Saturday, September 6, 1997

Praise and worship services set for Rose Park

By LORETTA FULTON Senior Staff Writer

An explosion is set to go off in Rose Park next Saturday, but no one should be alarmed.

Instead, they should plan to be there for "Youth Explosion '97, Souled Out For Christ," the first of what organizers hope will be an annual event for youngsters in the Abilene area.

Praise and worship services and guest speakers, including Abilene school Superintendent Charles Hundley, will be featured from 4-10 p.m. at the bandshell near the recreation center in the park.

From 1-3:30 p.m. volleyball and basketball tournaments will be held, food and drinks will be available and an air castle will be set up for the younger children. Word of Immanuel Church will present a puppet show.

Inspiration for the event came when Andrew Wallace, a member of the sponsoring Faith Deliverance Community Church, kept noticing teen-agers driving up and down North First Street on Friday and Saturday nights.

"There is really nothing for them to do but hang out," Wallace said. When asked why they do it, the teens will say, "Well, what do you want me to do?"

"This is a healthy alternative for them," he said.

Wallace set about contacting other youth leaders in town as well as the youth director at his own church, Patricia Willie.

"Not enough of us really knew each other," he said. "We thought it would be wonderful if we could have one event to bring all our talents together."

Wallace is not quite sure what to expect next Saturday, but he believes between 500 and 1,500 young people may show up.

"For a first time event, we've gotten pretty good response," he said.

Wallace said that although the "explosion" is religiously oriented, that shouldn't turn anybody off.

"We're not teaching a religion out there," he said, "we're preaching Christ - the untainted word of God."

A highlight of the event will be an address by Hundley, set for 5:25 p.m. Hundley is well known for his spellbinding talks and has proven to be a favorite with all ages.

Also scheduled is a 13-year-old boy from Oklahoma who "brings a message of encouragement to young people that they can live for the Lord at that age," said the Rev. Jerry Jordan, pastor of Faith Deliverance.

Also scheduled for the evening show are the praise and worship team, "Among So Many," from Elmcrest Baptist Church.

A citywide youth choir also will perform as well as the youth choir from Faith Deliverance.

Young people from ages 13 to 21 are encouraged to attend as well as their parents.

"We strongly encourage the parents to come," Wallace said.

Transportation is available by calling Wallace at 695-8654 or 698-1590. Also volunteers are needed to ensure the event's success.

"We plan on giving all the glory to God, so we expect it to be a full success," Wallace said.