Donna Simons-Calhoun, youth director for Hatchett Springs Baptist, on Talladega County 111, said this is the second year the church will be holding the explosion.
“Last year we had a blast,” she said. Although last year was the first year for the event, Simons-Calhoun said the youth stayed until 10 that night, praising the Lord. The event started at 4 p.m.
She also said she hopes the youth gain insight on how to present themselves in public as far as being Christ-like. She said she hopes those attending learn to get along with other people and love other people in a Christian way.
Pastor Larry Truss said the explosion is a program the Youth Department is putting on. “They have singing and dancing and a choir and a minister will preach,” he said. “It’s beautiful, all the churches are involved. Several churches will come and bring their praise teams and it’s a really beautiful program.”
Simons-Calhoun said the Angels of Hatchett Springs will dance, and several different youth groups will come together to sign and dance and praise the Lord. But the explosion is not a competition. She said the youth can do whatever they want, as long as it is pleasing in the eyes of the Lord.
Simons-Calhoun said she has already had numerous churches tell her they are planning to participate. Last year approximately eight other surrounding churches took part. Truss, who has been pastor for 26 years at Hatchett Springs Baptist, said the explosion is a beautiful experience.
Last year, Tremayne Benson, a graduate of Auburn University, performed. Truss said Benson is an inspiration for youth. After receiving his undergraduate degree, he received his MBA from Troy University. Benson is a motivational speaker and a gospel rapper. He is scheduled to attend the event this year.
Benson is a family man who lives in Birmingham. While he stays busy supporting his wife and children, he also finds time to support the youth in the community. Benson takes part in the Hope 101 program through Children’s Hospital. He also speaks at churches in the area when he has a chance.
Truss said Benson is the son of Stanford Benson, who is pastor of First Baptist Church of Rockford.
“He is a wonderful young man,” Truss said about the younger Benson. “He’s a beautiful speaker and he’s just a God given talent.”
Simons-Calhoun said Benson easily relates to the youth on their level. She said he wears blue jeans and T-shirts that adhere more to the teens’ style, rather than wearing a suit and tie. Simons-Calhoun also said his message is that it doesn’t matter what you wear, it’s on the inside that counts.
All ages are welcome at the explosion, Truss said. And while Simons-Calhoun agreed and said there was no age limit, she did say the event was to promote the youth, because “they are the tomorrow.”
Her goal is that the youth will walk away with belief in themselves.
“Whatever they want to accomplish, it can be done,” she said. “They can be anything they want to be. Philippians 4:13 says, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ If they just believe in Christ, they can do all things.
“Whatever they’re going through I would love for them to believe that it is already done. I want them to have faith and believe in God and know whatever they are facing, that it is already fixed, it’s already there, it’s already done.”
Simons-Calhoun stressed that everyone in the community and surrounding areas is invited. “Please come dance, sing, whatever you have to bring, bring even if it’s encouraging words,” she said.
Truss also would like as many people in the community to come as possible. “I would like as many people to come as would and get involved with it and help us out with this program.”
Simons-Calhoun said last year was just like a gospel concert. “It was so good. I’m hoping and praying for the same thing this year.”
Contact Lindsey Holland at lholland@dailyhome.com
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