By Morgan Mizell

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Crosspoint Church will host a free youth summit today from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for school age children between the ages 11-18.

The Rev. Andy Blair, pastor of Crosspoint and the Rev. Kevin Deason, pastor of New Direction Outreach Ministries, have joined forces, along with student ministry intern, Andrew Norris, of Crosspoint, to bring the youth of the community together.

“A few weeks ago, a family member was killed,” Deason said. “Once I discovered how young the men involved were, I could not believe it. I just thought, what is going on with our youth?”

All three men agree there is cause for concern for the youth and that many people feel the same way, but have no idea what to do. Thus, the idea for the youth summit was born.

Deason said he has had a weight on his heart for the kids in the area.

“I see the kids, not necessarily doing bad, but not doing as well as they could be,” Deason said. “There are a lot of young people in the area, and I would just like to see the community come together and help them.”

Norris said many people think about helping others, but they don’t always consider doing it in their own area.

“People think about volunteering and doing mission trips all over the world,” Norris said. “There is work to be done here, too.”

The event begins at 11 a.m. with Reginald Odom of Port Gibson talking to the kids about his life in the streets of Claiborne County, and how he has changed his life today.

The group sessions will break down into smaller groups later in the morning to allow the participants a chance to hear and talk about different topics including: integrity, accountability, peer pressure and bullying. These groups will be split up between boys and girls.

“We want the kids to feel comfortable, and feel like they can talk about anything and everything in these discussion groups,” Deason said. “By separating the boys and girls, we think it will help keep down the distractions and help them open up during this time.”

There will also be a segment of the summit focusing on the dangers of synthetic marijuana.

“This drug is dangerous,” Norris said. “It had pretty much run its course in Florida before I left, but it seems to be really making its presence known here.”

“Kids in this age range are very impressionable,” Deason said. “They are influenced by what they see, and they see so much. We want to show them a different way.”

Norris said kids in this age group are set to change the world and they just want to help influence a positive direction.

All three agree Twice Born, Christian rapper and recording artist, will be the major attraction for those in attendance.

“He will share his story, and talk with them about how he overcame his circumstances,” Deason said. “He used rap to help get off the streets.”

The overall message and direction of the summit is unity. Deason and Blair are on a mission to work together and try to bring the community together. They also said they hope to bridge some of the racial gaps that exist in the community, as well.

“Kevin came over one day and began talking to me, and expressing his concerns,” Blair said. “In five minutes, we had developed the idea for this summit. We want the kids to have a voice, and we want to provide them a safe environment to talk about what is going on, as well as support and education.”

The men felt lead to go forth with the event because they have not seen anyone else doing anything.

“We heard people talking about the need for something to be done, but that was it,” Blair said. “No one else was doing anything so we decided to move. We don’t have all the answers, but we are doing something.”

Parents are encouraged to drop their children off, and return for them in the evening.

The group mentioned any parents wishing to stay would be invited to participate in projects around the church.

Deason mentioned this being the first of many events the group hope to host.

“We want to help,” Blair said. “If we can help a kid change direction, and walk away from bad choices, then this has been a success.”

Any churches or individuals that wish to volunteer are welcome, and can contact Norris at 727-234-7428 or Deason at 601-451-8546.