Saturday, September 12, 1998

Events planned for area youth

By LORETTA FULTON

Senior Staff Writer

Young people in Abilene and the surrounding area will have two special opportunities to express their faith with Youth Explosion '98 being held today in Rose Park and the annual See You at the Pole rally set for Wednesday.

The Youth Explosion, from 2-8 p.m. today, is sponsored by Faith Deliverance Community Church and is open to all young people in an effort to promote unity among races and denominations.

Theme of the rally will be "Committed to Christ," and the day's events will bring that message to life.

"We're trying to show the love of Jesus Christ and let the children know you can have a good time in the Lord," said the Rev. Jerry Jordan, pastor of Faith Deliverance.

he nationwide See You at the Pole rally will get plenty of support locally as middle and high school students gather at 7 a.m. Wednesday around the flag pole at their campuses for prayer and music.

"It's turning out to be a pretty big thing," said Paul Reams, coordinator, and youth minister at Elmcrest Baptist Church and for the Abilene Baptist Association.

Last year more than 2,000 students took part locally and 3 million gathered nationwide for the event. See You at the Pole started in 1990 as a function of the Baptist church but has grown to include youngsters of all denominations.

"It just blossomed," Reams said.

Organizers of today's Youth Explosion are also expecting their event to blossom. Last year, the first time the rally was held, about 700 youngsters attended.

"We're expecting quite a few more than that this time," said Jordan, pastor of the sponsoring church.

Activities are planned from 2-8 p.m. at the Rose Park Amphitheater and adjoining area. A basketball tournament will be held in the gym, and free hot dogs and soft drinks will be served.

Guest speakers will bring messages during the day, including a talk at 5 p.m. by Charles Hundley, superintendent of the Abilene schools.

Other activities will include all-day music, praise and worship sessions, praise dance and drama.

Other churches are assisting Faith Deliverance in hosting the event, including Bethel Temple Christian Center, Crossroads Community Church, and Christian Life Center of Anson.