DANVILLE — Multiple churches in Danville have collaborated to host a free youth conference this Friday, July 17, at the Fischer Theatre.
New Life Church of Faith, Everlasting Outreach Ministries, and Danville Christian Center, along with other churches, are involved. Registration at 4 p.m., conference at 5 p.m.
LeStan Hoskins, pastor of the Mosaic City Church, says the event is for any Vermilion County student in middle school through high-school age.
“Other pastors are coming, and we just want to see the youth thrive in life,” Hoskins said. “We want them to live on purpose, and we want them to be the best. And so, if this is like the catalyst, along with other things that have been going on in our community. If we can use this as a catalyst to keep the momentum going and reach our youth.”
Hoskins says this is the first conference, but hopes to make it an annual event.
“We are expecting over a hundred youth to be there,” Hoskins says. “Right now, there are 80 officially signed up, but you can register the day of the event.”
You can still register by contacting Hoskins or in person at the Fischer Theatre on Friday.
“We just felt like it was a need in our community with everything that’s going on. You know, with the gun violence, we wanted to reach the youth and provide a safe opportunity for them to worship,” Hoskins said. “We wanted to encourage them to make positive decisions, but we also want to give an opportunity to students who would never be able to go to a conference.”
Hoskins stressed the event is free, and he hopes it makes a positive change in the community.
“So that’s the thought behind it, and we want to see lives changed,” Hoskins said. “There’s going to be a time when they can connect with their peers. They can hang out, and it’s just going to be a great time.
“I don’t think we’ve had something like this in our city. I don’t. I can’t remember a time when I was growing up. I had something like this, so I think it’s going to be one of a kind.”
There will be praise and worship, games and prizes, messages, free t-shirts, and a meal, as well as faith-based resources.
“After everything is over, they can enjoy tacos with their friends,” he says.
“I want every student to have a Bible,” said Hoskins, who bought a Bible for every participant. “And maybe they’re dealing with certain issues, but they leave the conference, and, you know, they know how to resolve the issues that they’re dealing with.”