Church can seat about 500. Its normal Sunday attendance is 325 to 350, while the church has 800 members.

The church is located at 37527 Seacock Chapel Road. For more information, contact the office at 242-6553.