HUNDREDS EXPECTED AT AREA YOUTH RALLY

Hundreds of area youth are expected to attend the Joshua Generation: Taking America Back rally from 1 to 4 p.m. next Saturday at the Holiday Inn Convention Center.

Penny Lea is the featured speaker. Lea, a 15-year veteran on the motivational speaking circuit, promotes self-esteem while creating an awareness of the dangers of drugs and alcohol. She has visited several Southeast Missouri schools and will speak at First Assembly of God Church, 750 Mount Auburn Road, Wednesday at 7 p.m.

The rally began as a way to provide Christian entertainment in the area. Event organizer Teresa LeGrand said, "Cape is the biggest city between St. Louis and Memphis and there's not enough Christian entertainment. The field is huge and we weren't tapping it the way we should."

She said, "Being with Penny and seeing how the kids react, they need to come to God. That's what we are working for and I think it will happen here."

In addition to Lea's appearance, a concert with Rebecca St. James is planned at the A.C. Brase Arena building that night.

Several members of the prayer group at Heath High School in Paducah, Ky., are expected to speak at the rally, as well. In December, a 14-year-old freshman killed three classmates and wounded five others as they ended a prayer meeting at the school.

Tickets for the rally are $5 and can be purchased at area Christian bookstores. Concert tickets are $10. Tickets for both events are $15.