The Tribune

THE first six months of 2013 have come and gone and the issue of youth crime, violence and negative behaviour still captivates our airtime and attention.

Most of the crime and major social problems are attributed to young people, in particular young men.

The vast majority of the murder accused and the victims have been young men.

Our youths are obviously in need of guidance and intervention, say Pastors Myles Munroe and Dave Burrows.

“Youth Alive is our response to the cry of youth for guidance and positive alternatives,” they said in a joint statement.

“Youth Alive, considered one of the premier youth conferences in this region and the world, is an annual conference that is designed to minister to youth, youth leaders, youth pastors and anyone interested in the development and training of young people.

The statement said Youth Alive addresses topics and issues today’s young people are faced with and provides practical, relevant answers to these challenges in a way that young people can relate to, stressing leadership training.

“The conference is aiming to strengthen the faith of believers but also to reach out to those who do not have a clear direction for their lives,” the pastors said. “Having in the past attracted over 5,000 youth in one week from the United States, Canada, Europe and our own Nassau and Family Islands, Youth Alive is a lively, energetic event with dynamic teaching, music, drama and special events that has over the year’s captivated young people from all around the world. This year’s event is loaded with prolific speakers, musical artists and dramatists.

“Many lives have been radically changed and careers launched at Youth Alive including names like Christian Massive, Landlord, Tada, DJ Counsellor, Monty G, Najie Dunn and countless others.”

Beginning on July 3 and lasting through July -7 at The Diplomat Centre, Carmichael Road under the theme: “Elevation”, Youth Alive will feature as speakers: Dr Myles Munroe, Pastor Tommy Kyllonen from Crossover Church in Tampa FL; Dr Dave Burrows and Mrs Angie Burrows who serve as hosts for the event; Pastor Durre Thomas of Relevant Kingdom Ministries, Exuma; Eric Foxx of Teen Challenge; Raenell Wells of Living Waters Kingdom Ministries; Minister Corey Rolle.

Providing music for this event will be acclaimed Christian Caribbean artist Sherwin Gardner, Urban D of Tampa FL, The Gospel Boys, DJ Counsellor and a host of others.

Youth Alive opens on Wednesday July 3 with a drama production titled “Elevation” and a message from Pastor Dave Burrows.

Day and night sessions follow Thursday and Friday with special sessions for young people and youth leaders, pastors and parents.

Saturday night is a huge concert featuring all of the artists noted above, and there will be a boat cruise on Sunday night.