Members of New Shady Grove Word Ministry hope to show all those who attend their first Youth Day Explosion the importance of celebrating life regardless of the circumstances that surround them.

The event, which takes place on June 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church, located in Sardis, is free to all those who wish to attend. It will feature giveaways, entertainment and games, in addition to praise and worship.

“For me, [helping host the event is] just an honor,” Jorielle Scott, president of Praising Until Something Happens Young Adult Ministry, said. “There’s just been a lot of violence in our community and we just want to get young adults and individuals out and let them know that they can go out and enjoy life and what it has to offer, and celebrate God in the process because none of us would be here without him.”

The event’s keynote speaker will be life coach, motivational speaker and author Christopher Coleman.

Scott said Coleman, who was pronounced dead at birth and struggles with Cerebral palsy, was the perfect speaker for the event, themed “Celebrate Life.”

“Having Christopher, who views his disability as a gift from God, is so significant with the message that we’re trying to spread,” Scott said. “It’s important to celebrate life and just enjoy life regardless of any circumstantial situations. We just should all enjoy life right now.”

Scott said event organizers were preparing for between 150-200 people to attend the event, and that everyone from the community was invited to come out for a day of worship and fun activities.

“We hope that [everyone who comes out] takes home a positive message, and, regardless of your circumstance or your disability or any problems that you’re facing right now, just know that you should embrace it and enjoy life,” she said.