Churches hoping to make 'impact'on youths
By JOE L. HUGHES II Ledger Staff Writer joe@gaffneyledger.com

During the course of a day, people take time out for themselves with activities ranging from watching their favorite television show or spending quality time with friends and family.

With so many things going on, certain things can fall through the cracks. One of those items that sometimes fails to make the daily "to-do list" for people is committing time to strengthen their walk with Christ.

"We get so wrapped up in our world that we don't let God take first place," said First Baptist Church of Gaffney Youth Minister Mark Hazle. "Sometimes even when we have idle time we do not make time for Him."

With that in mind, Hazle and a number of other local youth ministers are hoping to help bring youths closer to God with this year's Impact Weekend, which is themed "American Idle."

"This year's theme will focus on how youths can make sure God is at the center of our life," Hazle said.

The 3-day program, set for March 28-30, combines passionate sermons, rock music, multimedia presentations, video and comedy routines into a spiritual message aimed at the hearts of teenagers.

This is the eighth year Impact has been held. The event is sponsored by the Standing Rock Solid Youth Ministers Association.

"This is an event that youths in the area look forward to each year," Hazle said. "It is exciting to watch their faith in God deepen and see the change He is making in each of their lives."

A pizza party, field day at W.K. Brumbach Stadium and rallies are slated to take place over the weekend. Youth minister Nathan Smith of Gastonia, N.C., is the featured speaker with music provided by Christian rock band MyCalvary.

An average of 1,300 youths attended the Impact events at the Broad River Electric Co- Op Auditorium last year.

A lack of funds is expected to significantly cut into this year's total as organizers expect 600 teenagers to attend the festivities.

During previous years, Impact was sponsored by local companies and organizations that donated funds, food and a number of other services. However, the ministers' association will have to foot the major part of the bill this time around.

The weekend will cost Standing Rock Solid approximately $10,000 to fund the entire weekend.

"Our sponsors were not able to participate this year and this leaves Standing Rock Solid to foot the entire bill," said Amanda Knowles, a member of the Standing Rock Solid Youth Ministers Association. "This is going to be difficult since we weren't prepared for it to be this way."

However, Hazle expects nothing less than a move of God during the weekend.

"There is a real sense of excitement among the kids about Impact," Hazle said. "We expect nothing less than God doing mighty things in the lives of the youths and adults in attendance."

For more information, call Hazle at 490-4522 or David Toney at 491-0098.