NEW YORK – Rimsky Toussaint Ministries, a Christian organization that focuses its efforts on Haitian-Americans, held its 7th Annual New York Youth Explosion this past Saturday, drawing in youth from all around the metropolitan area.
Hundreds of Haitian children and adults gathered at the Church of God in Brooklyn for the joyful occasion dressed with Haitian flags from head to foot.
Besides the greater Manhattan area, the event also boasted to bring in people from “NJ, CT, Fl, PA, MA, CA, GA, [and more].”
The emcee for this year’s event was Christian rapper Richie Righteous, who led the night of performances and ministry.
“Richie Righteous is an MC who simply spits for the great ‘I am’ and unrelentlessly tells what's ‘the real,’” quoted an event description. “His music transcends what's ‘normal,’ or ‘religiously accepted;’ he spits for Christ and Christ alone with no compromise.”
Among the other performing guests were some regional and national talent within the United States including Evangel, Hosanna Boys, Sisters Of Praise, Joe Michel, Esther Lormil & Friends, Cheraky Toussaint & VOI, and Gashford Guillaume & The Cortelyou Rd Youth Choir.
Pastor Gregory Toussaint, pastor of Tabernacle of Glory Church in Miami, also was invited as a guest speaker. During the celebration, he had a book signing for his new work entitled Unquenchable Love.
The focus of the “Youth Explosion” is to bring in younger generations who are more difficult to reach. Through music and a relaxed feel, the ministry can draw in more people to Christ. Those that attend are also more open to listen to a message than they normally would at a typical church service.
The ages of the youth range anywhere from middle school to college level.
Rimsky Toussaint Ministries also has more programs planned following the Youth Explosion. During the summer, ministry organizers are planning SummerFest 2007, held every Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. from July 7 – Sept. 29. The sequence serves as a “platform for new and old artists to showcase their projects to a wide variety audience.”
Over the Columbus Day Weekend from Oct. 7-10, the group is also planning their 2007 Haitian – American Youth Convention, also focused on youth. They will invite the New Jersey Mass Choir, Philadelphia Mass Choir, Boston Mass Choir, Alliance Mass Choir, Connecticut Mass Choir, New York Mass Choir and many more.
Both events will be held at the Church of God in Brooklyn as well.
