The Selma times-journal

Wanda Williams said that the first goal of Black Belt Ministries (BBM), a newly-formed organization comprised of several local churches, is to minister to the needs of youth.

“The youth have been committing violent crimes – the shootings, the killings,” said Williams, who handles BBM public relations.

To help address these, and other issues, BBM will host Youth Fest 2005.

The conference, which is open to youth aged 12

to 25, will feature speakers from Georgia, Texas and Illinois, as well as speakers from Alabama.

“This is open to all religious denominations and all races,” Williams said. “Our speakers and musicians are of all races. We’re bringing them together to minister to the youth and also have the youth minister to each other.”

About 1,000 youth are expected to participate.

“Thursday and Friday are going to be ministering – praise and worship,” Williams said. “Saturday morning, we’re going to have workshops. Those workshops will consist of the issues that young people deal with.”

“After lunch on Saturday, we’re going to have the Blowout,” she said. “This will allow young people to minister to each other in their own way.”

Williams said that the event is free and transportation will be provided.

Youth Fest 2005 will be held at CHAT Academy from Thursday, July 14 to Saturday July 16. The conference will begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m. on Saturday.

For more information, contact Williams at 872-0362.