Second annual Bridge Project teaches youths about God and leadership

Greater Dimension Ministries Church of God in Christ kicked off its second annual Bridge Project on Friday with a concert from the Rev. Kevin Lemons and Higher Calling, along with several local musical groups. The concert brought nearly 350 people to the church at 723 Hackberry St. in Cape Girardeau.

On Saturday, youth ages 4 to 23 spent the day at the church to learn more about God and themselves. Children in the 4- to 8-year-old group were learning about Moses and the Ten Commandments. Group leader and presenter Shelby McBride prepared several activities and visual aids for the lessons. After one session, Arianna Harris, 8, said she learned to set aside a part of each day for God.

The 9- to 12-year-olds were tangled up in a human knot, an activity where a group forms a circle holding hands then tries to unravel the knot by unthreading their bodies without letting go of each other's hands.

"You have hold up your own weight and be able to identify your own strengths and weaknesses," said Tajuana Bird, group presenter and church member.

David Jackson, a child psychologist from St. Louis, taught the 13- to 23-year-olds about character, leadership and commitment.

Jackson said character is often confused with reputation, but a person's character is what matters.

"God knows who you really are, he knows your core," Jackson said.

For the leadership portion of Jackson's session he assigned the group to make up a gospel song and perform it in front of the others. Jackson said the purpose of the activity was to get youths to step up as leaders, to minister to and interact with people and have fun.

"It wasn't too hard. We know each other and each other's capabilities," said team leader, Sadie Pittman, 18.

In another activity, Traylon Lawrence, 20, went through an obstacle course to illustrate life's obstacles. Lawrence was blindfolded and had to listen closely to the voice of God, which was represented by another group member while the other group members were instructed to distract Lawrence by shouting.

Jackson said the activity was to demonstrate the commitment to God despite other distractions.

"It's not hard, but there's always temptation," Lawrence said after the activity.

After the session was done, 21-year-old Cara McElmurry spoke of how the activities benefited her.

"It makes me think. If this is what I want to do, I want my character to be right so people can see that living for God is what you should be doing," McElmurry said.

Pertinent address:

723 Hackberry St., Cape Girardeau, MO