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photo by steed media service
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Youth Minister, Cascade United Methodist Church
When Paul Thibodeaux was named the youth minister of Cascade United
Methodist Church, he wanted to create an exciting atmosphere where
teenagers could have fun and receive spiritual guidance. So after
establishing several youth groups and developing a youth center,
Thibodeaux decided to host a three-day weekend where the youth could be
entertained, educated and grow spiritually.
“The 2007 Cascade
Youth Explosion is all about the youth expressing themselves,”
Thibodeaux says. “We created this weekend with the idea of letting kids
have fun while encouraging them to be the best that they can be.”
The 2007 Cascade Youth Explosion takes place at Cascade United
Methodist Church Aug. 24-26 and will feature a movie night, cookout,
basketball tournament and concert. There will also be a panel
discussion on relationships, making money and choosing the right
college. Entertainment will be provided by comedian Lil JJ and music by
Charles and Taylor.
Thibodeaux believes that the festival will inspire more teenagers to
follow the correct path and accept spirituality into their lives. “The
youth strive for a lot of things,” he says. “They strive to be accepted
for the way that they dress, the way that they talk and the music that
they listen to. We want to let the youth know that they can be
themselves and be accepted for who they are. Church doesn’t have to be
a place where teenagers are alienated. This is a place where the youth
can get help, hang out and be who they are.” –amir shaw
