A well-known speaker, author and co-founder of Liberty University will speak at a Bible conference in Suffolk this month.

Dr. Elmer Towns will speak Sept. 11-12 at 7 p.m. at Cypress Chapel Christian Church, 1891 Cypress Chapel Road.

Towns, who has written more than 100 books, is widely regarded as an expert on Sunday school, prayer and fasting, said Pastor Chris Surber of Cypress Chapel.

Towns currently is a college and seminary professor at Liberty, which he co-founded with Jerry Falwell in 1971. He was the only full-time teacher in the first year of Liberty’s existence. Before that, he was president of Winnipeg Bible College and taught at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

Towns holds visiting professorship rank in five seminaries and has written more than 2,000 reference or popular articles, according to his biography. He holds a bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees and a doctoral degree in ministry, which came from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif.

Surber said he believes Towns’ expertise will encourage the people at his church and in the community.

“The church is growing spiritually,” said Surber, who holds three degrees from Liberty. “Dr. Towns is a wise Christian leader. He’s been instrumental in a lot of what’s happened in the churches planted and pastored by Liberty alumni.”

Towns often tells the story, Surber said, about how he has seen prayer and fasting work in his own life. In its first few years, Liberty was facing major financial hardship because of growth, and Falwell and Towns began fasting.

“At the end of the fast, they ended up receiving this miraculous, huge gift,” Surber said. “He’s an example of someone who has seen God move in mighty ways through a lifestyle of real and intentional prayer and fasting in his life.”

“I want to encourage the people of Cypress Chapel and open up the door to the community,” Surber said.

Anyone is welcome to attend the conference, but Surber encouraged people to come early.

“Well accommodate as many people as come,” Surber said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we end up really full.”

In addition, a pastor’s breakfast for local clergy and their spouses will be held at 9 a.m. Sept. 12. Call 986-4096 to reserve your seat for the breakfast.