“Louder than Words,” a youth and young adult ministry event, to be held Jan. 19
Press release from Dr. Anntwanique Edwards
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Imagine a diverse ministry event where youth leaders from local churches of varied denominations and youth-serving organizations collaborated to host an event that supports area youth and young adults. One does not have to imagine much longer. This vision will manifest as “Louder than Words,” a youth and young adult ministry event, on Jan. 19, 2024, at 6 p.m. at Open Door Ministries, 601 NE 19th St, Gainesville, FL 32641.
Attendees will have an opportunity to learn communication skills, hear scriptural truths, and share their voice and personal testimonies. Activities such as a panel discussion, prayer, and praise and worship, will be youth- and young-adult-led. Program participants include Larry Harris of Open Door Ministries, Shareen Baptiste and Jahnathan Hyppolite of Trinity Assembly Dream Center Church of God in Christ (COGIC), Sheldon Walden of Williams Temple COGIC, Brittany Days of New Abundant Life Ministries, Jose Alvarez and Asley Pollas of Noble Sheep, and more. Additionally, there will be food, fellowship and giveaways.
Event organizer, educator/administrator, author, entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, and evangelist Anntwanique Edwards, PhD, shares her vision and motivation for hosting “Louder than Words,” which is “to unite for the next generation and provide something peaceful and positive for them to do on a Friday night.”
Dr. Edwards serves as a jurisdictional youth department president of COGIC, founder and COO of Eagle-i Consulting, and author of several written and audio publications. She earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology, master’s in counselor education, education specialist in mental health counseling, second master’s and doctorate in educational leadership with an emphasis in elementary and secondary administration—all hailing from the University of Florida. Dr. Edwards previously worked as a mental health counselor, middle and high school counselor, and assistant principal before moving to a district role. Demonstrably, her life is dedicated to serving and meeting the needs of the whole child. She celebrates her birthday on the night of the event, wishing to make a positive impact.
“Ultimately, we want to positively impact youth and young adults by creating an immersive experience permeated with love, an action they need to see and feel because what we do is louder than words,” emphasizes Dr. Edwards. “In an era of rising violence, youth need opportunities to participate, collaborate, and share in peaceful environments.”
This event is free and open to the public, specifically catering to individuals between the ages of 11-35. Registration will take place on-site.