The Men's Rally in the Valley that brings men together for Christian fellowship and teaching is receiving backlash for one if its five scheduled guest speakers, Michael Vick.

Vick is an ex-NFL player convicted of operating a dog fighting ring, in which dogs were tortured and forced to fight. 

The founder of the event and president of Men of Faith, Bing Newton said, "Jesus forgives and asks us to forgive. Jesus Christ can overcome. That's his message to the whole world. I don't care what you've done because Christ can forgive you and most importantly he loves you and me even though we are not very lovable."

Newton told 21 News he believes Michael Vick has a powerful message about surviving the storm of his home life and paying for his sins in prison and turning his life around after coming to know Christ.

People in several animal advocate groups said they had to do a double take and check on the Covelli Centre website to check and make sure the post about it was real and not a joke.

Arlia Slaina, who volunteers with "All About the Paws" said, "Even though it was 2007 when this transpired with him killing and drowning, and fighting animals we haven't forgotten, and we don't think he is a good choice to represent Christian men around our Valley."

Jason Cooke, who volunteers with Nitro's Army Mahoning Valley and Trumbull County, added, "In my eyes, and a lot of people's eyes, Michael Vick has never been sorry for what he did to those dogs. We believe the only time he has been sorry was when he was caught. What happened to those dogs is unimaginable. There are a lot of amazing men in this community and region who could be speaking at this event, but why they invited Michael Vick to come, I have no idea. A lot of those dogs were electrocuted, they were hanged, they died, and were subjected to dog fighting. I had the opportunity to meet one of the dogs which was a good sweet dog." 

"I am encouraging people to contact Men of Faith and respectfully ask that they consider another speaker. I also hope people realize that the Covelli Centre just rents the space and they have no say who speaks at this event. I believe it's more effective to target our efforts by sending letters, or making calls to organizers of the Rally in the Valley. This is a wonderful event. It's a popular event, but I just believe they should get another speaker. For whatever reason people gravitate to his crimes, and they keep him in the public eye. Without them, he would have just been considered a sub-par quarterback, and he would have went away," added Cooke.

"People are going to be blessed by listening to our five guest speakers and coming to the rally. Michael Vick grew up from eight-years-old, and he was brought up with dogfighting. Wow, I've never had to do that. It is tough to get out of that environment, and Michael was able to do that with the help of Christ. You know I love dogs, but I believe in forgiveness because Jesus Christ has forgiven my sins. Accepting Christ gave Vick a new life. It's hard for me to tell people forgiveness is an easy word; it's not. It is easy to talk about, but it's not easy to give. I pray for people who can't forgive. As a Christian if I can't forgive, then he is not going to forgive me, so I have an obligation to not only forgive Michael Vic, but every person has," said Newton.

"I don't believe Vick is sorry for what he did. I believe Vick exploited animals forcing dogs to fight to their deaths for his own financial gain, and now he is making money as a public speaker. So to me, he can say he is remorseful but is he? He is being paid to do these rallies. I feel if he was truly remorseful he would do it for free," said Slaina.

All speakers are paid a fee for speaking at the rally, which is free for people in the community to attend.

The founder of Men's Rally in the Valley would not reveal how much Vick is being paid to speak, or who is picking up his tab for the plane tickets or other expenses. 

Many people with the dog rescue groups say they are planning protests unless Vick is removed from the roster of speakers.

Newton told 21 News he invites everyone to respectfully listen to what Michael Vick has to say and added he and organizers are working to make this rally a success.