Teenagers and adolescent children are experiencing new challenges here in Natchez that are too astonishing for some to believe.

Issues seemingly more common in urban cities and after-school television specials now ravage this community leaving many residents in shock. One such issue is called “cutting.” Utilizing a sharp object, a person slashes him or herself numerous times on the arms, legs or torso to illicit the feeling of release that can accompany pain. More specifically, cutting is an attention-getter. One study revealed that 14-39 percent of teens have had at least one incident of deliberate self-injury (Journal of Abnormal Psychology).

Internet and cell phone bullying has become more serious in the past year also. Networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace have made it easier for teenagers to attack one another causing fear and uneasiness many times leading to acts of violence and even suicide. Maybe you’ve heard the commercial on the radio concerning text messaging. At the end of the commercial we are reminded that aggressive text messaging is like sending an angry robot to your intended target.

There’s even a Web site to help with such problems (www.thatsnotcool.com). After noticing some of the kids in my youth group text messaging during the lesson, they admitted that they had been victims of text bullying and had in fact been the bully as well.

Traditional challenges such as suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, and the consequences of sexual promiscuity continue to plague society compelling anyone involved in youth mentoring to ask the question, “What can I do to help?” In the end, some of these issues are so serious that it becomes a life or death situation. One study discovered that depression strikes about one out of eight teenagers (www.TeenSuicide.us). According to the National Institute of Mental Health, suicide is the third leading cause of death among 10-19-year-olds.

Amidst this horrifying storm, there are groups of people who have taken it upon themselves to rescue these victims. One such group has put together a major motion picture titled “To Save a Life.” This movie, which premieres in select theaters on Jan. 22, not only highlights the challenges mentioned above, it also attempts to mobilize students, educators and peers to be somebody who can make a difference. By the end of the movie, one realizes that lives can be saved through bringing awareness and by getting involved.

Natchez has been given the opportunity to bring this movie to town on its opening day. But in order to do so, the community must gather together and convince Regal Entertainment to host it. A private screening will be held at Crosspoint Church at 3 p.m. Dec. 5.

If you feel like you want to be a part of getting this film to Natchez or if you are a community leader, pastor, youth mentor or educator then this may be for you. This screening is not open to the public so please contact me at 601-597-2712 to get involved. To view a trailer of the film and to see how you can help change a life please visit www.tochangealifemovie.com.

Edwin Samson is a missionary temporarily living in Natchez.