Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

New Saint James Baptist Church in Monroe LA hosted a Back to School Youth Empowerment Explosion that was geared towards the youth in our community August 4-6, 2021. The theme for the Youth Explosion was the "Mighty Avengers, Game Changers." The purpose of this event was to let our youth know that they are empowered by God to be Game Changers. They have the knowledge, the wisdom, and the God-given ability to make changes to their lives and others in their communities. It is essential that our youth know and believe that they can do all things through Christ who strengthens them. The event included performances by the Mount Zion Baptist Church Youth Choir and the New Saint James Mime/Liturgical Dancers. Guest speakers included Michelli Martin, Communications Director for the City of Monroe officials on behalf of Mayor Friday Ellis, Chief Terry Williams of MFD, Keisha Hamilton of MPD, Mayor Gerald Brown from the Town of Richwood, Nurses Cheryll Guice, Jared Mayo, Shimika B. Daniels, LPC-S and Camille Phillips from The Center for Children and Families, Pastor LaTondra Fisher and Youth Ministers from Living Water Ministries International, and our featured guest Big Al Cherry who blessed the event with a performance as well. Along with our dynamic speakers, this event was also sponsored by, Spartan Adventure Park LLC, Chuck E. Cheese, Studio 318, Skatetown, and New Saint James Baptist Church. Pastor Vance A. Price and New Saint James Baptist Church would like to thank everyone who supported and attended our Youth Explosion.