Youth Leadership Conference of the National Black
Presbyterian Caucus meets on Tougaloo College campus

by Natalie Toombs, Conference Coordinator and
President of the Mid-South Region
of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus

The Mid-South Region of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus hosted the Youth Leadership Development Conference of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus on the historic campus of Tougaloo College in Mississippi July 19-23. The objectives of the annual event are: to motivate youth to serve God, to help guide youth in the directions of God by providing mature Christian teachers, to instill in youth to have Christian companions, to become acquainted with our legacy that has produced outstanding Christian leaders of church, to give youth the privilege of self-expression and the opportunity to exhibit their God-given talents and knowledge, to give youth the opportunity to develop fellowship and Christian network, to aid and assist in enlightening one's outlook, to provide an opportunity for youth to experience diversity in youth worship and to provide an opportunity for youth to have fun through expanded friendship. All of these conference objectives were met.

The Reverend William H. Jones and members of our host church, Faith Presbyterian Church of Jackson, MS, welcomed us with a beautifully planned picnic. Because of rain we ate our delicious meal in the fellowship hall. Our local coordinators for the Jackson area were: Mrs. Mae Jones, Mr. Charles Epps, Mrs. Faith Jones Martin, Ms. Terri Bennett, and Mrs. Felicia Burton. After our meal at Faith, we returned to campus for our first official event, which was a talent show.

The conference is normally held each year on the campus of an African American college. Word has spread around the country about our past wonderful experiences and other youth leaders wanted to join us. In addition to participants from Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama and Kentucky there were participants from North Carolina, Maryland, Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas ranging in ages from 5 to 18. Our service project was a "Sock Drive". Each participant was asked to bring a pair of new socks for donation to a homeless shelter. Over 100 pairs of socks were donated to the Billy Brumfield Shelter in Jackson.

We were honored to receive greetings during our opening worship from the Rev. William DePrater, Executive Presbyter of the Mississippi Presbytery, the Rev. Terry Newland, Executive of the Synod of Living Waters, the Rev. Tom Pickering, Synod Moderator and the Rev. William H. Jones, Pastor of Faith Presbyterian Church. the Rev. Brian Henderson, Pastor of Parkway Gardens United Presbyterian Church of Memphis, TN, delivered the message and the Rev. Pickering delivered the children's sermon.

Arts, crafts, music and bible study were offered as all day workshops for our "Stars," youth under the age 7. Elder Betty Broadnax of Memphis, TN was the facilitator. The Mississippi Highway Patrol and the Jackson Fire Department visited the "Stars." Other workshop leaders were Mrs. Terri Brown of Memphis with "After High School, What?" Ms. Velvetta Fields, Memphis, with "Straight Talk"; the Rev. Wayne Steele of Louisville, KY with "Life Skills"; the Rev. Michael Robinson of Charlotte, NC with "Christ, Culture and the Church: What's the Connection?"; Mrs. Rose Ella McGee of Jackson with "Spiritual, Gospel and Contemporary Music"; Mrs. Mae Jones of Jackson with "Christian Education, Keep it Real!"; the Rev. Terry Newland of Trussville, AL with "Functions of the Synod Office"; the Rev. Leon Fanniel, Los Angeles, CA with "NBPC Chapter Development"; the Rev. Andrea Jeans of Birmingham, AL was coordinator of the Bible Bowl and the Creative Arts Competition. Mr. Christopher Buehler of Memphis taught Interpretive/Creative Dance. All of the workshops were helpful and informative, however, we were most proud of Christopher for taking on the task of teaching such a large group. Christopher is a 17-year-old high school student. A member of Parkway Gardens United Presbyterian Church, he has attended the Leadership Development Conferences for many years. He is a true example of the purpose of these conferences, which is to develop leaders.

Total attendance for the conference was approximately 250. The theme of the conference was "Here I am, send me!" The Bible Bowl competition questions came fro the book of Genesis. There were four Bible Bowl teams with a total of 64 participants. "The Followers of Christ" took first place; "Genesis Explorers" second place; "The Amazing Presbyterians" third place; and the "Genesis Stars" fourth place.

The conference ended with a banquet featuring musical selections form the choir and interpretive dance routines. Rev. Christopher Seymour of Grace Presbyterian in Dyersburg, TN, ended the conference with a very inspiring message.

Youth from Memphis TN returning from Conference.