National Black Presbyterian Caucus Youth Conference held in Durham, NC

By Natalie Toombs

Youth of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus descended upon the campus of North Carolina Central University in Durham, July 14-17, for their Youth Leadership Development Conference.  More than 60 youth and adults from the Mid-South Region (Synod of Living Waters) attended. Some of the churches represented were Peace and Westwood (Louisville KY), Grace (Dyersburg, TN), Parkway Gardens United (Memphis, TN), Greenfield (Waterford, MS), 1^st United Forestdale (Birmingham, AL), Brown Memorial (Tuscaloosa, AL), Fellowship (Huntsville, AL).

A wonderful time was had by all as those gathered shared through music, worship, fellowship and wonderful workshops.  Our Synod was well represented with attendees as well as workshop facilitators.

Ms. Terri Brown from Parkway Gardens United worked with the youth on respecting time.  Her workshop “What Time Is It?” focused on being timely in all things that you do and how by doing so, your life will be easier and less stressful.  Rev. Brady Radford, formerly a member of the Village Church in Nashville presented “I am Who I am and I am the Greatest”.  Helping us to understand that no matter who we are and what we do, we should take pride in ourselves because we are the person who God created us to be.  We are all great and wonderful creations with God given talents and gifts.

Two former conference attendees who are now adults with careers gave back by presenting workshops as well.  Ms. Amber Brown, a tax auditor with a major company in Atlanta and a member of Grace church in Dyersburg, TN presented “Bible Study/Leaders in the Bible”.  The youth and adults enjoyed the enlightening material that she presented, comparing our own lives with leaders from the Bible.   Tony Canady, a high school math teacher and college instructor in Birmingham and a member of Fellowship church in Huntsville, AL presented a workshop on “Choices”.  Stressing how unwise choices that we make in our lives not only affect us but our family and friends as well.  He also encouraged making wise choices that will help us to help ourselves as well as others.  Amber and Tony attended youth conferences within our Synod as teenagers and look at them now!  This is what Youth Leadership Development is about; at one point in their lives they were on the receiving end and then came a time for them to give back.  We are so proud of them.

Our outing off campus on Saturday was Bennett Place, site of the negotiations leading to the largest surrender of the American Civil War, where we enjoyed a tour and actually had an opportunity to see how the soldiers lived during the war.

Instead of having a speaker at the closing ceremony, we asked three youth to speak on “What I Gained from this Conference.”  Germonate Johnson of Peace church presided over the program.  After the three youth spoke, he invited others to share.  A line formed around the wall with many who talked about their wonderful conference experience.  Reverend Wayne Steele, pastor of Peace church, closed our conference with highlights of the past years.  He talked about how this event began at least 14 years ago as the Synod of Living Waters African American Youth Leadership Development Conference and about how other youth from across the country heard about what wonderful events held within our Synod and have since joined us.  We have had much success reaching youth and changing lives. Preparations are underway for our next wonderful event with youth across the country already planning to attend.

Following are some quotes from youth as they reflect on their experience at the conference:

WOW… This past week and weekend were wonderful. I didn’t know what to expect from this conference, but I must admit it was fun and you guys touched me. Now it’s time to start planning for the 2012 youth conference.

I gained a lot from the conference from how to love my christian brothers & sisters to loving myself. I left Louisville one way & came back a totally different person.