It was truly a privilege to participate in organizing the 2010 Youth Conference, and to serve as chairperson of the committee that was instrumental in helping our youth become a bit more prepared to meet the challenges of this 21st century.

We are most grateful to the young people who took advantage of the resources provided them through workshops.

We desire our youth to grow in knowledge, but the knowledge we want to pass on is not merely facts, but knowledge where information is oriented toward a consistent life of discipline — exactly what we aimed to do through the Youth Conference.

From the standpoint of our vocation as leaders and educators, it is very important for us to be aware of the great responsibility that goes along with our position.

James 3:1 reminds us that we have such a great opportunity in front of us that we run the risk of greater judgment if we are derelict in our duties.

We, leaders and educators, must have the right concept of what it is we are called to do and why.

Too many of us believe that leadership is about a position, but true leaders realize that leadership is a process; it’s doing things to effect change in the lives of people. It is a process whereby we motivate others to be and do their best, accomplish goals and realize their destiny.

The ultimate goal of our leadership as a committee is to help shape, mold and stimulate the thoughts, beliefs and attitudes of our youth.

Our involvement with them in the youth conference brought us great opportunities — these included opportunities to assist in their development and growth, opportunities to train them in social behavior and an opportunity to fellowship with them. What greater opportunities could we have than to live for God through service to our fellowmen?

Our youth here in Natchez have placed upon us an inescapable obligation — an obligation to make them and their needs our first priority.

It is an obligation to use our time, talents and resources for the glory of God, and obligation to support them with our presence, our influence and our means.

Youth are seldom stronger than their leaders and careless, unconcerned, negligent leaders will prevent them from accomplishing much educationally and otherwise. We are obligated to be the very best leaders possible under the leading of the Lord.

The plight of our young people seems to mean little to us, but our young people’s condition must be changed. Won’t you help change it by making every effort for them your concern?

The committee’s profound gratitude is extended to our team of supporters who helped promote the success of the youth conference.

I immensely value the words of Reinhold, who said: “O God, give us serenity to accept what cannot be changed, courage to change what can be changed, and wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.”

Bertha Gilmore was an organizer of the 2010 Youth Conference.