NATCHEZ — New Direction Outreach Ministries is partnering with Togetherness Ministries to host a weekend-long series of events for the youth of the Miss-Lou beginning Saturday, Oct. 28 at the New Direction Worship Center at 306 Oak St.

A community fun day will kick-off the events at 10 a.m. Saturday morning and last until approximately 2 p.m. New Direction Outreach Ministry pastor, the Rev. Kevin Deason, said the remaining time will be spent in a youth revival.

“We see the need for positive activities for our youth,” Deason said. “We want them to know that we sincerely care for them and we desire the youth of this community to grow together in partnership and concern for each other.”

The youth revival will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday and 6 p.m. on Sunday.

“(The youth) have so many negative forces pulling against them and it matters to us how they are seeing life unfold,” Deason said. “We take it for granted that we know what they want and what they are thinking when in reality, we do not. This weekend gives us a chance to begin showing that we are concerned for them and their future.”

The speakers for the revival were selected by Togetherness Ministries leaders, Clarence and Linda White.  The couple has teamed up with New Direction Outreach Ministries a few times in the past for things such as a school supply giveaway and different seminars. They also have more collaborative plans for the future.

“Clarence and Linda have friendships with both of our speakers, Cartrell Smith and Avlin Shelby,” Rev. Deason said. “Mr. Smith is the youth minister at Antioch Baptist Church and Mr. Shelby is known for his work with choirs in the area, including the one who will be performing for us, the Pilgrim Baptist Church Youth Choir.”

Minister Cartrell Smith will be preaching on Saturday and Mr. Alvin Shelby will be preaching on Sunday.

Other performances during the weekend include: KC4 Music of Atlanta, Zemirah Singleton, Amya Rounds, New Generation Youth Choir, Wayside Lighthouse Love and Holiness Dancers, Rosenette McCray, Hopeful Praise Dance Team and Danita MacGruder.

“The cool thing about K4C Music is that they are touring the US and found our event on Facebook and contacted me to see if they could come and perform and minister to our youth,” Rev. Deason said. “Sammy Rinaud, of the group, expressed to me his desire to reach the youth about issues that concern them.”

Rev. Deason says he hopes entire families will come out and be a part of the events as they are a time of friendship, community and worship of the Lord.

“We want the community to know that the care and concern for our youth is not a black, white or Hispanic issue, it is a community issue,” Rev. Deason said. “When the youth see the adults come together, regardless of race or financial status, it gives them hope.”

All events are free and open to the public. Anyone who would like more information about the fun day and revival services or those who would like to donate to the youth day can call 601-451-8546.