Tania Luma
Sophomore broadcast journalism major
at the University of Maryland, College Park

More than 300 delegates and hundreds of youth, from the Mid Atlantic region attended the Mini Youth Congress at the Baltimore Convention Center, held April 23-26. Themed Magnify the Message: Taking Back the City, the congress's main purpose over the 4-day event was to facilitate community outreach and provide spiritually, physically, mentally, and financially enriched programs for all its' delegates. Katherine Walton, a member of the Allegheny East Conference Planning Committee, worked with additional planning and development committees for over a year to prepare for the event. By inviting other conferences, the congress committees worked across conference lines to break down social and racial barriers. Walton stressed, "There is a need to do more ministries that cross those barriers."

Within the congress, there were also many outreach ministries, such as the Adventist Youth Prayer Team, led by Pastor Ron Edmonds of the Edmondson Heights Church in Baltimore. "AYPT is like a SWAT team of young people who encourage others to go inside during Sabbath worship service." Unlike the startling presence of a SWAT team, AYPT youth members are 13-18 years old and pray with other youth as they persuade them to heed the voice of God. Yet, their role broadened past Saturday morning; they participated in the youth parade and joined other groups in community service at the Ronald McDonald House and the Edmondson Heights community.

Fifteen delegates from the Mt. Olivet Church in Camden, NJ had to fulfill requirements in order to go to Baltimore. In order to be considered, Youth Leader Lorraine Watkins, had active participants in church youth activities write an essay explaining why they should be selected. Their essays were proof of their willingness to participate in positive social and recreational activities for youth.

Marica Robinson, 15, from Emmanuel Church in Brinklow, MD, enjoyed the "Growin' and Flowin'" workshop by Kwame Ronnie Vanderhorst and Loretta Spivey's "Untouchables". However, one of her favorite highlights was feeding the homeless in the Edmondson Heights community. "I'd say that was one of the most positive things about the Youth Congress."

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